Spiced Holiday Jam: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Festive Treat

There’s something truly magical about the holiday season, and one of my favorite ways to spread that magic is through my Spiced Holiday Jam! This festive jam brings together the bright sweetness of strawberries and the tart zing of cranberries, creating a flavor profile that dances on your taste buds. Trust me, there’s nothing quite like gifting a jar of this homemade delight to friends and family – it’s a heartfelt way to show you care. Every spoonful is packed with holiday warmth, making it perfect for spreading on toast, drizzling over cream cheese, or even enjoying straight from the jar! So, let’s dive into making this wonderfully rich jam that will surely become a seasonal staple in your kitchen.

Ingredients List

To make my delightful Spiced Holiday Jam, you’ll need the following ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that perfect balance of flavors:

• 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

Each ingredient is vital for that vibrant, festive taste. The combination of fresh cranberries with the sweet strawberries brings a tartness that makes this jam truly special. Don’t skimp on the spices either; the cinnamon and cloves add a warm holiday touch that you’ll absolutely love!

How to Prepare Spiced Holiday Jam

Making my Spiced Holiday Jam is a delightful process that fills your kitchen with the sweet and spicy aromas of the season! Let’s break it down step by step to ensure you create the perfect batch. Grab your ingredients and let’s get started!

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. First things first, wash your jars, lids, and bands in hot soapy water. Make sure to rinse them well. I like to keep my jars warm by placing them in the oven at a low temperature or just leaving them in hot water while I prepare the jam.
2. Next, fill your water bath canner halfway with water and bring it to a gentle simmer. This will be essential for sealing those jars perfectly!
3. Now, in a large pot, combine the crushed strawberries, fresh cranberries, lemon juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, and ground cloves. Stir everything together well – the colors are simply beautiful!
4. Once combined, it’s time to add all that sugar and both pouches of liquid fruit pectin. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar completely. Trust me, the more you stir, the better the jam will turn out!
5. Bring your mixture to a full rolling boil over medium-high heat. Once it’s boiling, let it boil hard for exactly 1 minute while stirring constantly. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect texture!
6. After a minute, remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that forms on the surface. While it’s not harmful, nobody wants foam in their beautiful jam.
7. Now, ladle the hot jam into your warm jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top. This is super important for the sealing process!
8. Once filled, remove any air bubbles by gently running a knife around the inside edges of the jar. Wipe the rims clean, apply the lids, and screw the bands on fingertip tight.
9. Carefully place the jars in your canner, making sure the water covers them by at least 1 inch. Bring the water to a gentle boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
10. After 10 minutes, turn off the heat, remove the lid, and let the jars sit in the hot water for an additional 5 minutes. This little step helps with the sealing!
11. Finally, remove the jars and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12–24 hours. You’ll want to press the center of the lids to ensure they’ve sealed properly – if they don’t pop back, congratulations, you’ve done it!

And there you have it! A lovely batch of Spiced Holiday Jam ready for gifting or enjoying all season long!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to adore my Spiced Holiday Jam. Here are just a few:

• Festive Flavor: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries, enriched with warm spices, captures the essence of the holiday season in every bite.
• Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll be able to whip up this jam in no time – perfect for busy holiday schedules!
• Great for Gifting: Packaged in pretty jars, this jam makes for a heartfelt homemade gift that your friends and family will truly appreciate.
• Versatile Uses: Whether spread on toast, drizzled over desserts, or served with cheese, this jam adds a festive touch to any dish.

Tips for Success

To ensure your Spiced Holiday Jam turns out perfectly every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Measure Accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients precisely. Too much or too little sugar can affect the jam’s texture and sweetness, so grab that kitchen scale if needed!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries and high-quality frozen strawberries. Check your cranberries for any bad ones – it really makes a difference!
• Check the Pectin: Ensure your liquid fruit pectin is fresh. Old pectin may not set properly, leading to a runny jam!
• Watch the Boil: Keep an eye on your mixture while it’s boiling. You want a full, rolling boil for that minute, or it might not set correctly.
• Seal Properly: Make sure to wipe the rims of your jars before sealing them. A clean rim ensures a proper seal, which is crucial for safe canning!

With these tips, you’ll be a jam-making pro in no time!

Variations

One of the best things about my Spiced Holiday Jam is how easily you can customize it to suit your taste! Here are a few fun ideas to mix things up:

• Fruit Combinations: Swap out some strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a different fruity twist. You can also try using pear or apple for a milder flavor.
• Additional Spices: If you love a little kick, add a pinch of nutmeg or some freshly grated ginger for an extra layer of warmth.
• Herbal Touch: Try adding a few sprigs of fresh rosemary or thyme during the cooking process, then remove before canning for a unique herbaceous note.
• Jalapeño Kick: For the adventurous, toss in some finely chopped jalapeño for a sweet and spicy jam that’ll surprise your taste buds!

These variations can make your jam uniquely yours while still keeping that festive spirit alive!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Storing your Spiced Holiday Jam is super easy! Once your jars have cooled and sealed, keep them in a cool, dark place like a pantry or cupboard. They’ll last for up to a year, but trust me, they won’t last that long once you start sharing them! If you ever find yourself with leftover jam after the holidays (which is rare!), just make sure to refrigerate it after opening. It’ll stay fresh for about a month in the fridge.

As for reheating, you won’t need to! Just scoop out what you need from the jar and enjoy it as is. If you want to warm it up a bit for drizzling, pop it in the microwave for just a few seconds. But be careful, it can get hot quickly!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying my Spiced Holiday Jam, you’ll want to keep in mind that nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. However, here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving size of 1 tablespoon:

• Calories: 73
• Sugar: 18 g
• Sodium: 1 mg
• Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 19 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 0 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

This jam is not only delicious but also a festive treat you can enjoy without guilt. Just remember to savor it in moderation amidst all the holiday cheer!

FAQ Section

If you’ve got questions about making my Spiced Holiday Jam, you’re not alone! Here are some common queries that pop up, along with my answers:

• Can I use fresh strawberries instead of frozen? Absolutely! Fresh strawberries will work just fine; just make sure to crush them well before mixing. You’ll want to keep that sweet flavor intact!
• How can I tell if my jam has set properly? A great test is to place a spoonful of the hot jam on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through it; if it holds its shape and doesn’t run back together, you’ve got a perfect set!
• What can I do if my jam is too runny? If your jam doesn’t set, you can always reheat it and add a bit more liquid fruit pectin. Just follow the package instructions for re-cooking!
• How long does the jam last once opened? Once opened, your Spiced Holiday Jam should be refrigerated and enjoyed within a month. Trust me, it’ll be hard to resist it that long!
• Can I make this jam without pectin? While pectin helps achieve that perfect jam consistency, you can try using more cranberries since they contain natural pectin. Just be aware that it might take longer to thicken!

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Feel free to reach out if you have more questions – I’m here to help you on your jam-making journey!

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