Christmas Red Jam
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For generations, this ruby-red jam has been a holiday staple. Bright cranberries and raspberries mingle with orange zest and a hint of cinnamon, creating a flavor that’s perfectly balanced—sweet, tart, and warmly spiced.
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Spread it on toast or scones, swirl it into yogurt, or package it in little jars tied with ribbon for the prettiest edible gift of the season. Best of all, it comes together in under an hour with just five simple ingredients.
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🌟 Why You’ll Love It
- ✅ Only 5 ingredients—no pectin, no canning fuss
- ✅ Ready in 45 minutes—mostly hands-off simmering
- ✅ Naturally vegan & gluten-free
- ✅ No special equipment needed
- ✅ Makes a thoughtful homemade gift
Christmas Red Jam
📝 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cranberries (fresh/frozen) | 12 oz (340 g) | — |
| Raspberries (fresh/frozen) | 6 oz (170 g) | Or red currants for extra tartness |
| Granulated sugar | 1½ cups | Adjust to taste |
| Orange (zest + juice) | 1 orange (~¼ cup juice) | Zest is essential for aroma |
| Cinnamon stick | 1 | Or ¼ tsp ground cinnamon |
| Optional: Grand Marnier/bourbon | 1 tbsp | Adds depth of flavor |
🍊 Pro tip: Don’t skip the orange zest—it’s the secret to this jam’s festive brightness.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Simmer the Fruit
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, raspberries, sugar, orange juice, zest, and cinnamon.
- Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
2. Cook to Jammy Perfection
- Reduce heat to low and simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- It’s ready when:
- Cranberries have burst
- Mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon
- A spoonful gels slightly when cooled on a plate
💡 Slow simmering deepens flavor and prevents burning.
3. Finish & Jar
- Remove cinnamon stick. Stir in Grand Marnier if using.
- Mash lightly for smoother jam, or leave chunky.
- Ladle hot jam into clean jars. Cool, seal, and refrigerate.
🎁 For gifting: Use 4-oz jars, wipe rims clean, and dress with festive lids or fabric covers.
🍯 Tips for Jam Success
- Frozen berries work beautifully—they’re picked at peak ripeness.
- Adjust sweetness: add sugar for tart berries, or lemon juice if too sweet.
- No pectin needed—cranberries naturally set the jam.
- Yields about 3 cups (6–8 small jars).
- Storage: 3 weeks in the fridge, 3 months in the freezer.
🍴 Delicious Ways to Enjoy
- Classic: Spread on buttered toast or scones with clotted cream
- Holiday breakfast: Swirl into oatmeal or yogurt
- Cheese board star: Pair with brie, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar
- Dessert upgrade: Swirl into cheesecake, thumbprint cookies, or ice cream
- Savory twist: Brush over roasted pork or chicken in the last 10 minutes of cooking
✨ This jam is more than a recipe—it’s a tradition, a gift, and a spoonful of holiday cheer.
