Description
This Crockpot Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful fruit spread made with fresh cranberries, strawberries, and apples, infused with warm spices and orange zest. Slow-cooked in a crockpot, this jam develops a rich, thick texture and sweet-tart flavor perfect for holiday breakfasts, snacks, or gifts.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 2 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups chopped strawberries
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
Sweeteners
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar, packed
Spices and Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- Zest of 1 orange
Thickener
- 1 packet (1.75 oz) fruit pectin (like Sure-Jell)
Instructions
- Prepare Fruits: Rinse the cranberries thoroughly and remove any stems or damaged berries. Chop the strawberries and apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot, add cranberries, strawberries, chopped apples, sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, orange juice, and orange zest. Stir well to evenly coat the fruits with sugars and spices.
- Add Pectin: Sprinkle the fruit pectin over the mixture, but do not stir yet. Let it sit on top for 5-10 minutes to allow the pectin to dissolve slightly for better gelling.
- Mix Thoroughly: Gently stir the mixture until the pectin is fully integrated and everything is well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and set it on low heat. Cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking, until the fruit breaks down and the jam thickens.
- Adjust Texture: Check the consistency of the jam. If a smoother texture is desired, use a potato masher or immersion blender to blend the jam to preferred smoothness.
- Cool Slightly: Turn off the crockpot and allow the jam to cool for about 30 minutes to thicken further and cool down before jarring.
- Jar the Jam: Pour the jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving some headspace. Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool completely at room temperature before storing in the refrigerator.
- Enjoy: Your Crockpot Christmas Jam is now ready to serve and enjoy as a delicious holiday treat!
Notes
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best flavor and texture.
- Stirring occasionally during cooking prevents the jam from burning or sticking to the crockpot.
- Adjust the sugar quantity if you prefer a less sweet jam.
- If you don’t have fruit pectin, the jam will still cook but may be less firm.
- Store the jam refrigerated and use within 2-3 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- For gift jars, sterilize jars properly by boiling them and drying completely.
