Description
This Classic Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries, strawberries, and orange zest with warm cinnamon to create a festive, flavorful preserves perfect for holiday gifting or enjoying throughout the season. Carefully cooked on the stovetop and preserved through traditional canning, this jam balances tart and sweet with a pleasant citrus kick.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 lb strawberries, hulled and chopped
- Zest from 1 orange
- Chopped segments of 1 orange
- 1/4 cup water or orange juice
Sugar and Spice
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries and strawberries thoroughly under cold water. Hull and chop the strawberries. Peel the orange, chop its segments, and zest it. Combine the cranberries, chopped strawberries, orange zest, and chopped orange segments in a large pot. Add 1/4 cup water or orange juice to help start the cooking process.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon, Then Dissolve: Add 4 cups of granulated sugar and 1 cinnamon stick to the pot with the fruit mixture. Stir well to combine. Place the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally as the sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a smooth jam base before bringing the mixture to a boil.
- Cook and Thicken the Jam: Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and maintain a gentle simmer. Continue to cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The jam will thicken as the fruit breaks down. Test readiness by placing a small spoonful on a cold plate – if it holds shape, the jam is ready. Alternatively, ensure the temperature reaches 220°F (at sea level) with an instant-read thermometer.
- Jar and Process the Jam: Remove the pot from heat when desired consistency is reached. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Clean jar rims, then seal with two-part canning lids. For long-term preservation, process jars in a boiling water bath canner for 10 minutes (or 15 minutes if above 6,000 feet elevation). For refrigerator jam, simply let the jam cool in jars before refrigerating.
- Cool and Store: Let the jars cool completely at room temperature. Confirm the jars are sealed properly. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for 12-18 months. After opening, refrigerate jam. If made as refrigerator jam, keep refrigerated and consume within a few weeks for best quality.
Notes
- Ensure jars and lids are properly sterilized to prevent spoilage and ensure safe canning.
- Adjust boiling time during water bath processing based on altitude to maintain safety.
- Use an instant-read thermometer for precise jam consistency and reliable results.
- Substitute water with orange juice to enhance citrus flavor.
- This jam freezes well if you prefer not to can.
- To create a smoother texture, you can lightly mash fruit before cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Preserves
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday preserves, homemade jam, canning recipe, fruit jam with cinnamon, orange zest jam
