Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam
Recipe Introduction: Get Ready to Spread Some Holiday Cheer!
Hey there, lovely people! Ever wondered what Christmas tastes like? I think I've bottled it! I'm going to share my christmas jam recipe .
Honestly, it's like spreading sunshine and festive cheer all over your morning toast!
Christmas Jam: The Ultimate Festive Treat
This spiced cranberry & orange Christmas jam is more than just a spread. It's tradition in a jar. Think grandma's cozy kitchen and wafts of cinnamon.
It's a breeze to make. It takes about an hour and a bit from start to finish. This holiday jam recipe makes enough for 4-6 jars.
Perfect for gifting or hoarding all to yourself.
Why You'll Adore This Christmas Jam
Okay, let's get this Christmas Jam strategy sorted , shall we? This recipe is packed with vitamin C. Ideal for keeping those winter colds at bay.
It's perfect for gifting, adding something special to your holiday cheese board condiments . What makes this christmas preserve recipe truly special is the blend of tart cranberries, sweet oranges, and warming spices.
Ready to see what goes into this little pot of gold?
Ingredients & Equipment for Christmas Jam
Okay, let's get this Christmas jam recipe sorted! Making homemade jam seems intimidating. Honestly, it's dead easy if you follow some basic steps.
Plus, the homemade christmas gifts are the best, right? This section will break down what you need.
Main Ingredients: Jam's Building Blocks
- Fresh or frozen cranberries: 12 oz (340g) . Look for plump, firm berries. Avoid any that are mushy or discolored.
- Oranges: 2 medium, zested and juiced (about ½ cup / 120ml juice). Get the ripest you can find. The zest holds so much flavour!
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup (200g) . Standard white sugar works perfectly here.
- Water: ½ cup (120ml) . Just tap water will do.
- Orange liqueur (optional): ¼ cup (60ml) . Cointreau or Grand Marnier add a fancy kick.
- Ground cinnamon: 1 teaspoon . Use a good quality cinnamon for best flavour.
- Ground ginger: ½ teaspoon . Freshly ground is amazing, but pre-ground is fine too.
- Ground cloves: ¼ teaspoon . This is powerful stuff, so don't overdo it.
- Pinch of salt. Enhances the sweetness and other flavours.
- Lemon juice: 1 tbsp . This brightens the flavour and helps with setting the jam.
Seasoning Notes: Spice Up Your Christmas!
Cinnamon, ginger, and cloves create that classic holiday warmth. These spices compliment cranberries so well! They offer a complex flavour.
It's a beautiful spiced cranberry jam recipe . For a touch of zing, you can also add a little nutmeg. A small pinch of cardamon can be nice.
If you're short on cloves, add a tiny bit of allspice.
Equipment Needed: The Bare Necessities
- Large heavy bottomed saucepan or stockpot. This will prevent scorching.
- Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. Silicone spatulas are great for scraping the sides of the pot.
- Sterilized jars and lids (4-6, 8 oz jars). Sterilization is important! More details below
- Jar lifter or tongs (optional). Makes handling hot jars much safer.
- Candy thermometer (optional). Helps to accurately check the jam's temperature.
- Small plate, chilled in the freezer. This is for testing the jam's set.
A big spoon and some muscle and some patience will do it. You do not need a fancy equipment. That is great easy jam recipe for beginners .
Okay, Ready to make some christmas jam gift ?! This holiday jam recipe is a nice addition to your holiday cheese board condiments .
It can be great with warm brie. A festive food gifts such this one, is the best homemade cranberry sauce alternative for any holiday dinner.
I hope you enjoy making this christmas preserve recipe !.
Let's Get Jammin': The Spiced Cranberry & Orange Christmas Jam Recipe Guide
Okay, let's get this Christmas Jam adventure sorted. I'm so excited to share my take on this festive spread! Honestly, nothing screams the holidays like a jar of homemade goodness, especially when it involves cranberry orange jam .
Plus, imagine the joy of gifting someone homemade Christmas gifts they'll actually use! This is one of the best festive food gifts
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Christmas Jam Success
First, we need to get our ducks in a row. This means having all your ingredients measured out and ready to go.
Chop those cranberries, zest those oranges, and measure out your sugar and spices.
A little organization goes a long way. Trust me, you don't want to be scrambling for cinnamon when your jam is threatening to burn! Safety first, folks! Be careful when zesting oranges, and always use oven mitts when handling hot jars.
step-by-step: From Cranberries to Christmas Magic
- Combine cranberries, orange zest and juice, 1 cup sugar, ½ cup water, and a pinch of salt in a large saucepan.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer for 45- 60 minutes , stirring often.
- Stir in 1 teaspoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ginger, ¼ teaspoon cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and ¼ cup orange liqueur (if using) during the last 5 minutes.
- Test for set: place a spoonful on a chilled plate; it's ready when it wrinkles.
- Carefully ladle jam into sterilized jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace.
- Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes . (Optional but recommended, sterilizing prevents molding. Sterilization is KEY.)
- Cool and store. Lids should be concave once cooled.
Pro Tips: Elevate Your Christmas Jam Game
Use a heavy bottomed pot to prevent scorching. Stir frequently, especially as the jam thickens. This prevents jam from becoming a Christmas horror story.
Don't overcook. It'll get tough. Check often near the end. If you want to get the jam ready, make the spiced cranberry jam base a day ahead.
Add the liqueur and lemon juice right before jarring. Avoid this mistake when making the christmas preserve recipe .
Alright, so here are a couple of extra notes! If you are looking to give a great gift as a Christmas jam gift , You will want to package them up with care, and maybe add a little ribbon.
Your friends and family will love this holiday jam recipe and is a great homemade cranberry sauce alternative to the traditional recipe!
Once you've mastered this easy jam recipe for beginners , you'll be making it year after year. It's perfect for your holiday cheese board condiments .
And if you are looking for the best spiced cranberry jam recipe - well, you've found it, you will absolutely love this recipe!
Recipe Notes: Getting Your Christmas Jam Recipe Just Right
Okay, let's get this christmas jam recipe sorted, shall we? These little notes will help you avoid the usual jam-making pitfalls.
Honestly, I've had my share of sticky situations (pun intended!) over the years. But once you "nail" the recipe, this holiday jam recipe becomes a total breeze.
Serving Up Christmas Cheer
Plating and Presentation Ideas: Think festive! Spoon your cranberry orange jam into cute little jars tied with ribbon. Or, for a proper posh do, serve alongside a holiday cheese board condiments .
It's the perfect "accoutrement"!
Complementary Sides or Beverages: This spiced cranberry jam is amazing with a nice brie or goat cheese. And a glass of chilled Prosecco? Oh my gosh! It's Christmas magic.
Or perhaps a nice cup of tea ?
Storing Your Christmas Treasure
Refrigeration Guidelines: Once opened, keep your christmas jam gift in the fridge. It'll stay fresh for a good few weeks.
Freezing Options (If Applicable): I wouldn't recommend freezing this particular jam. The texture might change a bit, and it's really best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating Instructions: No need to reheat! This is best served at room temperature or chilled. Just grab a spoon and tuck in!
Variations to Make it Your Own
Dietary Adaptations: To make this a low-sugar christmas preserve recipe , use a sugar substitute designed for jam making.
Seasonal Ingredient Swaps: For a more autumnal feel, try adding a bit of apple sauce instead of the orange liqueur.
It'll add a lovely depth of flavour. This is just awesome as a homemade cranberry sauce alternative !
Nutrition Lowdown
Simplified Nutrition Information: Just a rough guess, but each tablespoon of this festive food gift has about 50 calories. Mostly sugar. Treat yourself, it's Christmas!
Key Health Benefits: Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. So, yeah, this is practically a health food. (Wink, wink!) If you're looking for easy jam recipe for beginners , look no further.
Don't be afraid to experiment and have fun with this spiced cranberry jam recipe ! It's all about creating something special.
Happy jam-making! This is perfect if you're creating homemade christmas gifts !
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when my Christmas jam is ready? I don't want a runny mess!
That's a cracking question! The best way to check if your Christmas jam recipe has reached the right consistency is to use the "cold plate test." Place a spoonful of the hot jam on a chilled plate from the freezer. Let it cool for a minute, then gently push it with your finger. If it wrinkles, it's ready!
If not, keep simmering and test again in a few minutes. No one wants a 'soggy bottom'!
Do I really need to sterilize the jars for this Christmas jam recipe? It seems like a faff!
While it might seem like a bit of a bother, sterilizing the jars is essential, especially if you want to store your Christmas jam for more than a few weeks. Sterilization kills off any unwanted bacteria or mold that could spoil your delicious festive treat.
Think of it as food safety - it's much better to be safe than sorry, especially around the holidays!
Can I adapt this Christmas jam recipe to use different fruits or spices?
Absolutely, get creative! While the recipe focuses on cranberries and oranges, you can certainly swap in other fruits like apples, raspberries, or even a touch of pomegranate. Feel free to play around with the spices too. A little star anise or cardamom would add a lovely festive twist.
Just remember to adjust the sugar and cooking time accordingly, depending on the sweetness and pectin content of the fruits you use.
How long will this Christmas jam last, and what's the best way to store it?
If you’ve properly sterilized and processed your jars in a boiling water bath, unopened jars of Christmas jam can last up to a year in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store it in the refrigerator, where it should stay fresh for several weeks.
Just make sure to use a clean spoon each time to prevent contamination. Nobody wants mould in their jam, now, do they?
What can I use instead of orange liqueur in the Christmas Jam recipe?
No worries if you don't have orange liqueur on hand! You can easily substitute it by increasing the amount of orange zest and juice in the recipe. Adding an extra tablespoon or two of orange juice, along with the zest of another half orange, will provide a similar flavor profile.
Alternatively, a splash of orange extract could also work in a pinch. If you want to avoid alcohol altogether, just skip it; the jam will still be delicious!
Spiced Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 50 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
