Description
Christmas Jam is a delicious homemade holiday spread bursting with sweet strawberries, tart cranberries, and warm spices. Its beautiful ruby-red color and festive flavor make it perfect for Christmas breakfasts, holiday appetizers, and thoughtful homemade gifts. Spread it on toast, biscuits, or serve it with your favorite cheese!
Ingredients
For the Christmas Jam:
- 1.5 pounds unsweetened strawberries, frozen
- ½ pound fresh or frozen cranberries
- 5 cups white granulated sugar
- 2 pouches liquid fruit pectin
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
Equipment:
- 6 half-pint canning jars with lids and rings
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Blender
- Jar lifter
- Canning funnel
- Ladle
- Bubble remover
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Food thermometer
- 9 x 13-inch pan
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Jars
- Wash the jars, lids, and rings thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
- Place the jars upright in a large stockpot and cover them with water, making sure there is at least 1 inch of water above the jars.
- Bring the water to a boil and boil the jars for 10 minutes.
- Remove the pot from the heat and keep the jars hot until ready to fill.
- Boil the lids and rings for 10 minutes as well, then keep them in hot water.
Step 2: Prepare the Fruit
- If using frozen strawberries, partially thaw them in the microwave.
- Place the strawberries and cranberries in a blender.
- Blend until the fruit becomes a smooth puree. Pulse a few times if necessary.
- Transfer the fruit puree to a large stockpot or Dutch oven.
Step 3: Cook the Jam
- Add the cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and granulated sugar to the fruit puree.
- Heat over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a full rolling boil.
- Boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in both pouches of liquid fruit pectin.
- Return the pot to the heat and bring the mixture to another full boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking until the jam reaches 220°F, checking with a food thermometer.
- Remove the jam from the heat and skim any foam from the surface.
Step 4: Fill the Jars
- Carefully remove one hot jar from the water using a jar lifter.
- Place a canning funnel over the jar opening.
- Ladle the hot jam into the jar, leaving ¼ inch of headspace.
- Remove air bubbles using a bubble remover.
- Wipe the jar rims with a clean, damp cloth.
- Place the prepared lid on the jar and secure the ring according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Repeat with the remaining jars.
Step 5: Process the Jars
- Return the filled jars to the stockpot.
- Add enough water to cover the jars by approximately 2 inches.
- Bring the water to a boil.
- Cover the pot and process for 10 minutes, adjusting the processing time for altitude when necessary.
- Carefully remove the jars using a jar lifter.
- Place them upright on a towel or heatproof surface and leave undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
- Check that the lids have sealed properly.
- Label and decorate the jars for a beautiful homemade Christmas gift.
Crockpot Christmas Jam Instructions
- Add the strawberries, cranberries, sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together until the fruit is coated with the sugar and spices.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for approximately 4 hours, stirring halfway through.
- Make sure the fruit does not stick to the sides of the slow cooker.
- Carefully transfer the cooked mixture to a blender and pulse briefly until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Transfer the jam into clean containers.
- Allow it to cool, then refrigerate overnight before serving.
Notes
- Breakfast spread: Serve Christmas Jam over warm toast, English muffins, pancakes, waffles, or homemade biscuits.
- Cheese boards: Pair it with Brie, cream cheese, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar for a festive appetizer.
- Holiday gifts: Pour properly preserved jam into decorative jars and add ribbons, labels, and Christmas tags.
- Dessert topping: Spoon it over cheesecake, vanilla ice cream, pound cake, or yogurt.
- Sandwich filling: Spread it between slices of bread with peanut butter or cream cheese.
- Refrigerator storage: Refrigerate the slow-cooker version in airtight containers and use within 3–4 days.
- Freezer storage: Freeze refrigerator jam in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion. Use within 3–6 months for best quality.
- Canned jam storage: Properly processed and sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark, dry place according to tested canning guidance. Refrigerate after opening.
- Make-ahead tip: Prepare the jam ahead of holiday gatherings so the flavors have time to develop.
- Avoid contamination: Always use clean spoons when serving and never return used utensils to the jar.