Spiced Cranberry Jam a Festive Burst of Flavor
Recipe Introduction
Ever find yourself staring at a jar of boring shop bought jam? Me too! Let's ditch the dull and whip up some proper deliciousness.
This cranberry jam recipe is gonna knock your socks off. It’s the perfect festive treat.
A Spoonful of Festive Cheer
This homemade spiced Christmas jam isn't just any old jam. It's like Christmas in a jar. It tastes amazing, it has a good flavour, and it makes your toast feel so festive.
All About the Cranberry Magic
Cranberries have been a part of our culinary history for ages. This festive jam recipe is easy as pie. Just 35- 40 minutes and you will make a super tasty cranberry sauce alternative .
It makes about 2 cups. Plenty for your Christmas sarnies.
Why You'll Love This Cranberry Jam
Cranberries are packed with antioxidants. This easy Christmas Jam is perfect for your Christmas dinner. It's not just yummy, it's also a great addition to a jam for cheese board .
Honestly, this recipe is special. You can use this recipe even for making homemade holiday gifts for Christmas.
Ready to rumble? Let's check out what you'll need...
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Jam On!
Alright, folks, time to talk ingredients. It's simple really. Nothing too fancy needed for amazing Homemade Spiced Christmas Jam . Trust me, even I can do it. And, that's saying something!
Main Players: The Cranberry Crew
- 12 ounces (340g) fresh or frozen cranberries. Quality matters, you know? Look for plump, shiny berries for the best cranberry jam .
- 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar. Sweetness is key!
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water. Simple, right?
- 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed orange juice. Avoid the carton stuff here. Fresh is best!
- 1 tablespoon orange zest. Zest is the best!
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Adds warmth, perfect for Spiced Christmas Jam .
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves. A little goes a long way!
- Pinch of salt. Balances the sweetness.
Seasoning Secrets: Spice Up Your Life
Cinnamon and cloves are your base spices. Spiced Christmas Jam needs that festive touch! Orange zest adds brightness. If you want a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
A Cranberry sauce alternative with a zing!. No cloves? Nutmeg works in a pinch.
Gear You'll Need: Keep it Simple
- Medium saucepan. Heavy bottomed is ideal. Prevents scorching!
- Wooden spoon or heat resistant spatula. For stirring. No brainer.
- Measuring cups and spoons. Gotta be precise.
- Zester or microplane. For that essential orange zest.
- Clean jars. If you're canning. Totally optional if you're making Easy Christmas Jam .
Honestly, that's it. No need for crazy equipment. If you don't have a zester, use a vegetable peeler and chop finely.
My Nana used to say, "If it works, it works!" This Festive jam recipe makes lovely Homemade holiday gifts . Or even as part of the Jam for cheese board .
Let’s get started with a yummy Cranberry Orange Jam Canning !
Spiced Christmas Jam: More Than Just a Condiment!
Honestly, I used to be that person who only ate cranberry jam straight from the can. You know, the kind with the perfectly ridged lines? But then I tried making my own Homemade Spiced Christmas Jam , and oh my gosh, the difference is night and day! It's so easy, even I can't mess it up (and that's saying something!).
This Festive jam recipe will transform your holiday table and makes amazing Homemade holiday gifts . Ditch the can and try this seriously delicious Cranberry sauce alternative .
Prep Like a Pro (Even If You're Not!)
Before we get started, let's get organised. First, get your mise en place sorted. Measure out 12 ounces of cranberries (fresh or frozen), 1 cup of sugar, ½ cup of water, ¼ cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of orange zest, ¼ teaspoon cinnamon, ⅛ teaspoon cloves, and a pinch of salt.
Honestly, the orange zest is key. Trust me on this. Having everything ready saves time and stress. Plus, you won't accidentally add salt twice like someone I know once did.
The Jammin' Process
Alright, let's get jammin'!
- Combine: Throw all those ingredients into a medium saucepan. Cranberries, sugar, water, juice, zest, spices, and a pinch of salt.
- Boil: Bring the whole lot to a boil over medium high heat, stirring now and then.
- Simmer Time: Once it's bubbling away, turn the heat down to medium low and let it simmer gently. Remember to stir, so it doesn't stick and burn.
- Thickening Up: Simmer for 25- 30 minutes , stirring occasionally, until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens up. It should coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool Down: Take it off the heat and let it cool. It'll thicken even more as it cools, you know?
- Store: Pour the lovely Easy Christmas Jam into jars or an airtight container and pop it in the fridge.
Pro Tips for Jam Masters
Want to elevate your Cranberry Orange Jam Canning skills? Use a heavy bottomed saucepan to avoid scorching. It makes a huge difference.
Also, don't overcook it! Overcooked jam turns into a sugary brick. To test for doneness, put a blob on a cold plate; it should set quickly.
A Jam for cheese board is a sophisticated touch. If you want some extra flavour, add a tablespoon of your favourite liquor.
And about those jars sterilize them if you're planning on keeping the jam for longer, especially when Canning Jam Recipes . Nobody wants mouldy jam.
This Spiced Christmas Jam recipe is just the thing for a bit of hygge this winter!
Recipe Notes for Your Amazing Cranberry Jam
Honestly, making cranberry jam isn’t rocket science! But, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure yours is a total showstopper.
I am sharing some Homemade Spiced Christmas Jam hints. Ready?
Serving it Up Right
So, you’ve got this beautiful Festive jam recipe , now what? Don't just dump it in a bowl! Think presentation. A swirl on a plate next to some roast chicken? Yes, please!
Try dolloping it on top of baked brie. You know, the kind you see on those fancy jam for cheese board spreads.
Or, keep it simple and spread it on a warm scone, just like you'd get at a proper British afternoon tea.
A glass of something bubbly alongside doesn't hurt either!
Storing Your Deliciousness
Okay, so you've made a batch of Cranberry Orange Jam Canning and have leftovers (lucky you!). Let it cool completely first, right? Then, pop it into an airtight container.
Keep it in the fridge and it'll be good for about a week. Want to make it last longer?
Freezing is an option! Portion it out into freezer safe containers. When you're ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
A quick zap in the microwave or a gentle simmer on the stove will bring it back to life. Just give it a good stir!
Twists and Turns
Want to mix things up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy Spiced Christmas Jam . Or, throw in a diced apple for a Cranberry Apple Jam .
Easy peasy!
If you are after a Cranberry sauce alternative ? Try using a sugar substitute if you're watching your sugar intake.
I haven’t tried it, but I’ve heard good things. Keep in mind that it may alter the texture a bit.
Nutrition Lowdown
Okay, so let's be real. This is cranberry jam , not a health food smoothie. But cranberries are packed with antioxidants.
Also, a little goes a long way. It’s a sweet treat and a great Thanksgiving condiment . Keep the portion size in check!
Listen, don’t let any of this scare you! Making easy Christmas Jam is all about having fun. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own.
You’ve got this! Remember to sterilize everything when you begin with Canning Jam Recipes !
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I tell if my cranberry jam is thick enough? I don't want it to be like water!
That's a brilliant question! The easiest way to test your cranberry jam for doneness is the "cold plate test." Simply place a spoonful of the hot jam onto a chilled plate and pop it back in the fridge for a minute. If it sets up quickly and doesn't run when you tilt the plate, your cranberry jam is ready to go!
Remember, it will also thicken as it cools, so don't overcook it trying to get to a set consistency in the pot.
Can I use frozen cranberries for this cranberry jam recipe, or do I have to use fresh?
Absolutely, frozen cranberries work perfectly! There's no need to thaw them first; just toss them straight into the saucepan. Frozen cranberries are often more readily available and can be a great option, especially if you're craving cranberry jam outside of the traditional holiday season.
Just make sure you get the proper weight of cranberries called for in the recipe!
How long will this homemade cranberry jam last, and how should I store it?
Proper storage is key to making your jam last! Once cooled, transfer your cranberry jam to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should last for about 2-3 weeks.
If you're looking for longer term storage, you can process the jam in sterilized jars using proper canning techniques, which will extend its shelf life to a year or more. Just like your favorite jar of Branston pickle!
I want to add a little extra something to my cranberry jam. Any flavor combination ideas?
Definitely! Get creative! For a warm and spicy twist, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely chopped jalapeño. Or, for a touch of autumnal sweetness, add a cup of diced apple, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
A splash of port wine or a dash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor profile, making it even more special!
Is there a way to make this cranberry jam recipe healthier? I'm trying to cut back on sugar.
You can certainly reduce the sugar content in your cranberry jam! Try using a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol. Keep in mind that sugar contributes not only to sweetness but also to the texture and preservation of the jam, so the final product may be slightly different.
You could also experiment with adding other natural sweeteners like apple juice concentrate.
My cranberry jam turned out too tart! What can I do to fix it?
Don't fret, it's an easy fix! If your cranberry jam is too tart, simply add a tablespoon or two of extra sugar, stirring it in until it dissolves completely. Taste as you go, until you reach your desired level of sweetness. A squeeze of orange juice or a pinch of baking soda can also help to mellow out the tartness.
Like Mary Poppins says, just a spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down - or in this case, the tartness!
Spiced Cranberry Jam A Festive Burst Of Flavor
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 50 calories |
|---|---|
| Fat | 0g |
| Fiber | 0g |
