Cranberry jam is a delightful spread that captures the essence of the holiday season with its vibrant red color and tangy-sweet flavor. Imagine slathering this glossy, jewel-like concoction on warm toast or fresh scones, releasing an aromatic burst of fruity goodness that makes your tastebuds dance. For more inspiration, check out this country ranch green beans recipe.
Every time I make cranberry jam, I can’t help but reminisce about family gatherings where jars of this ruby treasure would disappear faster than you could say “pass the butter.” It’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or just a cozy Sunday breakfast. baked oatmeal cups with peanut butter Trust me; once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on that sweet-tart adventure.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means anyone can whip up this delightful jam
- Bursting with flavors, it adds a unique twist to any dish
- Its vibrant color makes it a showstopper on any table
- Versatile enough to use in desserts or as a savory glaze for meats
I remember my grandmother’s face lighting up when she tasted my first batch of cranberry jam; it was priceless!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Cranberries: Look for firm, bright berries; avoid any soft or mushy ones for best results.
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Sugar: Use granulated sugar to balance the tartness; adjust to your taste preference.
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Water: Just enough to get things bubbling; don’t drown those berries!
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for brightness and acidity that enhances flavor. For more inspiration, check out this lemon cheesecake squares recipe.
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Cinnamon Stick (optional): Adds warmth and spice for extra depth in flavor.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare Your Berries: Rinse fresh cranberries under cold water and remove any bad ones. This ensures only the best berries make it into your jam.
Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice. Stir well to coat all the berries evenly before heating them up.
Cook Until Bubbling: Place the pot over medium heat until the mixture starts bubbling vigorously. Keep an eye out for those cranberries popping; it’s quite a sight!
Simmer and Thicken: Lower heat and let it simmer gently for about 10-15 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Add Cinnamon (if using): If you’re feeling spicy, toss in a cinnamon stick during the last few minutes of cooking for an aromatic touch.
Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to sterilized jars. The jam will continue to thicken as it cools.
Enjoy this delightful cranberry jam on toast, with cheese platters, or even as a vibrant topping on desserts! cottage cheese raspberry mousse.
You Must Know
- Crafting your own cranberry jam is not just a culinary endeavor; it’s an aromatic journey that fills your kitchen with the sweet and tangy scent of fresh cranberries
- This jam can elevate any breakfast table, transforming ordinary toast into extraordinary bites
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by washing and simmering the cranberries with sugar until they pop. This releases their juices, creating a flavorful base for your jam.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to experiment with spices like cinnamon or ginger. You can even mix in orange zest for a citrusy twist that brightens the flavor.
Storing & Reheating
Store cranberry jam in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two weeks. Reheat gently on low heat if needed, stirring until smooth.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use fresh cranberries that are firm and bright red
- Be cautious not to overcook the mixture, as it may become too thick
- Lastly, jar your jam while hot for better preservation!
Sharing this recipe brings back memories of my grandma’s kitchen, where we’d spend afternoons laughing and measuring ingredients together. loaded vegetarian Greek pita nachos Her secret ingredient was always love—something I still cherish in every jar of cranberry jam I make.
FAQ
What should I do if my cranberry jam is too thick?
Add a splash of water or orange juice while reheating to loosen it up.
Can I use frozen cranberries instead?
Yes, but make sure they’re thawed and drained before cooking.
How long does homemade cranberry jam last?
Homemade cranberry jam typically lasts about two weeks in the refrigerator.
Cranberry Jam
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 32 servings (½ cup each) 1x
Description
Cranberry jam is a festive delight that brings the perfect balance of tangy and sweet flavors to your breakfast table. This vibrant spread is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a beautiful addition to any holiday feast. Whether you enjoy it on toast, scones, or as a topping for desserts, this easy homemade cranberry jam will quickly become a seasonal favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 cups fresh cranberries
- 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Rinse the cranberries under cold water, discarding any soft berries.
- In a large pot, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and lemon juice; stir well.
- Heat over medium until bubbling vigorously; watch for popping cranberries.
- Reduce heat and simmer for 10-15 minutes until thickened, stirring occasionally.
- If using, add the cinnamon stick during the last few minutes of cooking.
- Remove from heat and let cool completely before transferring to sterilized jars.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
