Christmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Christmas Jam combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the sweetness of strawberries and warm spices. It’s a festive and flavorful spread perfect for holiday breakfasts or gifts.
Ingredients
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Step 2: Cook on HIGH for 4 hours, keeping the lid closed during cooking.
- Step 3: Transfer the cooked mixture to a blender and pulse until it forms a jam. Be careful not to over-blend to avoid making cranberry butter. An immersion blender works well for this step.
- Step 4: Allow the jam to cool; it will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Step 5: Once cooled, store the jam in airtight containers for later use.
Tips & Variations
- Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to save time and reduce cleanup.
- Adjust the level of spices to your taste, adding more cinnamon for warmth or less cloves if preferred.
- For a smoother jam, blend a bit longer but watch carefully to avoid turning it into butter.
- Add a splash of orange juice or zest for an extra layer of flavor.
Storage
Store the cooled jam in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving if desired.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries and strawberries?
Yes, frozen berries work well for this recipe. Thaw them slightly before adding to the slow cooker for best results.
How do I know when the jam is done cooking?
The jam is ready when the berries have broken down completely and the mixture has thickened. Cooking for 4 hours on HIGH typically achieves this texture, but you can adjust time if needed.
PrintChristmas Cranberry-Strawberry Spiced Jam Recipe
This festive Christmas Jam combines fresh cranberries and strawberries with warm spices, slow-cooked to perfection for a rich and flavorful holiday spread. Perfect for toast, cookies, or gifting, this jam is easy to make and captures the spirit of the season with its cozy cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove notes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam 1x
- Category: Jam / Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Fruits
- 24 oz. fresh cranberries (about 6 cups)
- 16 oz. fresh strawberries
Spices
- 1½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp. ground nutmeg
- ½ tsp. ground cloves
- ¼ tsp. ground ginger
Sweetener
- 2 cups brown sugar
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the fresh cranberries, strawberries, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, ginger, and brown sugar into your slow cooker. Stir well to evenly distribute the spices and sugar among the fruit.
- Slow Cook: Set the slow cooker to HIGH and cook for 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid during cooking to retain heat and ensure the jam thickens properly.
- Blend the Jam: When cooking is complete, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender to pulse the mixture until it reaches a jam-like consistency. Be careful not to over-blend to avoid turning it into cranberry butter.
- Cool the Jam: Allow the jam to cool completely. It will thicken significantly as it cools due to the natural pectin in cranberries.
- Store: Once cooled, transfer the jam into airtight containers for storage. Refrigerate and use within 2 to 3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid during cooking to ensure proper thickness.
- Be cautious when blending; pulsing gently avoids turning the jam into a butter-like texture.
- Cranberries naturally contain pectin, which helps the jam thicken without additional pectin.
- This jam makes a great holiday gift when jarred in decorative containers.
- Storage: Keep refrigerated after opening, and consume within a few weeks.
Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, festive spread
