Christmas Jam is a festive, sweet-tart preserve made with cranberries and strawberries, warm spices, and just enough sugar to balance it all. It’s perfect for gifting or spreading on toast, biscuits, or scones during the holidays.
π Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe
π§Ύ Ingredients:
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3 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, chopped
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2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp ground cinnamon
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ΒΌ tsp ground cloves (or nutmeg, optional)
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1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
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4 Β½ cups granulated sugar
π Instructions:
1. Cook the Fruit
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In a large saucepan, combine strawberries, cranberries, and lemon juice.
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Simmer over medium heat for 10β15 minutes, stirring often, until cranberries pop and strawberries break down.
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Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash to your desired texture.
2. Add Pectin & Spices
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Stir in the pectin, cinnamon, and cloves.
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Bring to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop when stirred).
3. Add Sugar
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Add all the sugar at once and stir to dissolve.
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Bring the mixture back to a full rolling boil.
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Boil for 1β2 minutes, stirring constantly.
4. Jar It
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Remove from heat. Skim off any foam.
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Pour hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving ΒΌ inch headspace.
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Wipe rims, apply lids and rings.
5. Process (Optional for Longer Storage)
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Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes if you want to store them unrefrigerated.
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If not processing, refrigerate and use within 3β4 weeks.
π Gifting Tip:
Tie a ribbon around the jar, add a holiday tag, and gift with a fresh loaf of bread or some homemade biscuits.