Oh, let me tell you about the joy of making homemade jams, especially during the holiday season! There’s something truly magical about how the kitchen fills with warm, inviting scents, and my heart swells with happiness as I create something special for my loved ones. This Spiced Holiday Jam is a delightful blend of juicy strawberries and tart cranberries, infused with warm spices that just scream “festive.” I can still remember the first time I made it – my kids were practically bouncing off the walls with excitement as they helped me stir and taste test. The moment we popped open a jar in December, we were instantly reminded of all the cozy family gatherings and sweet celebrations. The best part? It’s super easy to whip up! You’ll be amazed at how quickly this jam comes together, and trust me, everyone will be begging for the recipe!
40 oz frozen unsweetened strawberries, crushed – These juicy gems will provide the sweet base.
1 lb fresh cranberries – Their tartness is what makes this jam sing!
2 tablespoons orange zest (about 2 oranges) – This adds a bright, citrusy note.
¼ cup bottled lemon juice – Essential for that tang and safe acidity.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon – For warmth and comfort.
¼ teaspoon ground cloves – Just a hint for a cozy spice kick.
5 pounds granulated sugar – A sweet necessity to balance everything out!
2 (3-oz) pouches liquid fruit pectin – This will help our jam set beautifully.
Make sure to gather everything before you start, and you’ll be all set for a jam-making adventure!
How to Prepare Spiced Holiday Jam
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making that delicious Spiced Holiday Jam! I promise, it’s a straightforward process, and you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have jars of holiday cheer ready to enjoy.
Preparing Your Jars
First things first, cleanliness is key! Start by washing your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Give them a good rinse to remove any soap residue. I like to keep my jars warm while I’m cooking the jam, so you can pop them in a water bath canner filled halfway with water and bring it to a simmer. This way, the jars are nice and toasty when it’s time to fill them!
Cooking the Jam
In a large, deep stainless steel pot, combine your crushed strawberries, fresh cranberries, lemon juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Now, here comes the magic: add all of the sugar and both pouches of liquid fruit pectin at once. You’ll want to stir thoroughly to prevent any clumps. It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it!
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. This is where the fun begins! Boil it hard for a full minute while stirring constantly. You’ll start to see it thicken, and the smell will be incredible! Once that minute is up, remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam on the surface for a smoother jam.
Canning Process
Now, let’s get that gorgeous jam into jars! Ladle the hot jam into your warm jars, making sure to leave about ¼-inch headspace at the top. This is super important for sealing. Don’t forget to remove any air bubbles by gently pressing a clean spatula or knife along the edges. Check the headspace again, wipe the rims clean, and then apply the lids, screwing the bands on fingertip tight.
Next, place the jars in your canner, ensuring that the water covers them by at least 1 inch. Bring it all to a gentle boil and process for 10 minutes. When the time’s up, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit in the water for another 5 minutes. This helps with sealing!
Finally, carefully remove the jars and place them on a clean towel to cool. Let them sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. When you press the center of the lids, it should pop back up if they’re sealed. Label your jars, and store them in a cool, dark place. You’ve just made something truly special!
How to Prepare Spiced Holiday Jam
Now, let’s dive into the fun part – making that delicious Spiced Holiday Jam! I promise, it’s a straightforward process, and you’ll love the aroma that fills your kitchen. Just follow these easy steps, and you’ll have jars of holiday cheer ready to enjoy.
Preparing Your Jars
First things first, cleanliness is key! Start by washing your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Give them a good rinse to remove any soap residue. I like to keep my jars warm while I’m cooking the jam, so you can pop them in a water bath canner filled halfway with water and bring it to a simmer. This way, the jars are nice and toasty when it’s time to fill them!
Cooking the Jam
In a large, deep stainless steel pot, combine your crushed strawberries, fresh cranberries, lemon juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Now, here comes the magic: add all of the sugar and both pouches of liquid fruit pectin at once. You’ll want to stir thoroughly to prevent any clumps. It’s a bit of a workout, but it’s worth it!
Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil. This is where the fun begins! Boil it hard for a full minute while stirring constantly. You’ll start to see it thicken, and the smell will be incredible! Once that minute is up, remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam on the surface for a smoother jam.
Canning Process
Now, let’s get that gorgeous jam into jars! Ladle the hot jam into your warm jars, making sure to leave about ¼-inch headspace at the top. This is super important for sealing. Don’t forget to remove any air bubbles by gently pressing a clean spatula or knife along the edges. Check the headspace again, wipe the rims clean, and then apply the lids, screwing the bands on fingertip tight.
Next, place the jars in your canner, ensuring that the water covers them by at least 1 inch. Bring it all to a gentle boil and process for 10 minutes. When the time’s up, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit in the water for another 5 minutes. This helps with sealing!
Finally, carefully remove the jars and place them on a clean towel to cool. Let them sit undisturbed for 12 to 24 hours. When you press the center of the lids, it should pop back up if they’re sealed. Label your jars, and store them in a cool, dark place. You’ve just made something truly special!
FAQs About Spiced Holiday Jam
I know you might have a few questions about making and enjoying your Spiced Holiday Jam, so let’s tackle some of the most common ones!
How long does Spiced Holiday Jam last?
Once you’ve sealed your jars properly and stored them in a cool, dark place, your Spiced Holiday Jam can last for up to a year. It’s best to use it within six months for the freshest flavor, but don’t worry if you go a little longer! Just check for any signs of spoilage before diving in. You’ll want to make sure the lids are still tightly sealed and that there are no funky smells when you open a jar.
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen?
Absolutely, you can use fresh strawberries! Just keep in mind that frozen strawberries are often more convenient because they’re already crushed and will give you that same juicy sweetness. If you’re using fresh, make sure to wash and crush them well before adding to the pot. Fresh strawberries can sometimes have a slightly different texture, but they’ll still make a delightful jam!
What can I use this jam for?
The possibilities are endless with your Spiced Holiday Jam! It’s perfect on warm biscuits or toast for a cozy breakfast. You can also spread it over cream cheese for a quick and delightful appetizer. And let’s not forget about gifting! This jam makes a fantastic present, beautifully packaged in jars with a cute ribbon. Friends and family will love receiving a taste of the holidays in a jar!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick Preparation: You can whip up this Spiced Holiday Jam in just about an hour, making it perfect for those last-minute holiday treats!
Festive Flavors: The delightful combination of strawberries, cranberries, and warm spices will fill your kitchen with the scents of the season, making every jar a little taste of holiday cheer.
Perfect for Gifting: Packaged in pretty jars, this jam makes a thoughtful gift for friends, family, or neighbors – who wouldn’t love a delicious homemade treat?
Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, biscuits, or even as a unique topping for cream cheese. It’s a versatile addition to your holiday spread!
Long Shelf Life: When stored properly, your jam can last up to a year, allowing you to enjoy your holiday creation well into the new year!
Tips for Success
Making the perfect Spiced Holiday Jam is a breeze if you keep a few essential tips in mind! Trust me, these little tricks can make a world of difference in your jam-making adventure.
Choose Quality Ingredients
Always opt for the best ingredients you can find! Fresh cranberries are a must for that tart kick, and while frozen strawberries work beautifully, make sure they’re unsweetened to avoid an overly sweet jam. If you’re craving a twist, feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice to suit your taste!
Prep Your Tools Ahead of Time
Before you start cooking, gather all your tools and ingredients. Having everything ready to go makes the process smoother, especially when you’re juggling boiling pots and jar lids! Plus, it helps keep the kitchen chaos to a minimum.
Be Mindful of Timing
When you’re boiling the jam, timing is crucial! Make sure to boil it hard for that full minute; this activates the pectin and ensures a proper set. If you don’t boil long enough, your jam might end up runny – and nobody wants that! Keep stirring constantly to prevent any sticking.
Check for Sealing
After processing, it’s essential to check that your jars have sealed properly. If the center of the lid pops back up when pressed, the jar hasn’t sealed. No worries, just pop it in the fridge and enjoy it first! For the rest, proper sealing means you’ll be enjoying your jam all year long.
Don’t Skip the Foam Skimming
This step might seem small, but skimming off the foam before ladling the jam into jars is key for a smooth finish. Plus, it helps give your jam that beautiful, glossy look! Just use a spoon to remove any foam before filling your jars.
Label Your Jars
Once your jars are cool, don’t forget to label them with the date and contents! It’s so satisfying to see those pretty jars lined up, and it helps you keep track of what you have in your pantry. Plus, it adds a personal touch – perfect for gifting!
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a delightful batch of Spiced Holiday Jam that you can be proud of. Happy canning!
Nutritional Information Section
Here’s the estimated nutritional information for a serving of my Spiced Holiday Jam, which is about 1 tablespoon:
Calories: 73
Sugar: 18 g
Sodium: 0 mg
Fat: 0.1 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 19 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, like different brands of sugar or fruit pectin. It’s always a good idea to check the labels if you’re watching your intake closely. Enjoy your jam, and remember, it’s all about balance!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Once you’ve made your lovely Spiced Holiday Jam, it’s all about storing it properly to keep that delightful flavor intact! To start, make sure the jars are completely cooled after the canning process. Then, store your sealed jars in a cool, dark place, like a pantry or cupboard. This will help preserve the jam’s vibrant taste and prevent any spoilage. When stored correctly, your jam can last up to a year!
If you happen to open a jar and have leftovers, just pop it in the fridge. It should stay fresh for about a month once opened. If you find yourself wanting to enjoy your jam warmed up, you can absolutely do that! Just scoop out the desired amount and microwave it for about 15-20 seconds. Give it a little stir to ensure even heat. This way, you’ll have that cozy, warm jam to spread over your toast or biscuits anytime you crave it. Yum!
So, remember – cool, dark, and sealed tight is the way to go for storage! Happy jamming!
What to Do Next
Now that you’ve made your own delicious Spiced Holiday Jam, I’d love to hear all about your experiences! Did you put your own twist on the recipe? How did your family enjoy it? Please take a moment to leave a comment below – I can’t wait to read your stories and tips!
If you’re feeling inspired, why not share your jam-making adventure on social media? Snap a picture of your beautiful jars and tag me! I love seeing your creations, and it’s such a joy to connect with fellow jam enthusiasts. Plus, sharing your culinary triumphs can inspire others to try their hand at this delightful recipe!
And hey, if you enjoyed this recipe, please consider giving it a rating! Your feedback helps others find this little piece of holiday magic, and it warms my heart to know you’re spreading the joy of homemade goodness.
A delightful jam combining strawberries and cranberries with warm spices for the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
40 oz frozen unsweetened strawberries, crushed
1 lb fresh cranberries
2 tablespoons orange zest (about 2 oranges)
¼ cup bottled lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
5 pounds granulated sugar
2 (3-oz) pouches liquid fruit pectin
Instructions
Wash jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Rinse well. Keep jars warm.
Fill water bath canner halfway with water and bring to a simmer. Keep jars warm in the canner if desired.
In a large, deep stainless steel pot, combine crushed strawberries, cranberries, lemon juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir well.
Add all the sugar and both pouches of liquid pectin at once. Stir thoroughly to prevent clumps.
Bring mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 full minute, stirring constantly.
Remove from heat and skim off any foam for a smoother jam.
Ladle hot jam into warm jars, leaving ¼-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles, re-check headspace, wipe rims clean, apply lids, and screw bands on fingertip tight.
Place jars in canner with water covering them by at least 1 inch. Bring to a gentle boil and process for 10 minutes.
Turn off heat, remove lid, and let jars sit in water for 5 minutes.
Remove jars and place on a towel. Let cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours.
Press center of lids. If they don’t pop back, they’re sealed. Label and store in a cool, dark place.
Notes
The cranberries add natural pectin and a festive tartness.
Bottled lemon juice is important for safe acidity in canning.
This jam is excellent for holiday gifts, toast, biscuits, or over cream cheese.