Mouthwatering Christmas Cranberry Orange Jam Recipe

Introduction

This mouthwatering Christmas cranberry orange jam perfectly balances tart cranberries and sweet, zesty oranges, enhanced with warming spices. It’s an easy homemade treat that brings festive flavor to your holiday table or makes a thoughtful gift.

Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 medium sweet oranges, peeled and sectioned
• 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice (about 1 orange)
• 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 whole orange)
• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Step 1: Thoroughly wash one orange, then zest and juice it to yield about 1 cup of fresh orange juice. Wash the cranberries under cold running water. Peel the two sweet oranges, removing any white pith, then section and cut them into smaller pieces for even cooking.
2. Step 2: In a saucepan, combine the washed cranberries, prepared orange pieces, orange zest, and orange juice. Add the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Stir well to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir every 2-3 minutes, pressing on the cranberries gently to help them burst and release their juices. Simmer for 15-20 minutes until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Taste and adjust spices if desired.
4. Step 4: Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, filling them to the brim. Cover with lids immediately to create an airtight seal. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing.

Tips & Variations

• For a smoother jam, pulse the cooked mixture briefly in a blender or use an immersion blender before jarring.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cloves to deepen the flavor profile.
• Use blood oranges for a more intense color and slightly different citrus taste.
• If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the sugar by 1/4 cup and adjust to taste.

Storage

Store the sealed jam jars in a cool, dark place for up to 3 months. Once opened, keep refrigerated and use within 2-3 weeks. To reheat, gently warm small amounts on the stove or in the microwave, stirring before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work fine. Thaw them before cooking and drain any excess water for best results.

How can I tell when the jam is done?

The jam is ready when it thickens to a spreadable consistency and you see it coat the back of a spoon. Cooling also helps set the texture, so jars may appear softer while hot.

Mouthwatering Christmas Cranberry Orange Jam Recipe

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4.8 from 69 reviews

This mouthwatering Christmas Cranberry Orange Jam combines the tartness of fresh cranberries with the bright citrus flavor of sweet oranges, enhanced by warm spices like cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg. Perfect for holiday breakfasts or as a delicious homemade gift, this jam is easy to prepare on the stovetop and captures the festive spirit in every jar.

• Author: Dana
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: About 4 cups (approximately 2 standard 8 oz jars) 1x
• Category: Condiment
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit Ingredients

• 4 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 medium sweet oranges, peeled and sectioned
• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed from 1 orange)
• 1 tbsp orange zest (about 1 whole orange)

Spices and Sweeteners

• 2 cups white sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Instructions

1. Prepare the Oranges and Cranberries: Thoroughly wash one orange, then zest it and juice it to yield about 1 cup of freshly squeezed juice. Wash the cranberries under cold running water. Peel the two oranges carefully, removing any white pith, then section and cut them into smaller pieces to ensure even cooking.
2. Combine Ingredients in Saucepan: Place the washed cranberries, prepared orange pieces, orange zest, and orange juice into a saucepan. Add the white sugar, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Stir everything together well to evenly distribute the flavors.
3. Cook the Jam: Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low. Stir every 2-3 minutes, gently pressing on the cranberries so they burst and release their juices. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. Taste and adjust spices if needed.
4. Jar and Seal the Cranberry Orange Jam: Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilised jars, filling up to the brim. Cover the jars immediately with their lids to create an airtight seal. Let the jars cool completely before storing.

Notes

• Use freshly squeezed orange juice and zest for the best flavor impact.
• Pressing the cranberries gently while cooking helps release natural pectin for thickening.
• Make sure to use sterilised jars to ensure the jam stores safely.
• Adjust spices according to taste preferences after cooking but before jarring.
• This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, cheese boards, or as a festive glaze for meats.

Keywords: Christmas jam, cranberry orange jam, holiday preserves, stovetop jam, homemade jam, Christmas recipes, festive jam