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Christmas Jam
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Christmas Jam

Christmas jam is a festive homemade jam with cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices. It comes together without added boxed pectin thanks to the natural pectin in fresh cranberries.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Canning Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings: 20 servings, Makes 4 to 5 half pint (8 oz) jam jars
Author: Ashley Adamant

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bag cranberries
  • 1 lb strawberries
  • Zest and chopped fruit of one orange
  • ¼ cup water or orange juice
  • 4 cups sugar
  • 1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

  • Rinse cranberries and strawberries. Hull and chop strawberries, then combine with cranberries, diced peeled orange flesh, orange zest, and orange juice in a large pot.
  • Add sugar and the cinnamon stick. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil.
  • Reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens.
  • To test, place a spoonful on a cold plate; if it firms up, it’s ready to jar. Alternately, use an instant-read thermometer to test for the set. This jam jels at 220 F at sea level.  At higher altitudes, that drops by 1 degree for every 500 feet in elevation.  For example, at 1000 feet in elevation, the jam would finish at 218 F.
  • Pour hot jam into sterilized jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace and cap with 2 part canning lids. Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, or 15 minutes above 6,000 feet in elevation.
  • Allow jars to cool completely, then store in a cool, dark place. Properly canned and sealed jars will maintain peak quality on the pantry shelf for 12-18 months, and be safe to eat so long as they're sealed. Refrigerate after opening. (Canning is optional, this can also be made as a refrigerator jam. In that case, ladle into jars, cap and store in the refrigerator until needed.) 

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.01g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 42g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.2mg