Christmas Red Jam is a festive, jewel-toned preserve that captures the sweet, tart flavors of the holiday season — typically made with a mix of red berries, cherries, cranberries, and sometimes spices for warmth. It’s perfect for gifting, spreading on toast, serving with cheese, or spooning over cheesecake. 🎄🍓🍒
🎁 Christmas Red Jam Recipe
📝 Ingredients
(Makes about 6 half-pint jars)
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2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries, hulled and halved
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2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
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1 cup cherries, pitted (fresh or frozen; sweet or tart)
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1/4 cup lemon juice
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1 tbsp orange zest (optional, but adds holiday citrus flavor)
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1 box (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell or Ball)
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5 cups granulated sugar
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1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional for a spiced version)
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1/4 tsp ground cloves or nutmeg (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
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Prep jars:
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Sterilize jars and lids according to proper canning procedures if you’re planning to preserve them. (If using immediately or refrigerating, clean jars are fine.)
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Cook fruit:
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In a large pot, combine strawberries, cranberries, cherries, lemon juice, and orange zest.
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Bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for about 10–12 minutes, until cranberries pop and the mixture softens.
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Mash or blend:
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Use a potato masher for a chunky texture, or blend partially with an immersion blender for a smoother jam.
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Add pectin:
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Stir in the pectin and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (one that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred).
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Add sugar:
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Stir in the sugar all at once, along with spices if using.
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Return to a boil and cook for 1–2 more minutes, stirring constantly. Skim off foam if needed.
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Jar it up:
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Ladle hot jam into warm jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace.
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Wipe rims, add lids and rings.
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Process (if canning):
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Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if needed).
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Let jars cool and check for seals.
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❄️ Storage
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Sealed jars: Store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
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Unsealed jars or leftovers: Keep in the fridge for up to 3 weeks.
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Freezer jam option: Skip water bath and freeze cooled jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
🎄 Ways to Use Christmas Red Jam
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Spread on toast, scones, or biscuits
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Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
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Spooned over cheesecake or ice cream
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Paired with brie or cream cheese for a holiday appetizer
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Jarred and wrapped as a holiday gift with a ribbon and tag
Want a low-sugar version, or to turn this into a cranberry-pepper jam for a sweet-spicy twist?
