The holidays are upon us, and nothing says festive quite like a jar of homemade Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry). Imagine opening your fridge to find a vibrant, jewel-toned concoction that smells like Christmas morning—sweet strawberries mingling with tart cranberries, creating a flavor explosion that’s as delightful as your favorite holiday movie. Spread it on toast, swirl it into yogurt, or just eat it straight from the jar with a spoon (no judgment here).
This jam is more than just a tasty treat; it’s a time machine that transports me back to Grandma’s kitchen, where I spent countless afternoons helping her stir bubbling pots and taste-testing every batch. The air was thick with laughter and fruity aromas, making those moments unforgettable. Now, I bring that same joy to my kitchen every holiday season, ensuring that my family gets to enjoy this sweet slice of nostalgia alongside their holiday feasts.
Why You'll Love This Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
- This incredible Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) transforms simple everyday ingredients into restaurant-quality flavors that will blow your mind completely.
- Foolproof recipe techniques guarantee perfect results every single time, making even novice cooks feel like professional chefs instantly.
- Stunning visual appeal with gorgeous colors and mouthwatering aromas creates the ultimate Instagram-worthy dish for any special occasion.
- Endlessly adaptable for different dietary needs while working beautifully for meal prep, date nights, or entertaining large groups effortlessly.
I’ll never forget the first time I served this Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) at a holiday gathering; my Aunt Linda couldn’t stop raving about it all night!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Fresh Cranberries: Look for bright red berries; they’ll be tart and juicy when cooked down.
Fresh Strawberries: Choose ripe, fragrant strawberries for the sweetest flavor in your jam.
Sugar: Granulated sugar helps balance the tartness of cranberries and thickens the jam beautifully.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and enhances the fruit flavors.
Pectin: Use regular pectin for thickening; it’s essential for achieving that perfect spreadable consistency.
Water: Just enough to help dissolve the sugar and get everything simmering.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
Start by preparing your fruits: Wash cranberries thoroughly and hull strawberries before slicing them into smaller pieces for easier cooking.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot over medium heat, mix together fresh cranberries, sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water until combined.
Cook Down the Fruit: Bring your mixture to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and soften—about 10-15 minutes should do the trick.
Add Pectin: Stir in pectin once the fruit is bubbling away; continue cooking while stirring constantly for about 5 minutes until well combined.
Check Consistency: To test if your jam has set properly, place a small spoonful on a cold plate—if it holds its shape after cooling slightly, you’re good to go!
Jar It Up!: Carefully ladle hot jam into sterilized jars—leave some space at the top—and seal tightly. Allow to cool before storing in the fridge or pantry.
Now you have an irresistible Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) ready to spread joy (and sweetness) throughout your holiday season!
You Must Know About Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
- This showstopping Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) delivers restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients you probably already have at home.
- The perfect balance of textures and flavors creates an unforgettable dining experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
- Picture-perfect presentation with vibrant colors makes this dish absolutely Instagram-worthy and guaranteed to impress any dinner guest.
- Incredibly versatile recipe that works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, special occasions, or even outdoor entertaining sessions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To make Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) perfectly, start by preparing your strawberries and cranberries separately. Cook the cranberries until they burst, then add the strawberries. Simultaneously, prepare your jars for canning so everything stays warm and fresh.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Christmas Jam by adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrus kick. You can also experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a cozy flavor twist that makes your jam unique.
Storing & Reheating
Store your Christmas Jam in sterilized jars and keep them sealed in the fridge for up to two weeks. If you want to enjoy it later, simply reheat it gently on low heat until warm and spreadable.
Chef's Helpful Tips for Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
- This professional-quality Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) relies on precise timing and temperature control to achieve restaurant-standard results consistently.
- Master the art of mise en place by prepping all ingredients beforehand, ensuring smooth execution and preventing any last-minute cooking disasters.
- The secret lies in layering flavors throughout the cooking process rather than seasoning only at the end for maximum depth.
- Tip let the finished dish rest for optimal texture and flavor development before serving to hungry guests waiting eagerly.
Sharing my first batch of Christmas Jam with friends made me realize how much joy good food can bring. Their delighted faces as they tasted it were priceless moments I’ll always cherish.
FAQ
What is the best way to sweeten my Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)?
The sweetness of your jam can be adjusted using different sugars or sweeteners based on personal preference. Try using brown sugar instead of white sugar for a deeper flavor profile that contrasts beautifully with tart cranberries.
How do I know when my jam is done cooking?
Your jam is ready when it reaches a thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon without running off too quickly. A candy thermometer can help; aim for around 220°F (104°C) for perfect thickness.
Can I use frozen berries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries and strawberries work wonderfully in this recipe. Just remember to thaw them first, draining any excess liquid before incorporating them into your jam mixture.
How long does homemade Christmas Jam last?
Homemade Christmas Jam can last up to two weeks in the refrigerator once opened, provided it’s stored properly in clean, airtight containers to maintain freshness and flavor integrity.
Conclusion for Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
In summary, making your own Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry) is not only easy but also incredibly rewarding! By perfecting your cooking process, customizing flavors with fun additions, and following proper storage techniques, you’ll create a delightful treat that impresses friends and family alike. So roll up those sleeves—deliciousness awaits!
Homemade Christmas Jam (Cranberry Strawberry)
Experience the joy of the holidays with this vibrant Christmas Jam, where sweet strawberries and tart cranberries unite in a delightful spread that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or enjoyed straight from the jar. This easy-to-follow recipe brings back memories of Grandma’s kitchen while adding a festive touch to your holiday feasts. With simple ingredients and foolproof techniques, you’ll impress family and friends with this irresistible treat.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 32 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 4 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) regular pectin
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare the fruits by washing cranberries thoroughly and hulling strawberries; slice them into smaller pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine cranberries, sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, and water.
- Cook until mixture reaches a gentle boil, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst (about 10-15 minutes).
- Stir in pectin, cooking while stirring constantly for another 5 minutes.
- To check consistency, place a spoonful on a cold plate; if it holds shape after cooling slightly, it's ready.
- Ladle hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top; seal tightly and cool before storing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon (20g)
- Calories: 52
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider incorporating orange juice or zest. Experiment with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a unique twist. Store jam in sterilized jars in the fridge for up to two weeks.
