Go Back
To make the Festive Spiced Christmas Jam, gather these fresh and simple ingredients: - 4 cups mixed berries (a delightful combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice - Zest of 1 medium orange - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice - 1 pouch fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell) Each ingredient plays a vital role. The mixed berries give a bright flavor and lovely color. The sugar helps to sweeten the jam and aids in the gel formation. Fresh orange juice and zest add a zesty kick, while the ground spices bring warmth. Pure vanilla extract enhances the overall taste, creating a comforting aroma. Lemon juice adds balance and brightness, and fruit pectin ensures your jam sets perfectly. This combination of ingredients makes your jam not just tasty but festive and vibrant. I love how these flavors come together to create a treat that’s perfect for holiday gifting or spreading on toast. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Mashing the Berries Start by gathering your mixed berries. Use a fork or a potato masher to mash them gently. You want to release some juice but keep some berry pieces intact. This gives your jam texture and makes it fun to eat. - Adding Sugar and Spices Next, stir in the granulated sugar, fresh orange juice, and orange zest. Add ground cinnamon, ground ginger, and ground nutmeg. Don't forget the pure vanilla extract! Let this mixture sit for about 10-15 minutes. This waiting time helps the sugar pull out the juicy goodness from the berries. - Combining Ingredients and Heating After your mixture has rested, add the lemon juice and fruit pectin. Stir well to mix everything evenly. Place the pot on medium-high heat. Bring it to a rapid boil, stirring often to avoid sticking. - Testing for Consistency Once boiling, let the jam cook for around 10-15 minutes. To check if it's ready, drop a spoonful onto a cold plate. Wait a minute. If it holds its shape, your jam is done! If it’s still runny, boil for a few more minutes and test again. - Transferring to Jars Remove the pot from heat and let your jam cool for about 5 minutes. Carefully pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, filling them to about 1/4 inch from the top. - Optional Canning Process Seal the jars tightly with their lids. For longer shelf life, you can process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. This step is optional but highly recommended. Let the jam cool completely at room temperature after processing. By following these steps, you’ll create a sweet and festive delight that warms the heart and home during the holidays. How to Test Consistency To test your jam's texture, use a cold plate. Drop a spoonful of jam on it. Wait a minute, then run your finger through it. If it holds a line, it’s ready. If not, boil it a bit longer. This method gives you a simple way to check. Avoiding Burnt Jam Stir often while cooking your jam. This keeps the mixture from sticking to the pot. Use a heavy-bottomed pot to help with even heat. If you notice the jam starting to stick, reduce the heat. This helps prevent that burnt taste we all dislike. Adding Extra Spices Want a bolder flavor? Try adding more spices. A pinch of allspice or cloves can elevate your jam. You can also play with the amounts of cinnamon and ginger. Start small and taste as you go. Using Different Fruit Combinations Feel free to mix and match fruits. Peaches, cherries, or even apples can work well. Just keep the total amount of fruit the same. This way, your jam stays thick and flavorful. Experimenting can lead to exciting new flavors! Pro Tips Choose Ripe Berries: Select fresh, ripe berries for the best flavor. Overripe berries can lead to a mushy texture in your jam. Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the sugar level based on your taste preferences or the natural sweetness of the berries. Test for Doneness: Always perform the cold plate test to ensure your jam has reached the desired consistency before removing it from the heat. Storage Tips: If you plan to store your jam for a long time, make sure to sterilize your jars properly and consider water bath processing for better preservation. {{image_4}} You can make a wine-infused version of this jam. Simply add 1/2 cup of red or white wine to the berry mixture. The wine adds a rich flavor. It pairs well with the spices and berries. Choose a wine you enjoy drinking. This twist creates a festive taste perfect for holiday gatherings. If you're looking for a low-sugar option, try using natural sweeteners. You can use honey or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Use about 1 to 1.5 cups of sweetener for this recipe. This change helps to keep the jam sweet while reducing sugar. Just remember, natural sweeteners might alter the jam’s texture slightly. For a spiced citrus jam, add different citrus fruits. Try lemon, lime, or grapefruit zest along with orange. You can mix and match to find your perfect flavor. This adds bright notes and a fresh twist. The extra citrus balances well with the spices and berries. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of the citrus you choose. You can store your festive spiced Christmas jam in two ways: refrigeration or canning. - Refrigeration: If you plan to eat the jam quickly, just keep it in the fridge. It lasts about 3 weeks. The cold helps maintain its flavor and texture. - Canning: For longer storage, canning is best. Process the sealed jars in boiling water for 5-10 minutes. This method can extend shelf life to about a year. Once canned, store the jars in a cool, dark place. Always check the seals before use. If a lid pops when pressed, discard it. Choosing the right jar is key to jam storage. - Recommended Jar Types: Use glass canning jars with tight-fitting lids. Mason jars are a great choice. They come in various sizes, allowing you to store small or large batches. - Labeling Tips: Always label your jars with the jam name and date made. This helps you track freshness. Use waterproof labels or tape to avoid smudging. Yes, you can use frozen berries. They work well in jam. However, frozen berries may change the texture a bit. When you thaw them, they can turn softer. This can make your jam more liquid. If you want a thicker jam, you can add a bit more fruit pectin. The flavor will still be great! Homemade jam can last up to one year if stored properly. Keep it in a cool, dark place. Once opened, store it in the fridge. Use opened jam within three weeks for the best taste. Make sure your jars are clean and sealed tightly. This will help keep the jam fresh longer. You can use this jam in many ways. It's perfect on toast or scones. Try it with yogurt or ice cream for a sweet treat. You can also use it as a filling for pastries. For a fun twist, mix it into oatmeal or spread it on pancakes. The flavor pairs well with cheese, too! You learned how to make a delicious jam using mixed berries and spices. From preparing the berry mixture to canning your jam, each step helps create a tasty treat. Keep in mind the tips for perfect texture and unique flavors. You can even try wine-infused or low-sugar options. Store your jam properly, and it will last longer. Making your own jam is easy and fun. Enjoy it on toast, desserts, or in your favorite recipes!

Festive Spiced Christmas Jam

A delightful jam made with mixed berries and warm spices, perfect for the holiday season.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 100 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 cups mixed berries (a delightful combination of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 medium orange zest
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1 pouch fruit pectin (such as Sure-Jell)

Instructions
 

  • In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the mixed berries. Using a fork or potato masher, gently mash the berries until they release some juices, but do not purée them completely.
  • Stir in the sugar, fresh orange juice, orange zest, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Allow the mixture to sit for about 10-15 minutes; this helps the sugar draw out the juices from the berries, enhancing the flavor.
  • After the resting period, add the lemon juice and fruit pectin to the berry mixture. Stir thoroughly until the pectin is fully incorporated and evenly distributed.
  • Place the pot over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a rapid boil while stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Once the jam reaches a rolling boil, continue cooking for about 10-15 minutes. Keep an eye on the mixture, as it should thicken to a gel-like consistency.
  • To check if your jam is ready, drop a small spoonful onto a cold plate. Let it cool for a minute; if it holds its shape upon testing, it’s ready. If it’s still runny, continue boiling for a few more minutes before testing again.
  • Remove the pot from heat and allow the jam to cool slightly for about 5 minutes. Carefully transfer the hot jam into sterilized jars, filling each jar to about 1/4 inch from the top.
  • Once all jars are filled, seal them tightly with their lids. If you wish to preserve your jam effectively, process the sealed jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes. This step is optional but recommended for longer shelf life. Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature after processing.

Notes

Tote your festive jam in colorful jars tied with twine and adorned with a sprig of rosemary or a small cinnamon stick for a beautiful holiday gift or table centerpiece!
Keyword berries, holiday, jam, spiced