Quick Christmas Jam
A vibrant, sweet and tangy jam blending apricot, pineapple, peach preserves with orange marmalade and colorful cherries, perfect for spreading on toast or gifting during the holidays.
Ingredients
- equal amounts apricot preserves
- equal amounts pineapple preserves ⓘ
- equal amounts peach preserves
- large jar orange marmalade
Instructions
- Combine apricot, pineapple, and peach preserves in a bowl.
- Add orange marmalade, drained and quartered maraschino cherries, and drained and quartered green cherries.
- Stir until the mixture is evenly combined.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother consistency, you can blend the fruit preserves together before combining with the marmalade. If you're short on any of the fruit preserves, substitute with similar flavors like strawberry or raspberry. This jam is versatile and can be used in various desserts or as a topping for toast. For a festive twist, consider adding a splash of rum or brandy.
Serving Suggestions
This Quick Christmas Jam is delightful spread over warm biscuits or toast. It pairs beautifully with Pea And Lettuce Salad for a refreshing contrast. You can also serve it alongside cheeses for a charcuterie board or use it as a topping for desserts like ice cream or yogurt. Consider gifting small jars during the holiday season.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover jam in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. To reheat, use a microwave-safe dish and heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm. This jam can also be served cold, making it perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Quick Christmas Jam contains roughly 3 calories, with 1g carbohydrates.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh fruit instead of preserves?
While fresh fruit can be used, the texture and sweetness will differ. You would need to cook the fruit down with sugar to achieve a similar consistency and flavor profile as the preserves. For a quick alternative, consider making a fruit compote with fresh ingredients.
Is this recipe suitable for canning?
This jam is not designed for long-term canning due to its high sugar content and lack of acidity. If you want to preserve it, make sure to follow proper canning guidelines and adjust the recipe to include lemon juice for acidity. Always check for proper sealing and storage methods.
How can I make this jam less sweet?
To reduce sweetness, you can mix in a little unsweetened fruit juice or add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavors. You might also consider using low-sugar or no-sugar fruit preserves as a base. Always taste as you go to achieve your desired sweetness.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).