Discover the Perfect Holiday Spread! Recipe

If you want to bring a burst of homemade, fruity warmth to your festive table, look no further than this Christmas jam recipe that truly lets you Discover the Perfect Holiday Spread! With luscious strawberries and raspberries perfectly balanced by cozy spices, this jam is the kind of treat that transforms any toast, biscuit, or cheese board into a celebration. The natural sweetness combined with a hint of cinnamon and cloves creates a unique, unforgettable flavor that feels just right for the holidays and beyond.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple and wholesome ingredients are the heart of this jam, each playing a crucial role in building that classic holiday flavor profile. From fresh berries for vibrant color and natural sweetness to the spices that gently warm every bite, these ingredients harmonize beautifully to make a batch you’ll want to keep on hand all season long.

• Fresh strawberries (2 cups, hulled and chopped): These provide a juicy, sweet base and lovely red color that screams festive.
• Fresh raspberries (2 cups): Add tartness and depth, balancing the sweetness perfectly.
• Granulated sugar (4 cups): Essential for sweetness and helps the jam set to that perfect spreadable consistency.
• Lemon juice (1/4 cup, freshly squeezed): Brightens the flavors and aids in the natural gelling process.
• Pectin (1 package, 1.75 oz or 49 g): The magic ingredient that helps your jam reach that wonderfully thick texture.
• Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Infuses the jam with warm, comforting spice reminiscent of holiday treats.
• Ground cloves (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a subtle earthiness, rounding out the spice flavor beautifully.

How to Make Discover the Perfect Holiday Spread!

Step 1: Prepare Your Fruits

Begin by hulling and chopping your fresh strawberries into bite-size pieces and give your raspberries a gentle rinse. Prepping your fruits this way helps them break down evenly, ensuring a consistent texture and flavor throughout the jam.

Step 2: Mash the Fruits

Combine the strawberries and raspberries in a large mixing bowl and give them a good mash. This releases their juicy goodness and readies them for cooking. You want a somewhat chunky but mostly smooth mixture to create that ideal jam texture.

Step 3: Cook the Fruit Mixture

In a sturdy, large pot, pour in your mashed fruit, fresh lemon juice, and granulated sugar. Stir everything together then bring it up to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. This step dissolves the sugar and starts to thicken the mixture through natural pectin activation.

Step 4: Add Pectin and Spices

Once boiling, quickly stir in your pectin along with ground cinnamon and ground cloves. Keep stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes to blend the flavors and activate the pectin fully. This is key for achieving a jam that sets perfectly without being too stiff.

Step 5: Jar and Seal Your Jam

Carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about a 1/4 inch of headspace to allow for expansion. Seal the jars tightly with lids. If you want to store your jam safely for months, processing them in a boiling water bath for 5 to 10 minutes is ideal.

Step 6: Cool and Store

Allow the jars to cool completely at room temperature. As they cool, check that each jar has sealed properly—the lid should not pop up or down when pressed. Sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place until ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Discover the Perfect Holiday Spread!

Garnishes

Enhance your jam presentation with a sprig of fresh mint or a light dusting of powdered sugar on top. These simple touches add an inviting look and bring a burst of freshness that complements the warmth of the spices wonderfully.

Side Dishes

This jam shines alongside golden buttery scones, crisp toast, or even creamy brie cheese. It also pairs exceptionally well with roasted turkey or ham during holiday feasts, lending a sweet and spicy contrast that excites the palate.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the jar: serve this jam in small bowls as part of a festive breakfast spread or drizzle it over holiday yogurt parfaits. You can even swirl it into frosting for cupcakes, giving your dessert table a signature seasonal twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep opened jars of jam in the refrigerator where they will stay fresh for up to three weeks. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and ensure every taste is as delightful as the first.

Freezing

If you want to save your homemade Christmas jam for longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer jam into freezer-safe containers, leaving some space for expansion. Frozen jam can last up to six months and thaw beautifully without losing flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your jam gently over low heat if you want to loosen it up for drizzling or dipping. Avoid boiling after reheating to preserve the fresh fruit flavors and texture you worked so hard to achieve.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries instead of fresh for this recipe?

Absolutely! Frozen berries work well in jam making. Just thaw and drain any excess liquid before mashing to maintain the right consistency.

How long does the jam take to set properly?

After cooking, your jam should set within 24 hours as it cools. If it still seems runny, a little extra cooking time with added pectin can help.

Is it necessary to use pectin?

Pectin helps jams set more reliably and quickly, especially when using lower-pectin fruits like raspberries. Without it, your jam might be more like a fruit spread.

Can I adjust the sugar level to make it less sweet?

You can reduce sugar slightly, but keep in mind it also acts as a preservative and affects the texture. Cutting it too much may result in a looser jam and shorter shelf life.

How should I sterilize jars before canning?

Boil jars and lids in water for at least 10 minutes or run them through a dishwasher cycle on high heat to ensure they are sanitized and safe for canning.

Final Thoughts

I’m so excited for you to try this Christmas jam recipe and Discover the Perfect Holiday Spread! It’s such a cozy, flavorful way to celebrate the season, whether you’re gifting it or enjoying it yourself. Trust me, once you taste that perfect blend of berries and spices, you’ll be hooked every holiday to come.

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