Christmas Jam (Pectin Version)
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: Approximately 14 half pint jars
Description: This delightful Christmas Jam recipe, adapted from Taste of Home magazine, is a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Bursting with the festive flavors of strawberries and cranberries, this jam is sweet, tangy, and oh-so-delicious. ππ
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds fresh strawberries
- 1 pound fresh cranberries
- 5 cups granulated sugar
- 2 packets pectin
Instructions:
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Prepare the Berries: Begin by washing and hulling 2 pounds of fresh strawberries. Then, using a food processor, grind the berries until smooth. Similarly, prepare 1 pound of fresh cranberries.
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Combine Ingredients: Transfer the processed strawberries and cranberries into a large stockpot. Add 5 cups of granulated sugar and 2 packets of pectin to the pot. Stir well to ensure that the sugar and pectin evenly coat the berries.
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Boil the Mixture: Place the stockpot over medium-high heat and bring the berry mixture to a full, rolling boil. It’s crucial to keep an eye on the pot and stir continuously to prevent burning. Once boiling, set a timer and let the mixture boil for exactly 1 minute.
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Cool the Jam: After 1 minute of boiling, remove the pot from the heat immediately. Allow the jam to cool for 5 minutes, using a timer to ensure accuracy. During this time, any foam that has risen to the top can be skimmed off using a spoon.
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Prepare Jars for Canning: While the jam is cooling, prepare your canning jars. Wash them thoroughly with hot, soapy water, then sterilize them by boiling in a large pot of water for at least 10 minutes. Keep the jars hot until ready to use.
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Fill the Jars: Carefully pour the hot jam into the prepared, hot canning jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top of each jar to allow for expansion during processing.
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Process in Water Bath: Once filled, securely seal each jar with a lid and ring. Place the jars in a hot water canning bath, ensuring they are fully submerged. Process the jars for 15 minutes, maintaining a gentle boil throughout the process.
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Cool and Seal: After processing, carefully remove the jars from the water bath using sterile canning tongs. Place them upside down on a clean towel to cool overnight. As the jars cool, you should hear the satisfying “pop” sound of the lids sealing properly.
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Enjoy Your Christmas Jam: Once cooled, store the sealed jars in a cool, dark place. This delicious jam makes a wonderful gift for friends and family during the holiday season, or simply enjoy it spread on toast, scones, or paired with your favorite cheeses. ππ
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 671.6
- Fat: 0.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 3.2mg
- Carbohydrates: 173g
- Fiber: 3.5g
- Sugar: 167.3g
- Protein: 0.7g
Keywords: Berries, Fruit, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Christmas, Sweet, Canning, Easy, < 60 Mins
This delightful Christmas Jam recipe is sure to become a seasonal favorite in your home. Enjoy the festive flavors of strawberries and cranberries captured in every spoonful of this sweet and tangy jam. Whether you spread it on toast for a cozy breakfast or gift it to loved ones during the holidays, this homemade jam is a delicious way to celebrate the season.
