Christmas Jam Recipe

The Christmas Jam Recipe is a delightful way to capture the festive spirit of the holiday season! This vibrant jam, bursting with the flavors of fresh cranberries and strawberries, is perfect for holiday breakfasts, brunches, or even as a thoughtful gift. Its unique blend of spices adds warmth and cheer, making it a standout addition to your holiday table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare – With just five simple ingredients and minimal hands-on time, this recipe is perfect for busy holiday schedules.
• Festive Flavor – The combination of cranberries and strawberries, enhanced by warm spices, creates a flavor profile that embodies the holiday spirit.
• Versatile Uses – Whether served on toast, paired with cheese, or used as a topping for desserts, this jam adapts beautifully to many dishes.
• Homemade Gift Idea – Presenting jars of this jam makes for a charming gift that friends and family will surely appreciate.
• Crowd-Pleasing Treat – With 20 servings per batch, it’s ideal for gatherings or sharing with loved ones during the festive season.

Tools and Preparation

To make this delicious Christmas jam, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that simplify the process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Slow cooker
• Blender or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon

Why These Tools Matter

• Slow cooker – This tool allows you to cook your jam gently over several hours without needing constant attention.
• Blender or immersion blender – Blending your cooked mixture ensures a smooth texture while allowing you control over how chunky or smooth you want your jam to be.
• Measuring cups and spoons – Precision in measuring ingredients is key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors in your jam.

Ingredients

Make a festive cranberry/strawberry jam for the holidays! Great for serving for Christmas breakfasts or brunches or gift giving.

For the Jam Base

• 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
• 16 oz. fresh strawberries

For Flavoring

• 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp. ground ginger

For Sweetness

• 2 cups brown sugar

How to Make Christmas Jam Recipe

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and stir well to ensure everything is evenly mixed.

Step 2: Cook the Mixture

Cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid during cooking time. This helps maintain heat and ensures proper cooking.

Step 3: Blend to Desired Consistency

When cooking time is completed, carefully transfer the contents from the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until a jam forms; be cautious not to over-blend as you may create cranberry butter instead. You can also use an immersion blender if preferred.

Step 4: Let It Thicken

The jam will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries. Don’t worry if it seems runny at first!

Step 5: Cool Before Storing

Let your Christmas jam cool completely before transferring it into jars for storage or gifting.

With this Christmas Jam Recipe, you’re set to bring joy not only to your taste buds but also to those around you! Enjoy this festive treat all season long.

How to Serve Christmas Jam Recipe

Christmas jam is a delightful addition to your holiday spread, bringing a burst of flavor and color to your table. This festive jam pairs well with various dishes, making it a versatile treat for breakfasts or brunches.

On Toast

• Spread the Christmas jam generously on warm toast for a sweet start to your day. The combination of cranberries and strawberries will brighten up your morning.

With Cheese

• Serve the jam alongside a cheese platter. It complements soft cheeses like brie or goat cheese beautifully, creating a delicious contrast of flavors.

In Yogurt Parfaits

• Layer the jam in yogurt parfaits with granola and fresh fruit. This adds sweetness and visual appeal to your brunch table.

As a Glaze

• Use Christmas jam as a glaze for roasted chicken or turkey. It imparts a sweet-tart flavor that enhances the savory taste of the meat.

On Pancakes or Waffles

• Drizzle the jam over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. It’s a festive way to elevate your breakfast experience during the holidays.

Gift Giving

• Pack jars of Christmas jam in decorative containers for holiday gifts. Homemade gifts are always appreciated, and this jam is sure to be a hit!

How to Perfect Christmas Jam Recipe

To ensure your Christmas jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Start with ripe cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor and texture.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Stick to the recommended cooking time; cooking too long can alter the consistency of the jam.
• Blend Carefully: When blending, pulse until you achieve your desired texture. Over-blending can lead to unwanted results.
• Cool Before Storing: Allow the jam to cool completely before transferring it to jars. This helps maintain its thick consistency.
• Store Properly: Use airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator, ensuring freshness for weeks.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to adjust spices according to your taste preferences, making it uniquely yours!

Best Side Dishes for Christmas Jam Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Christmas jam elevates any meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement its flavors:

1. Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses such as brie, cheddar, and gouda will balance the sweetness of the jam.
2. Savory Biscuits: Fluffy buttermilk biscuits provide a perfect vehicle for spreading the jam.
3. Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color that pairs well with the rich flavors of the jam.
4. Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled over yogurt enhances texture when enjoying with Christmas jam.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized veggies like carrots and Brussels sprouts offer a savory contrast.
6. Pancakes: Classic buttermilk pancakes topped with Christmas jam create a festive breakfast option.
7. Oatmeal: Stirring in a spoonful of this sweet jam into oatmeal brings warmth and comfort on chilly mornings.
8. Croissants: Flaky croissants are delightful when paired with this vibrant holiday treat for brunch gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Christmas jam is a joyful experience, but a few common mistakes can lead to less-than-perfect results. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using stale or overripe fruits can affect the flavor. Always choose fresh, high-quality cranberries and strawberries for the best taste.
• Overcooking the jam: Cooking for too long can result in a thick, overly set jam. Stick to the recommended cooking time in the recipe for perfect consistency.
• Improper blending: Blending too much can turn your jam into a puree. Blend just until it reaches your desired jam texture—chunky or smooth.
• Skipping cooling time: Not allowing the jam to cool properly can lead to runniness. Let it cool completely before storing, as it will thicken further.
• Neglecting storage practices: Using improper containers can spoil your jam. Store it in airtight jars to maintain freshness and flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep your Christmas jam in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 weeks when stored in the refrigerator.

Freezing Christmas Jam Recipe

• You can freeze the jam for longer storage.
• Use freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving space for expansion.
• Frozen Christmas jam can last up to 1 year.

Reheating Christmas Jam Recipe

• Oven: Preheat your oven at 350°F (175°C) and place the jar in a water bath until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 15-20 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Place the jam in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly until heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Christmas Jam Recipe?

Christmas Jam Recipe refers to a festive fruit spread made primarily with cranberries and strawberries. It’s perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifting.

Can I use frozen fruits for this Christmas Jam Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries and strawberries. Just make sure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the slow cooker.

How do I customize my Christmas Jam Recipe?

You can add spices like cardamom or citrus zest for extra flavors. Experiment with different fruits too!

How do I know when my Christmas Jam is done?

Your jam is ready when it has thickened significantly during cooking and has reached a spreadable consistency after blending.

Conclusion

This Christmas Jam Recipe offers delightful flavors that capture the spirit of the season. It’s versatile enough for breakfast spreads or unique holiday gifts. Feel free to customize it by experimenting with different spices and fruits!

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