You can easily create tasty jams using seasonal fruits and festive spices.
Making Christmas jam is a fun way to get into the holiday spirit. You’ll find recipes using cranberries, strawberries, raspberries and more.
Some jams include cinnamon, cloves or other warm spices that bring out the flavors of the season. With a little effort, you can make jars of colorful, flavorful jam to enjoy all winter long.
Cranberry Orange Christmas Jam brings a festive touch to your holiday table. This sweet and tangy spread combines fresh cranberries with zesty oranges for a bright, flavorful treat.
You can easily make this jam at home. Mix cranberries, orange zest, and sugar in a pot.
Cook until the berries burst and the mixture thickens.
Add warm spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for extra holiday flair. The jam works great on toast, biscuits, or as a cake filling.
This homemade jam also makes a thoughtful gift. Pour it into small jars and tie with ribbon for a personal touch your friends and family will love.
Spiced plum jam brings a festive twist to your holiday spread. You’ll love the rich flavors of ripe plums mixed with warm spices.
To make this jam, start by washing and pitting fresh plums.
Chop them up and mix with sugar in a large pot. Heat the mixture until the plums release their juices.
Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for that classic Christmas taste. Boil the mixture for about 15 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning.
For a thicker jam, you can add pectin near the end of cooking. Once it’s done, pour into sterilized jars. This jam makes a great homemade gift or addition to your Christmas breakfast table.
Pear and ginger jam is a tasty treat for your holiday table. To make it, peel and dice pears, then mince fresh ginger.
Put the pears, sugar, ginger, and lemon juice in a pot.
Cook over medium heat, stirring often. The mixture will thicken as it simmers.
For extra flavor, you can add ground cinnamon or candied ginger. Some recipes include apples for more texture.
Cook until the jam reaches your desired thickness. Pour into clean jars while hot. This jam makes a great gift or addition to your Christmas breakfast spread.
Vanilla bean peach jam brings a taste of summer to your Christmas table. This sweet and fragrant spread combines ripe peaches with vanilla for a delightful flavor.
To make it, chop peaches and mix them with sugar, lemon juice, and vanilla bean seeds.
Cook the mixture until it thickens, stirring often.
You can add a splash of bourbon for extra warmth if you like. Once ready, pour the jam into clean jars. It will keep in the fridge for a couple of weeks.
Spread this jam on toast, scones, or use it as a cake filling. You can also give jars as homemade Christmas gifts.
Orange marmalade is a classic Christmas jam that brings a bright, citrusy flavor to your holiday table. You can make it with fresh oranges, lemon, sugar, and water.
Start by slicing the oranges thinly and removing any seeds. Combine the fruit with water and sugar in a large pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer.
Stir occasionally as the marmalade cooks. It will take about 25-30 minutes to thicken. To check if it’s ready, place a small amount on a cold plate. If it sets and wrinkles when pushed, it’s done.
Once cooled, spread your homemade orange marmalade on toast or use it to glaze ham or chicken. You can also add it to yogurt or oatmeal for a festive breakfast treat.
Raspberry Chipotle Jam brings a spicy twist to your Christmas spread. This unique blend combines sweet raspberries with smoky chipotle peppers for a flavor explosion.
You can make this jam in an Instant Pot or on the stovetop. Mix raspberries, chipotle peppers, sugar, and lemon zest.
Add a splash of apple cider for extra depth.
Cook until thick and bubbly, stirring often. For a smoother texture, strain out the seeds. Let it cool before storing in jars.
This jam pairs well with cheese platters or as a glaze for meats. It also makes a great gift for heat-loving friends.
Blueberry lemon jam brings a burst of summer flavor to your Christmas table. This bright and tangy spread pairs wonderfully with warm scones or toast on chilly mornings.
To make it, you’ll need fresh or frozen blueberries, sugar, lemon juice, and lemon zest.
Mash the berries in a large pot, then add the other ingredients. Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often.
Once it reaches a rolling boil, continue cooking until it thickens. Test the consistency by putting a small amount on a cold plate. If it gels, your jam is ready.
Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars and process in a water bath canner. This ensures your jam stays fresh for months.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring often. It will thicken as it simmers. The jam is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
Pour the hot jam into clean jars, leaving some space at the top. Seal and process the jars to ensure they keep well. Your homemade Cherry Amaretto Jam makes a great gift or addition to your Christmas breakfast table.
Understanding Christmas Jam
Christmas jam is a festive preserve made with seasonal fruits and spices. It adds a special touch to holiday meals and makes a great homemade gift.
What Is Christmas Jam?
Christmas jam is a sweet spread made from fruits like cranberries, strawberries, and oranges. It often includes holiday spices such as cinnamon, cloves, and allspice.
The jam has a thick, spreadable texture and a rich, fruity flavor.
You can make Christmas jam by cooking fruit with sugar and pectin. Some recipes skip the pectin and rely on natural fruit pectin instead. The mixture is boiled until it thickens.
Christmas jam tastes great on toast, biscuits, and pancakes. You can also use it in baking or as a glaze for meats.
Origins and Traditions
Christmas jam started as a way to preserve summer fruits for winter enjoyment. It became linked to Christmas as people made special batches with holiday flavors.
Making Christmas jam is now a tradition in many families. People often give jars as gifts to friends and neighbors. Some communities hold Christmas jam swaps or sales.
In recent years, Christmas jam has become popular in artisanal food shops. You can find unique flavors like fig and port or cranberry and orange.
Tips for Making the Perfect Christmas Jam
Making Christmas jam requires attention to detail and the right techniques. Here are some key tips to help you create delicious homemade jam for the holidays.
Choosing the Right Fruits
Pick ripe, fresh fruits for the best flavor. Cranberries, strawberries, and raspberries work well for Christmas jams. Mix different fruits to create unique flavors.
Remove any bruised or overripe parts before using. Wash fruits thoroughly and pat dry.
Cut larger fruits into small, even pieces for consistent cooking. Leave small berries whole for texture.
Use a mix of sweet and tart fruits to balance the flavor. Add spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for a festive touch.
Preservation and Storage Tips
Sterilize jars and lids before filling with jam. Boil them in water for 10 minutes to kill bacteria.
Fill hot jars with hot jam, leaving 1/4 inch of space at the top. Wipe jar rims clean before sealing.
Process filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This creates an airtight seal for safe storage.
Label jars with the type of jam and date made. Store in a cool, dark place for up to a year.
Once opened, keep jam in the fridge and use within 3 months. Check for signs of spoilage before eating.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
