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Easy Refrigerator Christmas Jam

Sweet Bacon & Pecans
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Servings 32

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries hulled and chopped —or a blend of strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or raspberries (2 cups total)
  • 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries thawed and coarsely chopped
  • 1 large orange zested and juiced
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 3 1/2 cups sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves optional
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cardamom
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 1.75 oz package powdered fruit pectin such as Sure Jell

Instructions
 

  • Wash the strawberries and cranberries (or other berries) thoroughly. If using frozen fruit, make sure to thaw them. Coarsely chop the cranberries and strawberries, or other berries for the jam. Zest the orange, and then juice it.
  • In a large saucepan, combine the chopped strawberries, cranberries, orange zest, orange juice, and water.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Let it cook for about 10 minutes, or until the fruits are soft and start to break down.
  • Stir in the granulated sugar, cinnamon, cloves (optional), and other spices. Bring the mixture back to a boil, stirring constantly until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  • Stir in the powdered pectin, making sure it dissolves completely.
  • Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil (a boil that doesn’t stop bubbling when stirred), and cook the jam for 1 minute. Then remove the jam from heat.
  • To check if the jam has set, place a small spoonful on a chilled plate. Let it cool for a minute and then run the back of a spoon through it. If it wrinkles slightly and holds its shape, it’s ready. If it’s too runny, then cook the jam for another minute or two.
  • Remove the jam from the heat and let it cool. Pour the cooled jam into clean jars, leaving a little space at the top. Let the jars cool to room temperature, then cover them with lids and refrigerate the jam.

Notes

Refrigerator Christmas jam should last for up to 1 week in the refrigerator or it can be frozen in a freezer container for up to 6 months. If freezing the jam, be sure to leave space in the freezer food storage container for expansion.
Keyword jam recipes