Ah, the holiday season! It’s that magical time of year when the air is filled with the scent of cinnamon and pine, and every moment feels like a cozy celebration. One of my favorite things to do during this festive time is to whip up my Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam.
Trust me, there’s something incredibly joyful about the vibrant red of cranberries bubbling away on the stove, filling your kitchen with warmth. I remember making this jam with my grandmother, who insisted on using only the freshest ingredients.
We’d laugh and sing along to holiday tunes while the jam simmered, and the moment it was ready, we’d slather it on warm toast. It’s a tradition that adds a sprinkle of sweetness to our holiday gatherings, and I can’t wait for you to experience that joy, too!
Ingredients List
4 cups fresh cranberries
1 cup sugar
1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
How to Prepare Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Making this delightful jam is simpler than you might think! Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a jar of festive goodness ready to spread joy this holiday season.
Start by rinsing the 4 cups of fresh cranberries under cold water. Give them a good shake to remove any excess water. It’s important to use fresh cranberries to get that vibrant flavor!
In a large pot, combine the rinsed cranberries, 1 cup of sugar, and 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice. The citrus really brightens up the jam, trust me!
Next, add in 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg. These spices will make your kitchen smell like a holiday wonderland!
Bring everything to a boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it, as it can bubble up quickly—don’t want any splatters on your stovetop!
Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally, ensuring it thickens nicely. The cranberries will burst, and that’s when the magic happens!
After 20 minutes, take the pot off the heat and let the jam cool for a bit. It will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.
While it cools, make sure to prepare your jars. I always use sterilized jars for storage to keep everything fresh and safe. You can do this by boiling them in water or running them through the dishwasher.
Once cooled, transfer your jam into the sterilized jars. Make sure to leave a little space at the top—just about half an inch is perfect!
And that’s it! You’ve just made your very own Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam! So easy, right? Just remember to store it in the refrigerator after opening, and it’ll be ready to enjoy all season long!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to fall in love with my Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam! First off, it’s a breeze to whip up, making it perfect for those busy holiday days when you want to add a little something special without spending all day in the kitchen. Seriously, it takes just about 45 minutes from start to finish!
Next, let’s talk about that flavor. The combination of tart cranberries and sweet orange juice, dusted with warm spices, creates a festive flavor that just screams “holiday cheer.” It’s like a cozy hug in a jar!
And the versatility? Oh boy, you can spread it on toast, dollop it on cheese boards, or even use it as a glaze for meats. It really elevates any dish and adds that seasonal sparkle!
Plus, this jam makes a fantastic homemade gift. Picture this: a beautifully labeled jar tied with a ribbon, brimming with love and festive spirit. It’s the kind of gift that warms the heart and is sure to impress your friends and family. Trust me, they’ll be asking for the recipe!
Tips for Success
Let me share a few of my top tips for making the perfect Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam! These little nuggets of wisdom can make all the difference in your jam-making journey.
Adjust the sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter jam, feel free to add a bit more sugar. Start with an extra 1/4 cup and taste as you go. You can always add more, but you can’t take it out!
Consistency is key: If your jam seems too runny after cooling, don’t panic! Just pop it back on the stovetop and simmer for a few more minutes until it thickens up. Keep stirring—nobody likes burnt jam!
Fresh ingredients matter: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Frozen cranberries can work in a pinch, but they might alter the taste and texture a bit. If you do use them, make sure to thaw and drain them well first.
Don’t skip the spices: The cinnamon and nutmeg add a lovely warmth to the jam, so be sure to include them! You can even experiment with a pinch of allspice or ginger for a unique twist.
Label those jars! If you’re gifting your jam or just storing it away, make sure to label your jars with the date. You’ll want to enjoy it at its freshest, and trust me, it’ll be hard to resist diving in!
With these tips in hand, you’re all set to create a delightful batch of Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam that’ll make your holiday season even brighter. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Now, let’s talk about the nutritional side of my Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam! Each tablespoon packs a delightful punch with the following estimated values:
Calories: 50
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 0mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Keep in mind, these values are estimates and can vary based on how you adjust the sugar or other ingredients. But hey, knowing what’s in your jam makes it even sweeter, right? Enjoy it as part of your holiday festivities, guilt-free!
FAQ Section
I know you might have some burning questions about my Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam, so let’s dive right into the FAQs! These little nuggets of info will help you make the most of your jam-making experience.
How long does the jam last?
Your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam should stay fresh in the refrigerator for about 2 to 3 weeks. Just make sure it’s stored in a properly sealed jar—this keeps the flavors locked in! If you’ve canned it properly, it can last even longer in a cool, dark pantry.
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Absolutely! You can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and drain them well before using. They might not have the same vibrant taste as fresh, but they’ll still create a delicious jam!
What can I serve with this jam?
The possibilities are endless! I love spreading it on warm toast or bagels for breakfast. It also pairs beautifully with cream cheese on a cheese board or as a delightful glaze for roasted meats like turkey or ham. You can even use it as a filling for pastries or as a topping for yogurt. Trust me, once you start using it, you’ll find all sorts of delicious ways to enjoy your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam!
Serving Suggestions
Oh, let me tell you, the ways to enjoy my Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam are simply endless! First off, it’s a classic spread on warm, buttered toast. Just imagine that tangy sweetness melting into the bread—it’s pure bliss!
If you’re hosting a holiday gathering, make sure to include it on your cheese board. It pairs beautifully with a variety of cheeses, especially creamy brie or sharp cheddar. The combination of flavors is just heavenly, and it adds a pop of festive color to your spread!
And don’t overlook its potential as a glaze! Brush it over roasted meats like turkey or ham for a stunning finish that not only looks gorgeous but tastes divine. The sweet and tangy notes elevate the dish to a whole new level!
You can even use it as a filling for pastries or tarts—trust me, it’s a game changer. Just dollop a spoonful in the center before baking, and you’ll have a delightful surprise in every bite. The possibilities are truly delicious, and I can’t wait for you to try them all!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam properly is key to keeping it fresh and flavorful! After you’ve transferred the jam into sterilized jars, make sure to seal them tightly. If you’ve canned it, it can last in a cool, dark pantry for several months, but once you open a jar, it’s best to keep it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 2 to 3 weeks—just remember to check for any signs of spoilage before diving in!
If you find yourself with leftover jam (which can be hard to resist!), you can always use it in various dishes or as a topping for your favorite snacks! And if, by chance, you want to reheat the jam, simply scoop out the amount you need and warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir it occasionally until it’s just heated through—no need to boil! This way, you’ll preserve all that delicious flavor and texture. Happy spreading!
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