Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam combines the sweetness of strawberries with the tartness of cranberries, creating a bright and flavorful preserve with a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes. This jam is enhanced with warming spices, making it an ideal spread for the holiday season.

The jam can be spread on toast, served with cheeses, or used as a topping for desserts like cakes and ice cream. It’s often packaged as a thoughtful gift during the holiday season, making it a popular homemade treat for Christmas celebrations.

Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 6 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 5 cups granulated sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (helps balance the tartness)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon orange zest (optional, for extra citrusy depth)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for added warmth)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruit:
   • Thaw the frozen strawberries.
   • Rinse the cranberries
   • Puree the strawberries with the cranberries using a food processor. I found added both fruit helped the cranberries puree a little easier.
2. Cook the fruit:
   • In a large saucepan, combine the strawberries and cranberries. Add the sugar. Cook over medium heat and bring to a boil.
   • Once the mixture starts to simmer, add the spices.
3. Add the sugar and spices:
   • Stir in the , cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and orange zest (if using). Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning. The mixture will start to thicken as it cooks down.
   • Remove from the heat and add the fruit pectin.
4. Cook the jam:
   • Let the jam return to a boil for another minute, stirring constantly. .
5. Add vanilla extract (optional):
   • Once the jam has boiled, stir in the vanilla extract for a warm, aromatic flavor boost.
6. Jar the jam:
   • Sterilize your jars by boiling them in water for 10 minutes, or by running them through a dishwasher cycle.
   • Carefully spoon the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth before sealing the jars with lids.
7. Seal and cool:
   • If you want to preserve the jam long-term, you can process the jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes to ensure they seal properly. Alternatively, you can store the jam in the fridge for up to 3-4 weeks or freeze it for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions:

• Spread on toast or scones for a festive breakfast or brunch.
• Use as a topping for cream cheese or goat cheese on crackers for a holiday appetizer.
• Spoon over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake for a delicious dessert.

This Strawberry and Cranberry Christmas Jam is a perfect homemade gift, too. It captures the flavors of the season and adds a personal, heartfelt touch to your holiday celebrations. Enjoy!