Homemade Christmas Jam Recipe: The Perfect Holiday Spread

Let’s make some homemade Christmas Jam!

As the holiday season approaches, there’s nothing quite like the joy of giving and receiving homemade gifts.

One delightful and thoughtful option is canning Christmas Jam.

This would pair perfectly with some homemade bread!

This festive preserve combines the bright, tart flavors of cranberries and strawberries with a hint of holiday spice, creating a jam that’s bursting with the taste of Christmas in every bite.

Perfectly sweet and slightly tangy, Christmas Jam is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on toast, stirred into yogurt, or used as a glaze for meats.

Canning your own Christmas Jam not only allows you to capture the essence of the holiday season in a jar but also gives you the opportunity to share a bit of homemade love with friends and family.

Imagine the delight on their faces when they receive a beautifully wrapped jar of this festive jam, made with care and packed with the flavors of the season.

In this post, we’ll walk you through the process of making and canning Christmas Jam, so you can spread holiday cheer with this delicious, homemade gift.

Ingredients and Instructions for Canning Christmas Jam

To make your own batch of Christmas Jam, you’ll need a handful of simple ingredients and some basic canning equipment.

Here’s what you’ll need and how to create this festive treat:

Ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled
• 1 orange, zested and juiced
• 4 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin

Instructions:

Prepare the Fruit:

• Wash the cranberries and strawberries. If using frozen berries, let them thaw first. Place the cranberries, strawberries, orange zest, and orange juice into a large pot. Add the water.

Cook the Fruit Mixture:

• Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat and simmer for about 10 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the strawberries soften. Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to break down the fruit to your desired consistency.

Add Sugar and Spices:

• Stir in the sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Return the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring constantly to dissolve the sugar.

Add the Pectin:

• Gradually stir in the fruit pectin. Boil the mixture for 1-2 minutes, continuing to stir constantly.

Test the Jam:

• To check if the jam is set, place a small amount on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it’s ready. If not, continue boiling for another minute and test again.

Prepare for Canning:

• While the jam is cooking, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Keep them warm until you’re ready to fill them.

Fill the Jars:

• Carefully ladle the hot jam into the warm, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue. Place the lids on top and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.

Process the Jars:

• Place the filled jars in a boiling water canner, ensuring they are fully submerged with at least 1 inch of water covering them. Bring to a boil and process for 10 minutes (adjusting for altitude if necessary).

Cool and Store:

• Carefully remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a towel or cooling rack. Check the seals after 24 hours. The lids should not flex up and down when pressed. Store any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use within a few weeks. Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Your homemade Christmas Jam is now ready to be enjoyed and shared.

This festive preserve makes a wonderful addition to holiday breakfasts, cheese boards, and desserts.

Plus, it’s a heartfelt, homemade gift that friends and family will love receiving.

Happy canning!

Xo Jamie