Spiced Christmas jam is a festive preserve that brings together traditional holiday spices with the rich, sweet flavors of winter fruits. Its origins lie in the custom of preserving fruits and spices as a way to enjoy their flavors throughout the colder months, particularly around Christmastime. This jam typically includes fruits like cranberries, apples, oranges, and sometimes pears, combined with warming spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. The tradition of making such preserves likely evolved from old European winter recipes where cooks used spices to add warmth and comfort to their foods when fresh fruit was scarce. Spiced Christmas jam became particularly popular in the 19th century as a seasonal treat, often given as a homemade gift, and it has remained a staple in many homes during the holidays.
The flavor profile of Spiced Christmas jam is both rich and complex. The sweetness of the fruits blends beautifully with the spices, creating a jam that’s sweet, tangy, and slightly spiced. Cranberries and oranges add a tartness that balances the sweetness of apples or pears, while the spices infuse the jam with a warm, cozy flavor. Cinnamon brings a deep, aromatic sweetness, nutmeg adds a subtle earthiness, and cloves give the jam a hint of peppery warmth. Depending on the recipe, some variations might include a splash of brandy or vanilla to add even more depth to the flavor. The result is a jam that captures the essence of Christmas in every bite.
Spiced Christmas jam has gained popularity not only for its taste but also for its versatility and festive appearance. It is often jarred in decorative containers, making it an ideal gift for family and friends. Its deep red hue and fragrant aroma evoke the holiday spirit, and it can be used in a variety of ways. Traditionally, this jam is spread on toast, English muffins, or scones, adding a sweet and spicy twist to breakfast. It also works well as a glaze for meats, particularly ham or turkey, and can be stirred into yogurt or oatmeal for a seasonal touch. Some even use it in baking, spreading it between cake layers or dolloping it onto pastries.
Spiced Christmas Jam
Ingredients
- 4 cups mixed berries. use a combination of cranberry’s, strawberries and raspberries
- 2 apples peeled, chopped and cored
- 1 Orange zested and juiced
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon Ginger
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 1.75 oz package fruit pectin (powdered or liquid, based on availability)
Instructions
- Wash the oranges thoroughly. Zest the oranges, then peel them, removing as much white pith as possible. Chop the orange flesh into small pieces, discarding any seeds, and set aside.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chopped oranges, mixed berries, apples, granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg. Stir well.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to bubble. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for about 10–15 minutes, or until the cranberries begin to pop, and the mixture thickens slightly.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Sprinkle in the pectin slowly, stirring continuously to avoid clumping.
- Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil. Boil hard for 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat. To check the consistency, place a small spoonful of jam on a chilled plate. Run your finger through it; if it wrinkles and holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s still too runny, return to a boil for another 1–2 minutes.
- Ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about ¼-inch of headspace. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp cloth, then seal with sterilized lids.
- Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed). Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for 24 hours.
- Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up
