Description

This Spiced Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg to create a festive, flavorful spread perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifts. The citrusy orange juice and optional lemon juice add bright tartness, while fruit pectin ensures the jam sets to the perfect consistency. Ideal for spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or adding a seasonal touch to desserts.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Liquids

4 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)

Sweeteners and Spices

1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

Setting Agent

1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

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Instructions

Cook Cranberries: Place the fresh cranberries, granulated sugar, orange juice, water, and spices (cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg) into a medium saucepan. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries begin to burst and the mixture thickens, about 10-15 minutes.
Add Pectin: Stir in the fruit pectin thoroughly to incorporate it evenly into the mixture.
Continue Cooking: Cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking, until the jam reaches your desired thickness and sets properly.
Prepare Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion during sealing.
Clean Jar Rims: Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any jam residue that could prevent proper sealing.
Process Jars: Place the filled jars into a boiling water bath and process for 5-10 minutes to ensure they seal correctly and the jam is safely preserved.
Cool Jars: Remove the jars carefully from the water bath and set them on a clean towel or rack to cool completely, listening for the sealing ‘pop’ sound.
Storage and Enjoyment: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. For optimal flavor and quality, consume within one year of preparation.

Notes

Use fresh cranberries for best texture and flavor; frozen can be used but may alter consistency.
Lemon juice is optional but enhances the tartness and helps with setting the jam.
Ensure jars are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage.
Adjust sugar to taste if more or less sweetness is preferred.
Use a candy thermometer if desired to check for proper jam setting temperature (around 220°F).
This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, cheese platters, and desserts during the holiday season.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American