Spiced Christmas Jam

This Spiced Christmas Jam is a warm, sweet, and slightly tangy delight, filled with seasonal flavors of cranberries, oranges, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Spread it over toast, swirl it into yogurt, or spoon it over baked brie for a festive treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

Festive Flavor: Combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of oranges and comforting holiday spices.
Versatile Use: Perfect for breakfast, desserts, or savory pairings.
Great for Gifting: Beautifully jarred, this jam makes an ideal homemade Christmas gift.

Ingredients:

3 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen) 🍒
2 large oranges (zested and juiced, about 1 cup juice) 🍊
1 medium apple (peeled, cored, and finely diced) 🍏
2 ½ cups granulated sugar 🍚
1 tsp ground cinnamon 🌿
½ tsp ground cloves
½ tsp ground ginger
½ tsp ground nutmeg
1 tsp vanilla extract 🌼
½ cup water 💧

Optional Add-ins:

¼ cup raisins for added texture.
1 tbsp orange liqueur for a boozy twist.

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

1️⃣ Wash and sort the cranberries. If using frozen, no need to thaw.
2️⃣ Zest both oranges and juice them until you have about 1 cup of juice. Finely chop the apple.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit

1️⃣ In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the cranberries, apple, orange juice, and water.
2️⃣ Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10-15 minutes or until the cranberries begin to pop and soften.

Step 3: Add Sugar & Spices

1️⃣ Stir in the sugar, orange zest, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Continue to simmer for another 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2️⃣ As the jam thickens, use the back of a spoon to mash some of the cranberries and apples, leaving some chunks for texture.

Step 4: Test for Doneness

1️⃣ To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. If it thickens and gels slightly after a minute, it’s done. If not, continue simmering for another 5-10 minutes.
2️⃣ Once the desired consistency is reached, remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

1️⃣ Pour the hot jam into sterilized glass jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top.
2️⃣ Wipe the rims clean, seal with lids, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure shelf stability.

Cooling & Storage:

Let the jars cool completely on the counter.
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Refrigerate after opening and consume within 3 weeks.

Spiced Christmas Jam