Spiced Christmas Jam
A cozy holiday jam made with cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices — perfect for gifting or enjoying at home.
Introduction
Few things capture the spirit of the holidays like homemade jam. This Spiced Christmas Jam combines tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, and a hint of citrus with warming spices like cinnamon and cloves. The result is a jewel‑toned spread that tastes like Christmas in a jar. It’s delicious on toast, scones, pancakes, or even swirled into yogurt. Best of all, it makes a thoughtful edible gift for friends and family.
Ingredients (Makes ~6 half‑pint jars)
2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
½ cup orange juice
1 tbsp lemon juice
3 cups granulated sugar
½ tsp ground cinnamon
¼ tsp ground cloves
1 packet (1.75 oz) powdered pectin
Step‑by‑Step Instructions
- Cook the Fruit
In a large pot, combine cranberries, strawberries, orange juice, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Mash or Blend
Once cranberries begin to pop (about 5–7 minutes), mash with a potato masher or blend with an immersion blender until desired texture.
- Add Sugar and Spices
Stir in sugar, cinnamon, and cloves. Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until sugar dissolves.
- Add Pectin
Sprinkle pectin into the mixture while stirring constantly. Bring to a rolling boil and cook for 1–2 minutes.
- Jar the Jam
Remove from heat and skim off foam. Pour jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼ inch of space at the top.
- Seal and Store
Seal jars and process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes. Alternatively, refrigerate if not canning.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~45 kcal per tablespoon
Tips for Success
Use fresh cranberries for the brightest flavor, but frozen works too.
Adjust sweetness by reducing sugar slightly if preferred.
Always sterilize jars to ensure safe storage.
For a smoother jam, blend thoroughly; for a rustic texture, mash lightly.
Variations
Spiced Orange Jam: Add orange zest for extra citrus notes.
Berry Blend: Mix in raspberries or blueberries for a deeper flavor.
Vanilla Twist: Stir in ½ tsp vanilla extract after cooking.
Mulled Wine Jam: Replace orange juice with red wine for a festive twist.
Serving Ideas
Spread on warm toast or scones.
Spoon over cheesecake or ice cream.
Use as a filling for thumbprint cookies.
Package in jars with ribbons for holiday gifts.
Storytelling Element
Picture a cozy kitchen filled with the scent of simmering cranberries and cinnamon. As the jam bubbles away, the air feels festive, and the jars lined up on the counter sparkle like rubies. Each spoonful carries the warmth of the season — sweet, tart, and spiced — ready to be shared with loved ones.
Conclusion
This Spiced Christmas Jam is more than a recipe; it’s a holiday tradition in the making. With its vibrant flavor and festive aroma, it’s perfect for spreading cheer at breakfast tables or gifting to friends.