Captivating Creations: Unleash the Magic of Homemade Holiday Cranberry Jam
As the holiday season approaches, it's the perfect time to add a touch of festive flair to your culinary creations.
This homemade holiday cranberry jam combines the tartness of fresh cranberries, the zesty essence of oranges, and the lusciousness of strawberries, resulting in a delightful spread that captures the spirit of the season. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to create this vibrant and delicious holiday cranberry jam that will brighten up your breakfast table or make for a thoughtful homemade gift.
Ingredients:
- - 2 cups fresh cranberries
- - 1 medium orange
- - 1/2 cup water
- - 3 cups sugar
- - 1 (10 oz.) package frozen strawberries, thawed and crushed
- - 1/4 bottle liquid fruit pectin
Instructions:
1. Begin by finely chopping or grinding the cranberries. Set them aside.
2. Cut the orange into quarters and remove the seeds. Grind the orange quarters to a fine consistency.
3. In a large kettle, combine the chopped cranberries, ground orange, water, sugar, and crushed strawberries.
4. Cook the mixture over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent sticking.
5. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Stir constantly.
6. Once the mixture reaches a rolling boil, continue boiling hard for 1 minute, ensuring you stir constantly.
7. Remove the kettle from heat and carefully stir in the liquid fruit pectin. Skim off any foam that forms on the surface.
8. Stir the jam for 4 to 5 minutes to help distribute the fruit and pectin evenly.
9. Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/8 inch of headspace at the top.
10. Cover the jars with a 1/8 inch layer of paraffin wax to create a seal. Alternatively, you can use canning lids and follow proper canning procedures for long-term storage.
11. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Savoring the Holiday Cranberry Jam:
Here are some delightful ways to enjoy your homemade holiday cranberry jam:
1. Spread the jam generously on toasted bread, bagels, or English muffins for a delightful breakfast treat.
2. Use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies or as a topping for cheesecakes and tarts.
3. Pair the jam with a variety of cheeses to create a festive cheese platter for holiday entertaining.
4. Incorporate the jam into your holiday baking by using it as a glaze for roasted meats or as a filling for pastries.
5. Package the jars of holiday cranberry jam with a ribbon and personalized label for a thoughtful homemade gift.
With its vibrant colors and harmonious blend of cranberries, oranges, and strawberries, homemade holiday cranberry jam is a delightful addition to your seasonal festivities.
Whether you're indulging in a cozy breakfast or creating culinary delights for holiday gatherings, this jam is sure to bring a burst of flavor and festive cheer. So, gather your ingredients, embrace the holiday spirit, and savor the deliciousness of this homemade holiday cranberry jam—one jar at a time.
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