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This festive Christmas jam made in a crockpot is bursting with seasonal flavors, blending tart cranberries, sweet strawberries, warming spices, and just the right touch of citrus. Perfect for gifting, spreading on toast, or enhancing your holiday breakfast table, it’s a simple yet magical recipe that captures the spirit of the season.
The first time I made this jam, it fragranced my entire home with warm holiday aromas, and now I keep it on my must-make Christmas list every year!
Ingredients
- For the Fruit Base: Cranberries fresh or frozen to provide that signature holiday tartness.
- Strawberries: Washed and hulled if fresh to balance the tart cranberries with natural sweetness.
- For Sweetening: Granulated Sugar for sweetness and texture.
- Light Brown Sugar: Packed for a touch of caramel-like depth.
- For the Spice Blend: Ground Allspice for its warm holiday spice notes.
- Ground Cinnamon: To add sweetness and coziness.
- Ground Ginger: For a hint of spice and brightness.
- For Brightness: Optional Citrus like orange zest or lemon juice to add a zesty kick that elevates the berry flavors.
How To Make Christmas Jam Crockpot
- Prepare the Fruit Mixture:
- Combine cranberries, strawberries, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, ground allspice, ground cinnamon, and ground ginger in your crockpot. Stir everything together gently to coat the fruit in the sugar and spices.
- Cook the Jam:
- Cover the crockpot and cook the mixture on high for 4 hours. Stir it halfway through cooking to prevent anything from sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Blend for Consistence:
- Once the 4 hours are up, use an immersion blender to pulse the jam. Blend until the mixture achieves a thick, spreadable consistency according to your preference.
- Jar the Jam:
- Fill clean jars with the warm jam mixture. Wipe any excess from the rims of the jars and secure the lids lightly.
- Cool and Refrigerate:
- Let the jars cool at room temperature for about an hour. Once cooled, transfer them to the refrigerator where the jam will thicken as it chills.
I particularly love the hint of ginger in this jam – my grandmother always said ginger was the key to experiencing warmth in every bite. It reminds me of her holiday kitchen brimming with laughter and cheer.
Storage Tips
Store your jam in clean, airtight jars and refrigerate for up to two weeks. If you wish to preserve it longer, consider freezing in freezer-safe containers or sterilizing jars for canning.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap light brown sugar with coconut sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor. If fresh strawberries are out of season, use frozen ones. To reduce sugar, use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup but adjust the quantity to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Spread it on warm toast, add a festive touch to a cheese platter, or swirl a spoonful into Greek yogurt for an easy holiday breakfast. This jam also makes an excellent gift when packaged in decorative jars!
Cultural and Historical Context
Cranberries are an iconic holiday fruit in North America, symbolizing the festive spirit and flavors of Christmas. This recipe combines that tradition with strawberries and spices for a twist on classic holiday preserves.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use frozen cranberries for this jam?
Yes, frozen cranberries work perfectly for this jam. Just ensure they’re properly rinsed before adding them to the crockpot.
- → Can I substitute the strawberries with a different fruit?
Absolutely! You can try raspberries or cherries for a different flavor twist that pairs well with cranberries.
- → How long can I store this jam?
When stored in clean, sealed jars in the refrigerator, this jam can last up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider proper canning methods.
- → Do I need an immersion blender to make the jam smooth?
No, but using an immersion blender is the easiest way to create a smooth, spreadable consistency. Alternately, you can use a regular blender in batches.
- → Can I add more spices or adjust the sweetness?
Of course! Feel free to experiment with spices like nutmeg or clove and adjust the sugar quantities to suit your taste preference.
- → What should I serve this Christmas jam with?
It’s versatile! Spread it on toast, biscuits, or as a topping for pancakes or baked brie. It’s also a lovely gift idea!