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A clear glass mason jar filled with glossy, deep ruby red jam, with a slice of crusty bread spread with the jam next to it. (Christmas Jam Recipe)

Christmas Jam Recipe: A Glossy, Spiced Holiday Spread

This Christmas Jam Recipe guides you through making a glossy, deep ruby red jam. A festive and chunky blend of cranberries, raspberries, orange, and cinnamon, perfect for holiday breakfasts and gifting.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 16 servings (2 tbsp each)
Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Spread
Cuisine: American
Calories: 65

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces (340g) Fresh Cranberries
  • 1 cup (125g) Fresh Raspberries
  • 2 cups (400g) Granulated Sugar
  • 1 Orange zested and juiced
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1 Cinnamon Stick (3-inch / 8cm)

Equipment

  • 1 Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
  • 2 Sterilized Glass Jars with Lids (8-ounce size)

Method
 

  1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the fresh cranberries, raspberries, granulated sugar, orange zest, orange juice, and fresh lemon juice. Stir to coat the fruit. Tuck the whole cinnamon stick into the center.
  2. Place the pan over medium heat. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cranberries have popped and the mixture has thickened.
  3. Place a small spoonful of jam on a plate that has been chilled in the freezer. Let it sit for 1 minute. If the jam wrinkles when you nudge it with your finger, it's ready. If not, cook for another 5 minutes and test again.
  4. Remove the jam from the heat and carefully remove the cinnamon stick. Let the jam cool in the pot for 10 minutes. Ladle into sterilized glass jars, leaving 1/4 inch (1/2 cm) of headspace. Seal and let cool completely.

Notes

Don't scorch the sugar: Keep the heat on a medium-low simmer and stir periodically.
Don't skip the freezer test: This is the most reliable way to know your jam is ready.
Sterilize your jars: To ensure your jam lasts, run them through a hot dishwasher cycle or boil them in water for 10 minutes.
Zest before you juice: It's much easier to zest a whole orange than a juiced one.