The holiday season is a time for sharing love and warmth with family and friends.
What better way to spread joy than by presenting them with a jar of homemade cranberry-pineapple jam? Bursting with the tangy goodness of cranberries and the tropical sweetness of pineapple, this jam is a delightful culinary creation that will surely bring smiles to the faces of your loved ones. In this article, we'll guide you through the simple steps to create this festive jam, perfect for gifting or for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your own table.
Ingredients:
- - 3 1/2 cups cranberries (stems removed)
- - 2 cups water
- - 1 can (1 lb. 4 oz.) crushed pineapple, undrained
- - 8 cups sugar
- - 1/2 bottle liquid pectin
Instructions:
1. Begin by measuring out the cranberries and removing any stems. If using a blender, pulse the cranberries until they reach a finely ground consistency. Alternatively, you can put them through a food grinder.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the ground cranberries and water. Cook over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing the cranberries to soften.
3. Add the crushed pineapple, including the syrup, to the saucepan with the cranberries. Stir in the sugar and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Allow the mixture to boil for an additional 2 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
5. Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully add the liquid pectin. Stir well to ensure the pectin is thoroughly incorporated into the jam.
6. Let the jam stand for about 25 minutes to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld together.
7. While the jam is cooling, prepare your jelly jars by washing them with hot, soapy water and sterilizing them. Ensure the jars and lids are clean and dry.
8. Once the jam has cooled slightly, carefully pour it into the prepared jelly jars, leaving a small amount of headspace at the top.
9. Seal the jars tightly with their lids, ensuring a secure fit.
10. To preserve the jam for longer periods, follow proper canning procedures, such as water bath canning, or store the sealed jars in the refrigerator for immediate use.
Sharing the Festive Flavor:
Now that you have jars of delightful cranberry-pineapple jam, here are some wonderful ways to enjoy and share this holiday treat:
1. Spread a generous dollop of the jam on warm buttered toast or freshly baked biscuits for a delightful breakfast or snack.
2. Use the jam as a filling for homemade pastries, such as thumbprint cookies or turnovers, for a burst of festive flavor.
3. Pair the cranberry-pineapple jam with a selection of artisan cheeses and crackers for a delectable holiday cheese board.
4. Enhance your holiday glazes and sauces by incorporating a spoonful of this jam into recipes for roasted meats like ham or turkey.
5. Present jars of this homemade cranberry-pineapple jam as thoughtful gifts during the holiday season, accompanied by a heartfelt note or personalized label.
With its vibrant flavors and festive appeal, homemade cranberry-pineapple jam embodies the spirit of the holiday season.
Whether you choose to enjoy it yourself or share it with loved ones, this delightful jam is sure to bring a touch of joy and sweetness to your holiday celebrations. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the holiday spirit, and savor the taste of this homemade cranberry-pineapple jam—one jar at a time.
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