Spiced Christmas Jam is the quintessence of holiday cheer in a jar, combining the heartwarming flavors of winter spices with the sweet-tart profiles of seasonal fruits. This jam, traditionally crafted in home kitchens, embodies the festive spirit, making it a perfect spread for holiday gatherings and a thoughtful, homemade gift.
Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe:
Ingredients:
4 cups finely chopped pitted peeled peaches or nectarines
2 cups finely chopped seeded orange
1 cup finely chopped cranberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
5 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 pouch (6 ounces) liquid fruit pectin
Instructions:
Combine Fruits and Spices: In a large, deep stainless steel saucepan, mix together peaches (or nectarines), orange, cranberries, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves.
Add Sugar and Water: Stir in the sugar and water thoroughly.
Boil the Mixture: Over high heat, bring the mixture to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Once boiling, add the liquid fruit pectin and continue to stir vigorously.
Boil and Skim: Return to a full rolling boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and skim off any foam.
Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims, place the lids, and screw on the bands until fingertip tight.
Process the Jars: Place the jars in a boiling water canner and process for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude if needed.
Cool Down: Remove the jars and let them cool on a rack for 24 hours. Check the seals before storing.
This Spiced Christmas Jam is a versatile delight, perfect for spreading on warm, buttery toast or as a filling in holiday pastries. It adds a gourmet touch to cheese platters, pairs exquisitely with soft cheeses, and can be a special addition to your holiday dessert spread