Of course! Here is a comprehensive, “big” recipe for Christmas Red Jam, crafted to be a festive and cherished part of your holiday traditions.
Introduction
Christmas Red Jam is more than just a condiment; it’s a jar of holiday cheer. Its vibrant, jewel-toned color evokes images of Christmas ornaments and festive decorations. This jam is a delightful combination of strawberries and raspberries, with a hint of lemon and a warm, subtle spice from cinnamon. Spreading it on a warm scone on Christmas morning, using it to glaze a ham, or gifting it in a beautiful jar makes it a versatile and heartwarming addition to your seasonal celebrations. This recipe is designed to capture the essence of the holidays in every spoonful.
A Brief History & The Lovers of this Jam
The tradition of preserving fruit in sugar dates back centuries, a necessary process to enjoy summer’s bounty during the barren winter months. The specific combination of red berries for Christmas is a more modern tradition, born from a desire to bring color and sweetness to the darkest time of the year.
The Lovers of this Jam:
This jam is adored by a wide array of people,but it holds a special place in the hearts of:
· The Holiday Hostess: It is the secret weapon for an impressive breakfast or brunch spread.
· The Homemade Gift-Giver: There is no more personal gift than a jar of something made with care and love.
· The Culinary Traditionalist: Those who believe certain flavors—cinnamon, berry, citrus—are the taste of Christmas.
· Children and the Young at Heart: The bright red color and sweet-tart flavor are irresistible.
The Formation & Benefits
Formation: The magic of jam-making lies in the natural pectin found in fruit. When combined with sugar and acid (lemon juice) and heated, pectin forms a gel network that traps the fruit liquid, creating the thick, spreadable consistency we love.
Benefits:
· Preserves the Season: Allows you to enjoy the flavor of berries long after their season has passed.
· Free from Additives: Homemade jam contains no artificial preservatives, colors, or excessive corn syrup.
· Versatile: Beyond toast, it’s a glaze for meats, a filling for thumbprint cookies, or a topping for ice cream and cheesecake.
· Emotional Well-being: The process of creating something beautiful and delicious from scratch is incredibly satisfying and fills your home with a wonderful, festive aroma.
Christmas Red Jam Recipe
This recipe yields approximately 6-7 half-pint (8 oz) jars.
Ingredients
· 4 cups crushed fresh strawberries (about 2 quarts whole berries)
· 2 cups fresh or frozen raspberries
· 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (from about 1-2 large lemons)
· 1 tsp lemon zest
· 1 cinnamon stick (or 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon)
· 1 package (1.75 oz) powdered fruit pectin
· 7 cups granulated sugar
· 1/2 tsp unsalted butter (optional, to reduce foaming)
Equipment:
· Large, heavy-bottomed pot (8-10 quart capacity)
· Canning jars, lids, and bands
· Canning rack or a towel for the pot bottom
· Jar lifter
· Magnetic lid lifter (optional but helpful)
· Large ladle and funnel
· Clean towels
Methods & Instructions
Part 1: Preparation
1. Sterilize Jars: Wash jars and lids in hot, soapy water. Place the jars right-side-up on a rack in a large boiling-water canner. Fill the canner and jars with hot water to submerge. Bring to a simmer (180°F / 82°C) and keep hot until ready to use. Alternatively, you can run them through a dishwasher cycle and keep them hot.
2. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and hull the strawberries. Crush them layer by layer in a large bowl using a potato masher. You should have 4 cups of crushed berries. If using frozen raspberries, thaw them first. Gently crush the raspberries as well.
3. Zest and Juice: Zest one lemon, then juice all lemons until you have 1/4 cup of juice.
Part 2: Cooking the Jam
1. Combine Fruit and Pectin: In your large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine the crushed strawberries, crushed raspberries, lemon juice, lemon zest, and the cinnamon stick. Sprinkle the powdered pectin over the fruit and stir to combine.
2. Bring to a Boil: Add the 1/2 teaspoon of butter (if using) to reduce foaming. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a full, rolling boil—a boil that cannot be stirred down.
3. Add Sugar: Once at a full boil, quickly add all the sugar at once. Stir constantly to help the sugar dissolve.
4. The Hard Boil: Return the mixture to a full, rolling boil. Boil hard for exactly 1 minute, stirring continuously. The jam will bubble up, which is why a large pot is essential.
5. Skim and Test: After 1 minute, remove the pot from the heat. Skim off any foam from the surface with a metal spoon. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick.
Part 3: Canning for Preservation
This step is optional if you plan to eat the jam immediately, but it’s essential for long-term storage.
1. Fill the Jars: One by one, remove a hot jar from the canner using a jar lifter. Pour out the water. Using a ladle and funnel, fill the hot jar with jam, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace (the space between the jam and the top of the jar).
2. Remove Air Bubbles: Run a non-metallic spatula or chopstick around the inside of the jar to release any trapped air bubbles.
3. Wipe and Seal: Wipe the jar rim clean with a damp towel to ensure a good seal. Place a lid on the jar and screw on the band until it is fingertip-tight (don’t over-tighten).
4. Process in Water Bath: Place the filled jar back into the canner. Repeat with all jars. Ensure the jars are covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Bring the water to a full boil and process (boil) the jars for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if you are over 1,000 feet).
5. Cool and Check: After processing, turn off the heat and let the jars sit in the water for 5 minutes. Then, remove them and place them on a towel-lined counter, away from drafts. Do not touch them for 12-24 hours.
6. Check the Seal: After cooling, press the center of each lid. If it doesn’t flex up and down, it is sealed. Any unsealed jars should be stored in the refrigerator and used first.
Nutrition Information
(Per 1 tablespoon serving, approximate)
· Calories: 50 kcal
· Total Carbohydrates: 13 g
· Sugars: 12 g
· Vitamin C: 5% of the Daily Value (DV)
· Note: This is a high-sugar preserve. It is intended to be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Conclusion
Creating your own Christmas Red Jam is a rewarding ritual that fills your kitchen with an unforgettable, festive fragrance. The final product, glowing like a ruby in the jar, is a testament to the joy of homemade goodness. It connects us to timeless traditions of preserving and sharing, making it the perfect edible expression of the holiday spirit. Whether you keep it for your family’s Christmas table or share it with friends and “lovers” of all things homemade, this jam is sure to become a cherished part of your holiday story for years to come.
