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Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan (for cooking the jam)
- Wooden spoon or spatula (for stirring)
- Mason jars or small glass jars (for storing the jam)
- Canning funnel (optional, for easy jar filling)
- Candy thermometer (optional, to ensure the right consistency)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
- Rinse and Prepare: Start by rinsing the cranberries under cool water. Peel, core, and chop the apple into small pieces. Zest and juice the orange, keeping both the zest and juice aside.
Step 2: Cook the Jam
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the cranberries, apple, orange juice, orange zest, water, cinnamon, cloves, and ginger.
- Cook the Mixture: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. As it heats, the cranberries will begin to pop, and the fruits will soften.
- Add the Sugar and Simmer: Once the fruits have softened and the cranberries are bursting, add the sugar to the mixture. Stir well, and reduce the heat to low, allowing the jam to simmer for about 15-20 minutes.
- Check Consistency: Use a spoon to check the consistency. If the jam has thickened to your liking, you’re ready to go. If it’s too thin, continue simmering until it reaches your desired thickness. (For precision, a candy thermometer should read 220°F when the jam is set.)
Step 3: Jar the Jam
- Transfer to Jars: Carefully spoon the hot jam into clean jars. If you’re planning to gift the jam, consider using decorative jars.
- Let Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, seal and store in the refrigerator for up to three weeks.
Tips for Making Perfect Christmas Jam
- Balance Sweetness: Adjust the sugar according to your taste. Cranberries can be quite tart, so you may want to add more or less sugar depending on your preferences.
- Consistency Tip: If your jam isn’t setting properly, you can add a little bit of pectin or simmer it longer until it thickens.
- Spice Variations: Customize your jam by adding a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or even a dash of vanilla extract for a unique twist on holiday flavors.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Store the jam in sealed jars in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Freezing: You can freeze the jam in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave some space in the container to allow for expansion.
- Long-Term Storage: If you want to preserve the jam longer, you can use a water bath canning method, which will allow it to stay shelf-stable for up to a year.
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