Spiced Christmas Jam Recipe

Instructions for Making Spiced Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

1. Chop the Fruits: Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples and pears into small pieces. If you’re using fresh cranberries, rinse them and set them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Fruit Mixture

2. Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, pears, cranberries, granulated sugar, brown sugar, lemon juice, and all the spices.
3. Cook the Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring it to a simmer, stirring frequently. Allow the mixture to cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until the fruits start to soften.

Step 3: Add Pectin

4. Add Pectin: Once the fruit mixture is simmering, sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture and stir well to combine. Continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the jam thickens.

Step 4: Test the Consistency

5. Check for Thickness: To test the consistency, drop a spoonful of jam onto a cold plate. Let it sit for a minute, then push it with your finger; if it holds its shape, it’s ready to be jarred.

Step 5: Jar the Jam

6. Prepare Jars: Sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or running them through the dishwasher.
7. Fill the Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top. Wipe the rims with a clean cloth to ensure a proper seal.
8. Seal and Process: Place the lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are fingertip-tight. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.

Step 6: Cool and Store

9. Cool Down: Remove the jars from the water bath and place them on a clean kitchen towel or cooling rack. Let them cool completely at room temperature.
10. Store: Once cooled, check the seals by pressing down in the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, it’s sealed correctly. Store the jam in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Refrigerate any unsealed jars and consume within a few weeks.

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Kitchen Equipment Needed

To prepare Spiced Christmas Jam, you’ll need:

• Large pot
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Ladle
• Canning jars and lids
• Boiling water canner or large pot with a lid
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sterilizing tools (optional: dishwasher or boiling water)

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Tips for Perfect Jam

• Use Seasonal Fruits: Feel free to experiment with different fruits such as peaches, plums, or even citrus to create unique variations of this jam.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before adding all the sugar. Depending on the ripeness of the fruit, you might want to adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a spicier jam, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for an extra kick.

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Storing and Gifting Your Jam

This Spiced Christmas Jam makes a wonderful gift. Here are some tips for storing and gifting:

1. Gift Presentation: Decorate the jar lids with festive fabric or twine, and attach a label with the jam’s name and date made.
2. Storage: Store the sealed jars in a cool, dark pantry. Once opened, keep the jam in the refrigerator and use it within a few weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy your Spiced Christmas Jam in a variety of ways:

• On Toast or Biscuits: Spread it on warm toast or freshly baked biscuits for a delightful breakfast treat.
• With Cheese: Pair it with cheese and crackers for an elegant appetizer at your holiday gatherings.
• In Baking: Use it as a filling in pastries, muffins, or cakes for a festive twist.

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