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Christmas Jam

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A festive, sweet-tart jam made with cranberries, citrus, and warming spices. This vibrant preserve captures the flavors of the holiday season and makes a perfect homemade gift or spread for toast, desserts, and more.

  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 jars (approx. 220 ml each)
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegan

Ingredients

  • 300 g fresh or thawed frozen cranberries
  • 300 g cooking apples, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced (optional)
  • Zest and juice of 1–2 oranges (approx. 150 ml juice)
  • 600 g granulated sugar
  • ¼ teaspoon mixed spice (or cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves)
  • Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions

  1. Rinse cranberries and apples (if using). Peel, core, and slice apples. Zest and juice the oranges.
  2. In a large heavy pot, combine cranberries, apples, orange juice and zest, and spices.
  3. Cover and simmer on low heat for about 10 minutes, until apples soften and cranberries burst.
  4. Reduce heat, add sugar, and stir until completely dissolved. Gently mash apples with the back of a spoon.
  5. Increase heat and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Boil for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the jam thickens.
  6. Test for set using the cold plate method: place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it’s done.
  7. Once set, remove from heat and pour into hot, sterilized jars. Seal immediately while hot.

Notes

  • Use cooking apples for a milder flavor and extra natural pectin, but they’re optional.
  • The jam sets without added pectin thanks to the natural pectin in cranberries and apples.
  • Use the cold plate test to check for proper set.
  • You can adjust spices or citrus to taste — or omit for a simpler fruit jam.
  • For gifting, decorate sealed jars with ribbon or labels after cooling.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorymomskitchen.com/christmas-jam/