Rich Amish Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
Introduction
This Rich Amish Christmas Jam is a festive and flavorful spread combining tart cranberries and sweet strawberries with warm spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, it offers a unique holiday twist that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or gift giving.
Ingredients
- 6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
- 16 oz fresh strawberries
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Step 1: Place the whole cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure the fruit and spices are evenly distributed.
- Step 2: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not open the lid or stir during cooking, as this allows the flavors to develop and prevents excess moisture from escaping.
- Step 3: Transfer the contents of the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until you achieve a jam-like consistency, being careful not to over-blend to avoid turning it into cranberry butter. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for easier cleanup.
- Step 4: Let the jam cool to room temperature. It will thicken considerably as it cools due to the natural pectin in the cranberries.
- Step 5: Once cooled, transfer the jam to jars or an airtight container for storage. Enjoy slightly warm on toast or stirred into yogurt.
Tips & Variations
- For a smoother texture, blend the jam longer but pulse carefully to avoid over-processing.
- Try adding a splash of orange juice or a bit of zest for a bright citrus twist.
- Use frozen cranberries or strawberries if fresh aren’t available, but avoid thawing before cooking.
Storage
Store the jam in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in suitable containers for up to 3 months. Reheat gently before serving by warming in a saucepan or microwave.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this jam without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the fruit and spices in a heavy pot over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the fruit is soft and the mixture thickens.
Is this jam suitable for canning?
This recipe does not include added pectin or acid adjustments typically needed for safe water-bath canning. For longer shelf-stable storage, follow a tested canning recipe or freeze instead.
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Rich Amish Christmas Cranberry Strawberry Jam Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 4 cups of jam 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Rich Amish Christmas Jam is a flavorful and festive blend of whole cranberries and fresh strawberries combined with warm spices, slowly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. This jam offers a beautifully thickened, naturally pectin-rich spread that captures the essence of the holiday season, perfect for toast, yogurt, or gifting during winter celebrations.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
- 16 oz fresh strawberries
Sweetener and Spices
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground cloves
- 1/4 tsp ground ginger
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Place the whole cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and ground ginger into the slow cooker. Stir thoroughly to ensure the fruit and spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not open the lid or stir during cooking to allow the flavors to develop fully and prevent excess moisture from escaping.
- Blend to Jam Consistency: Transfer the contents of the slow cooker into a blender. Pulse until the mixture reaches a jam-like consistency—take care not to over-blend to avoid turning it into cranberry butter. Alternatively, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker for easier cleanup.
- Cool and Store: Let the jam cool to room temperature; it will thicken considerably due to the natural pectin in the cranberries. Once cooled, transfer the jam to jars or an airtight container for storage. Enjoy it on toast or stirred into yogurt while still slightly warm for a delicious treat.
Notes
- Do not open the slow cooker lid or stir during cooking to ensure proper flavor development and moisture retention.
- Be careful when pulsing the jam in the blender to avoid over-processing it into a butter-like texture.
- The natural pectin in cranberries helps the jam thicken as it cools, so patience is key for the perfect consistency.
- This jam stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or can be frozen for longer storage.
- Sampling the jam while slightly warm enhances the flavor experience.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Amish/American
Keywords: Amish Christmas Jam, cranberry strawberry jam, holiday jam, slow cooker jam, Christmas recipes, cranberry recipes, homemade jam
