Prepare the Fruit:
· Wash the cranberries and pick out any stems.
· Zest the entire orange, then juice it. You should have about 1/2 cup of juice.
· Peel, core, and finely chop the apple.
Cook the Fruit Base:
· In a large, heavy-bottomed pot (like a Dutch oven), combine the cranberries, chopped apple, orange zest, orange juice, and 1/2 cup water.
· Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to medium and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 10-15 minutes. The cranberries will pop and soften, and the apple will become tender.
Add Sugar and Spice:
· Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg until the sugar is fully dissolved.
· Bring the mixture back to a full, rolling boil that you cannot stir down.
Add the Pectin:
· Once at a full boil, stir in the entire pouch of liquid pectin.
· Return to a full, rolling boil and let it boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Test for Doneness (Optional but recommended):
· Place a small plate in the freezer for a few minutes. Drop a teaspoon of the jam onto the cold plate. Let it sit for 30 seconds. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s done. If it’s still runny, boil for another minute and test again.
Skim and Jar:
· Remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface with a spoon.
· Let the jam cool in the pot for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps prevent the fruit from all floating to the top in the jar.
Jar the Jam:
· Carefully ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace.
· Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth, place the lids on top, and screw on the bands until fingertip-tight.
Processing & Storage
· For Gift-Giving & Pantry Storage (Canning): To make the jam shelf-stable, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Remove and let cool completely on a towel. Check that the lids have sealed (they should not pop up and down).
· For Refrigerator/Freezer Jam (Easier!): This is the simplest method. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature, then store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, place the cooled jars in the freezer for up to a year.
Gifting Your Christmas Jam
· Dress it Up: Place a round piece of festive fabric between the lid and the ring.
· Add a Tag: Create a cute tag with the name of the jam and the date.
· Create a Gift Basket: Pair the jam with a nice loaf of bread, a box of crackers, or a block of cream cheese for an instant appetizer.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
· Festive Color: The cranberries create a stunning, deep red color that is perfect for Christmas.
· Classic Flavor: The combination of tart cranberry, sweet orange, and warm cinnamon and cloves tastes like the holidays in a jar.
· Homemade Touch: Nothing says “I care” like a jar of homemade jam.
Enjoy making and sharing this beautiful and delicious taste of the season
