why make this recipe
Christmas Jam is a delightful addition to your holiday celebrations. It combines the sweet flavors of strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries, creating a colorful and tasty treat. Making this jam is a great way to preserve the summer’s berries, so you can enjoy them throughout the winter. Plus, gifting homemade jam is a heartfelt gesture that friends and family will love.
how to make Christmas Jam
Ingredients:
- 2 cups strawberries, hulled and chopped
- 2 cups raspberries
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 package (1.75 oz) fruit pectin
Directions:
- In a large pot, combine the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and lemon juice.
- Add the sugar and mix well.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Once boiling, stir in the fruit pectin and boil for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
- Pour the hot jam into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace.
- Wipe the rims of the jars clean and seal with lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed.
- Allow to cool completely before storing in a cool, dark place.
how to serve Christmas Jam
You can serve Christmas Jam in many ways. Spread it on toast or bagels for breakfast, use it as a topping for ice cream or yogurt, or add it to baked goods for extra flavor. It also makes a great filling for pastries or a delicious addition to cheese boards.
how to store Christmas Jam
Store your Christmas Jam in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator. It can last for several months if stored properly. Just make sure to use clean utensils each time you scoop out the jam to keep it fresh.
tips to make Christmas Jam
- Use fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor.
- Be sure to sterilize your canning jars to prevent spoilage.
- Adjust the sugar to your taste, but remember it helps with preservation.
- Stir the jam constantly while it heats to prevent it from burning.
variation
For a different flavor, you can add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your jam a warm holiday twist. You can also mix in some chopped apples or pears for additional texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes, you can use frozen berries. Just thaw them and drain excess liquid before using.
How long does the jam last?
If properly sealed and stored, unopened jars can last up to a year. Once opened, keep it in the refrigerator and use it within a month.
Is it necessary to use pectin?
While pectin helps the jam to set, you can make a low-sugar version without it. Just note that the texture may be different.
Christmas Jam for Canning
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Sanitize your canning jars, lids, and bands according to manufacturer directions, keeping jars hot until ready to fill. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil for processing.
- Combine the cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, and lemon juice in a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Bring the fruit mixture to a simmer over medium heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples and berries are soft and easily mashed.
- Add the granulated sugar to the fruit mixture, stirring constantly until it is fully dissolved. Increase the heat to high and bring the jam to a rapid, rolling boil that cannot be stirred down.
- Stir in both pouches of liquid fruit pectin and continue to boil vigorously for exactly one minute, stirring constantly to prevent sticking. Remove the pot from the heat.
- Carefully ladle the hot jam into the prepared hot canning jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, center lids on the jars, and apply bands, tightening them to fingertip-tight.
- Place the filled jars into the boiling water canner, ensuring they are fully submerged by at least one inch of water. Bring the water back to a rolling boil and process the jars for 10 minutes.
- Turn off the heat, remove the canner lid, and let the jars stand in the hot water for 5 minutes. Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them upright on a towel-lined surface to cool undisturbed for 24 hours.
- After 24 hours, check jar seals by pressing the center of each lid; if it does not flex, the jar is sealed. Remove bands, wipe jars clean, label them with the date, and store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.