Oh, the magic of holiday cooking! There’s just something so special about filling your kitchen with the warm, inviting scents of spices and fruits, and *Christmas jam* has a way of capturing that festive spirit like nothing else. I remember the first time I made this jam; the sweet and tangy flavors danced on my taste buds, and it was an instant hit at our holiday gatherings! Trust me, there’s nothing quite like slathering this luscious jam on warm toast or using it as a topping for holiday desserts. It’s a burst of joy in every bite, making it a cherished staple for spreading cheer during the season. Plus, it’s easy to whip up, so you can focus more on what truly matters: enjoying time with family and friends!
Ingredients List
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 cup of freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice
How to Prepare *Christmas Jam*
Making *Christmas jam* is a delightful journey that’s as fun as it is rewarding! Let’s break this down into simple steps so you can easily follow along. First, gather your ingredients and equipment—a medium saucepan, a wooden spoon, and some jars for storing your delicious jam. Trust me, the whole process takes about 35 minutes, and it’s totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by rinsing the fresh cranberries under cold water. Make sure to pick through them and remove any stems or bad berries—you want only the best for your jam!
- In your medium saucepan, combine the rinsed cranberries, sugar, and freshly squeezed orange juice. The sugar will help to balance the tartness of the cranberries, creating that perfect sweet-tangy flavor we love.
- Add the ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice to the mix. These spices will give your jam that warm holiday aroma that fills your kitchen with cheer!
- Now, cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You’ll want to keep an eye on it as the cranberries start to burst—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. It’s a fun sight to see!
- Once the cranberries have burst, reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 10 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, so don’t rush this step!
- After simmering, remove the saucepan from heat and let the jam cool down a bit before transferring it to your jars. It’ll thicken as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a little runny at first.
- Finally, pour your jam into clean jars and refrigerate. You can enjoy your *Christmas jam* for up to two weeks—if it lasts that long!
Nutritional Information
Nutrition values for *Christmas jam* can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, so precise values aren’t provided here. However, for a general idea, a serving size of 1 tablespoon contains about 50 calories, primarily from the natural sugars in the cranberries and added sugar. Remember, this jam is meant to be enjoyed in moderation as part of your delightful holiday spreads!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make—ready in just 35 minutes!
- Perfect balance of sweet and tangy flavors that brighten up any dish.
- Versatile condiment—great on toast, desserts, or even as a glaze for meats.
- Uses fresh cranberries and simple ingredients you might already have on hand.
- Fills your kitchen with a heavenly holiday aroma that’ll make your heart happy.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for two weeks—ideal for busy holiday schedules.
- Customizable! You can easily add your favorite spices or fruits for a personal touch.
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas jam* turns out perfectly every time, here are some handy tips! First, use fresh cranberries—frozen ones can work in a pinch, but fresh will give you the best flavor and texture. When you’re rinsing the cranberries, take a moment to sort through them; any squishy or damaged berries can ruin your jam’s texture. Also, don’t skimp on the orange juice; it adds a vibrant flavor that complements the cranberries beautifully. While cooking, stir gently but frequently to prevent sticking and burning. I love using a wooden spoon for this—it feels so cozy! Lastly, remember that the jam will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right after cooking. Enjoy the process and let that holiday spirit shine through in your cooking!
Variations
One of the best things about *Christmas jam* is how easily you can customize it to fit your taste! If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a splash of vanilla extract for a warm, comforting note. You could also swap out some of the cranberries for chopped apples or pears to create a delightful fruit medley. Want to kick it up a notch? Toss in a pinch of cayenne pepper or some finely grated ginger for a spicy twist that will surprise and delight your guests!
Another fun idea is to mix in some chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, for added texture. And for those who love a little zest, consider adding some orange or lemon zest to enhance that citrus flavor. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a unique touch to your holiday table—so go ahead, experiment and find your perfect blend!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Storing your *Christmas jam* is super simple! Once it’s cool and in the jars, just make sure to seal them tightly and pop them in the refrigerator. It’ll keep fresh for up to two weeks, so you can savor it throughout the holiday season. If you’re like me and want to make a batch ahead of time, you can also freeze it! Just pour the jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and it’ll last for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the fridge, and it’ll be just as delicious as the day you made it.
As for reheating, there’s really no need! This jam is best served cold or at room temperature, straight from the fridge, so you can enjoy that fresh burst of flavor. Just give it a good stir before serving, and you’re ready to spread the joy!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cranberries if fresh ones aren’t available. Just be sure to thaw and rinse them before using. The flavor might be slightly different, but they’ll still work well in your *Christmas jam*!
What can I serve with *Christmas jam*?
This jam is incredibly versatile! It’s perfect on warm toast or bagels, but don’t stop there. Try it as a topping for pancakes, yogurt, or even ice cream. It’s also delicious as a glaze for meats like turkey or ham, adding a festive touch to your holiday meals!
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re looking to cut back on sugar, feel free to reduce it. Keep in mind that this might affect the consistency and sweetness of the jam, so start with a small reduction and taste as you go!
How do I know if the jam is thick enough?
A good rule of thumb is to check the consistency after simmering. It should coat the back of a spoon. Remember, it will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny right after cooking.
Can I can this *Christmas jam* for long-term storage?
Yes, you can! If you’re experienced with canning, just follow proper canning techniques for safe preservation. This way, you can enjoy the festive flavors of your jam long after the holidays!
Christmas Jam: 7 Sweet Ways to Spread Holiday Cheer
- Temps Total: 35 minutes
- Rendement: 2 cups 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A sweet and tangy jam perfect for holiday spreads.
Ingrédients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Rinse cranberries and remove stems.
- In a saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.
- Add cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat until cranberries burst.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool.
- Transfer to jars and refrigerate.
Notes
- Can be stored for up to two weeks in the refrigerator.
- Great as a topping for toast or desserts.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 20 minutes
- Catégorie: Condiment
- Méthode: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sucre: 12g
- De Sodium: 1mg
- La graisse: 0g
- Graisses Saturées: 0g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 0g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 13g
- La fibre: 0g
- La protéine: 0g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 0mg
Mots-clés: christmas jam, cranberry jam, holiday spreads
