Ah, yes 🎄🍓 — Christmas Jam is a festive, spiced jam perfect for holiday breakfasts, gift jars, or spreading on toast. It usually combines seasonal fruits (like cranberries, oranges, and apples) with warming spices like cinnamon, cloves, or nutmeg.
Here’s a classic, cozy version:
🎄 Christmas Jam
Ingredients (Makes ~2–3 cups)
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled, cored)
- 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup orange juice (fresh preferred)
- Zest of 1 orange
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground cloves
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Optional: 1 tbsp brandy or rum for extra warmth
Instructions
1. Prepare Fruit
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, chopped apples, sugar, orange juice, and orange zest.
2. Cook
- Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat and simmer 20–25 minutes until fruit is soft and thickened.
3. Add Spices
- Stir in cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla (plus brandy/rum if using).
- Continue simmering 5–10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Test Consistency
- Spoon a small amount on a plate; if it gels and holds shape, it’s done.
- If too runny, simmer a few more minutes.
5. Store
- Let cool slightly, then transfer to sterilized jars.
- Refrigerate up to 3 weeks, or process in a water bath for longer storage.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Fruit swaps: Add pears, pomegranate seeds, or even dried cranberries for texture.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar depending on tartness of cranberries/apples.
- Texture: For a smoother jam, pulse briefly in a blender.
- Gift idea: Top jars with festive ribbon and a cinnamon stick.
If you want, I can give a “decadent Christmas Jam” version with caramelized sugar, spiced orange peel, and warming holiday spices that tastes like a Christmas cookie in jam form 😏.
Do you want me to do that version?
