There’s something magical about the kitchen during the holiday season. You can almost smell the nutmeg and cinnamon lingering in the air mixed with a hint of chaos from the kids arguing over who gets the last cookie. Amid the holiday hustle and bustle, one culinary wonder that brings comfort and coziness is Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam.
Picture this: the slow cooker gently bubbling away, delivering a sweet and tart aroma while you wrangle the festive chaos of family. It’s moments like these that remind you how food celebrates life, and how the right recipes can help keep our sanity intact.
Why Make This Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam isn’t just a dish; it’s a heartfelt melody of flavors that harmonizes the spirit of the season. This jam has a little of everything sweetness, tartness, and warmth. It represents a harmonious gathering that evokes family nostalgia, conjuring memories of laughter around the table.
Cranberry jam seems to have a special way of making the holidays feel complete. Just imagine sitting down to a cozy meal with family, with this jam spreading easy cheer. The last thing you want in the kitchen is stress, and that is why a slow cooker comes to the rescue with this easy crock pot recipe.
Not only does this Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam make your home smell delicious, but it also saves you time. You can prepare it while you chase kids or wrap presents. This jam embodies the essence of holiday survival, mixed with love and laughter. It’s not just food; it’s a gift you can share, bring to gatherings, or enjoy quietly on a slice of toast while you sip your morning coffee.
How to Make Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
When the slow cooker’s humming and the kids are (mostly) quiet, you know it’s going to be a good meal. Making Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is as easy as pie well, easier. You only need a few ingredients, and it’s almost impossible to mess it up. The combination of fresh cranberries, sugar, and a little zest will have your kitchen filled with warm, inviting aromas that make all the holiday hustle worth it.
Gathering the Ingredients
Before you roll up your sleeves, let’s gather what you’ll need to whip up this delightful jam.
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Just a quick note: if you accidentally buy salted butter, no judgment here! It still works; I promise you won’t even notice. Now that we’ve got everything, let’s dive into the real-life cooking process.
Step-by-Step Directions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg. The colors will start to pop, and the tangy scent will make your mouth water.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Keep an eye on it; we don’t want an explosive situation on our hands.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll want to stir occasionally until the cranberries burst open and the mixture thickens. Don’t panic if it looks too thin at this stage; it thickens as it cools.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely. This is the moment to admire your creation.
- Transfer to jars and refrigerate. You can enjoy it as a spread, or gift it to friends and family they will love you for it!
Bringing Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam to the Table
When dinner’s finally ready, the table is set, and the scent of the Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam wafts through the air, it feels like a scene from a holiday movie. Guests gather ‘round, smiles on their faces, ready to dig in. The vibrant red of the cranberry jam against a snowy white cheese or a warm, freshly baked bread creates a visual feast.
Serving tips? Spread this jam on toast, top it on cream cheese with crackers, or use it to brighten up a roasted turkey. This jam isn’t just food; it’s a burst of joy on any dish!
Saving Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam for Tomorrow
You may have some jam left over, and that’s great news! Storing your Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam is easy. Just keep it in a sealed jar in the refrigerator. As it sits, the flavors meld together, and the jam often tastes even better the next day.
To reheat it without losing the magic, gently warm it on the stove for a few minutes or pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. This way, it maintains that rich and delightful flavor while making your kitchen smell like a cozy winter day.
Print
Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A delightful and cozy cranberry jam that’s perfect for the holiday season, combining sweet and tart flavors.
Ingredients
- 12 oz fresh cranberries
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, water, orange zest, orange juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat.
- Reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally until cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Remove from heat and let it cool completely.
- Transfer to jars and refrigerate.
Notes
You can prepare the ingredients the night before and set the slow cooker to cook in the morning. Feel free to swap out half the sugar for honey for a more natural sweetness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Ellie’s Slow-Living Tips
As someone who has spent a fair bit of time in the kitchen both in chaos and serenity I have a few gems of wisdom to share.
- Ingredient swaps: Feel free to swap out half the sugar for honey if you prefer a more natural sweetness.
- Time-savers: If you’re short on time, you can prepare the ingredients the night before. Combine them in the slow cooker and set it to cook in the morning.
- Flavor enhancers: Adding a pinch of ground ginger gives a lovely warmth, perfect for the holidays, while a splash of vanilla can add a creamy depth.
- Use frozen cranberries: Don’t fret if you can’t find fresh cranberries; frozen ones work beautifully and can save you a trip to the store!
- Perfect your timing: If you’ve got a busy day ahead, put your slow cooker on a low setting to let it simmer gently. It’s forgiving, like my great-aunt Myrtle who once forgot to put the turkey in until the guests arrived.
Family Twists on Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Every family has its own twist on classics, and my household is no different. My neighbor swears by adding a bit of bourbon for a cozy warmth perfect for an adult gathering if you’re feeling a little cheeky. Meanwhile, my cousin likes to throw in chopped apples and walnuts, which takes this jam to the verge of dessert.
Let’s not forget my grandma, who made her own variation by mixing in some freshly grated ginger. Each version tells a story of tradition, creativity, and the laughter that comes with preparing food together.
FAQs About Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, but make sure your slow cooker’s big enough. I once tried it in a smaller one and let’s just say dinner was delayed, to everyone’s amusement.
How long will this jam last in the fridge?
Your jam will last about two to three weeks if stored properly in a sealed jar.
Can I use this jam in baking?
Absolutely! It makes a delicious filling for cookies or as a topping for cakes. Just think of the joy of spreading it between layers of fluffy cream cheese frosting.
Is this recipe difficult for beginners?
Not at all! This is a great beginner-friendly recipe. If you can stir and boil, you’re golden.
A Final Thought
As we wrap up our journey into the Sweet Christmas Cranberry Jam, it’s not just about the jam itself but the treasured moments that it brings into our homes. Each jar encapsulates warmth, slow living, and the joy found in those messy kitchens filled with laughter even if someone burns the toast. Slow cooking reminds us to pause, sip our warm drinks, and soak in the magic that surrounds us, messy moments and all. Here’s to keeping the everyday alive with heart, honesty, and of course, good food.
Until next time, may your kitchen be filled with joy and your family with laughter!
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