Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Celebrate the holiday season with a delightful jar of Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam. This tangy and sweet treat is perfect for spreading on toast or gifting to friends and family.
Why Make This Recipe?
Making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is not only simple, but it also brings the festive cheer right into your kitchen. It’s perfect for holiday gatherings, as a unique gift, or to enjoy during a cozy breakfast. Plus, cranberries are a great source of antioxidants, making this jam both delicious and healthy!
How to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Zest of 1 orange
Directions:
- Prepare the Cranberries: Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
- Combine Ingredients: In a pot, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Bring to Boil: Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Add Vanilla: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Jar It Up: Pour the jam into sterilized jars, seal them, and let them cool completely before refrigerating.
How to Serve Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam can be served in many delicious ways. Spread it on warm toast, pair it with cheese for a festive cheese board, or swirl it into yogurt for a sweet breakfast. It’s a delightful addition to holiday desserts, enhancing cakes and pastries.
How to Store Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
To keep your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for about a month. If you want to keep it longer, consider canning it to preserve it for the whole year.
Tips to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
- Select the Right Berries: Use fresh cranberries that are bright and firm for the best flavor.
- Texture Preference: For a smoother jam, you can blend the mixture after it thickens.
- Flavor Boost: Add additional spices like nutmeg or cloves for a unique twist on the traditional recipe.
Variations
For a twist, try adding chopped nuts for a crunchy texture or mix in other fruits, such as apples or pears, for a different flavor profile. You could also replace orange zest with lemon or lime zest for a tart kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen cranberries for Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well too! Just thaw them before using.
2. How long does Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam last?
In the refrigerator, it lasts around a month. If canned, it can last for a year or more!
3. What’s the best way to gift Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam?
Jar the jam in pretty containers and label them with a festive touch. Consider adding a piece of ribbon or a decorative tag!
For more delicious spreads and festive treats, check out our other recipes like Classic Raspberry Jam and Cinnamon Apple Butter.
Enjoy your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam and spread the holiday joy!
Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries Use bright and firm cranberries for best flavor.
- 2 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon Add more for additional spice flavor.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract Stir in after removing from heat.
- 1 Zest of 1 orange Can substitute with lemon or lime zest for a different flavor.
Instructions
Preparation
- Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems.
Cooking
- In a pot, mix together the cranberries, sugar, water, cinnamon, and orange zest.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a boil, stirring frequently.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Jarring
- Pour the jam into sterilized jars, seal them, and let them cool completely before refrigerating.
