This Spiced Christmas Jam combines the tartness of cranberries with the warm flavors of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg, making it the perfect holiday spread. Whether you’re gifting it to friends and family or enjoying it on your favorite toast, this jam will fill your kitchen with the delightful scents of Christmas. With a touch of citrus from orange juice and optional lemon juice, it’s a balanced and flavorful jam that’s both sweet and spiced.

Ingredients for Spiced Christmas Jam

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 1½ cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed or store-bought)
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for added tartness)
• 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

Instructions: How to Make Spiced Christmas Jam

1. Prepare the Cranberries

• Rinse the cranberries and pick out any that are damaged. If using frozen cranberries, allow them to thaw slightly before starting.

2. Cook the Cranberries

• In a large saucepan or pot, combine the cranberries, orange juice, water, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
• Once the cranberries start to pop and soften (about 5-7 minutes), reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for another 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

3. Blend the Mixture (Optional)

• For a smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender to lightly puree the cranberry mixture at this stage. If you prefer a chunkier jam, you can skip this step.

4. Add the Sugar and Pectin

• Stir in the granulated sugar and fruit pectin. If you’re using the optional lemon juice, add it at this stage as well. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil again, stirring constantly.

5. Boil and Thicken

• Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop when stirred), let it boil for 1-2 minutes while stirring continuously. This helps activate the pectin and thicken the jam.

6. Test the Jam for Doneness

• To check if the jam is ready, place a small spoonful on a cold plate and let it sit for a minute. If it thickens and wrinkles slightly when pushed with your finger, it’s done. If it’s too runny, let the jam simmer for a few more minutes.

7. Cool and Store

• Once the jam has thickened to your liking, remove it from heat. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼-inch of space at the top. Seal with sterilized lids and let the jars cool completely.
• Store the jam in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or follow proper canning procedures to store at room temperature for longer.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

• Pectin Activation: Make sure to follow the instructions on your pectin packet, as some types may require the sugar to be added before boiling or after.
• Lemon Juice: The lemon juice is optional, but it adds a nice balance of tartness that complements the sweetness of the jam.
• Texture: If you prefer a chunkier texture, simply mash the cranberries lightly with a fork instead of blending.

Recipe Variations: How to Customize Your Spiced Christmas Jam

Spiced Apple-Cranberry Jam

• Add 1-2 peeled and diced apples to the cranberry mixture. Apples add natural sweetness and enhance the holiday flavor.

Cranberry-Orange Ginger Jam

• Add 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger for a spicy kick that pairs beautifully with the citrus and cranberry flavors.

Sugar-Free Version

• Use a sugar-free pectin and substitute the sugar with a sweetener like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener. Make sure to follow the pectin instructions closely for sugar-free versions.

Nuts and Spices

• For added texture, stir in ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts after the jam has thickened. You can also increase the amount of cinnamon and nutmeg for a stronger spiced flavor.

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About Spiced Christmas Jam

Q1: Can I use frozen cranberries?

Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly for this recipe. Just thaw them slightly before cooking, and proceed with the recipe as directed.

Q2: How can I store this jam for longer?

If you’d like to store the jam for an extended period, you can follow proper water bath canning procedures. This involves sterilizing the jars and lids and processing them in a water bath to seal them properly.

Q3: Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double or even triple this recipe. Just make sure to use a larger pot and adjust cooking times slightly, as larger batches may take longer to thicken.

Q4: What can I serve with this jam?

This jam is delicious on toast, scones, biscuits, or even as a topping for pancakes or waffles. It also pairs well with cheese on a charcuterie board or as a glaze for roasted meats like chicken or pork.

A Festive Jam Perfect for the Holidays

This Spiced Christmas Jam is the perfect addition to your holiday celebrations, whether you’re spreading it on toast or giving it as a homemade gift. With its tart cranberries, warm spices, and sweet citrus notes, it brings a little taste of Christmas to every bite. Plus, with easy variations and the ability to store it for months, this jam is a festive and versatile treat that you can enjoy all season long!