When the scent of fresh cranberries and strawberries mingles with warm spices in your kitchen, it’s a sure sign that the holidays are just around the corner. The beauty of my Amish Christmas Jam lies in its simplicity—this delightfully festive spread brings together the tartness of cranberries and the sweetness of strawberries, perfectly balanced and bursting with seasonal cheer. Just one taste, and you’ll be transported to a cozy holiday gathering, where homemade delights take center stage.
This easy-to-make jam requires only basic pantry staples and can be whipped up in about an hour, making it an ideal companion for your breakfast table or a charming gift for friends and family. Imagine slathering it on warm, buttery biscuits or swirling it into a bowl of creamy yogurt; the possibilities are endless, and the joy it brings is priceless. Let’s dive into the delightful world of Amish Christmas Jam and create something truly memorable for this festive season!
Why is Amish Christmas Jam so irresistible?
Simplicity at its Best: This Amish Christmas Jam comes together effortlessly, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike.
Festive Flavors: The harmonious blend of cranberries and strawberries, spiced with warm notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, brings the holiday spirit to life.
Gifting Made Easy: Packaged in beautiful jars, this jam makes a heartfelt gift that shows how much you care.
Versatile Delicacy: Spread it on biscuits, swirl it into yogurt, or use it as a glaze for meats—this jam isn’t just for toast!
Quick and Fun: In just an hour, you can whip up a festive treat that will impress anyone at your holiday gatherings.
Bored of fast food? Why not savor homemade flavor instead? Embrace this scrumptious Amish Christmas Jam recipe and make memories that last!
Amish Christmas Jam Ingredients
For the Jam
- Fresh Cranberries – Provides tartness and natural pectin for thickening; choose firm, plump berries.
- Strawberries – Adds sweetness and texture; chop into even-sized pieces for consistent cooking.
- Brown Sugar – Sweetens the jam and enhances its rich color; substitute with white sugar for a different flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warmth and holiday spice into the jam; no direct substitutes, but apple pie spice can be used.
- Ground Nutmeg – Enhances the festive profile; use sparingly, as fresh nutmeg is stronger in flavor.
- Ground Cloves – Provides depth and complements the other spices; omit if you prefer a milder taste.
- Ground Ginger – Adds a hint of spice; fresh ginger can substitute for ground, but adjust the amount accordingly.
Each ingredient plays a vital role in creating this delightful Amish Christmas Jam, perfect for spreading joy during the holiday season!
How to Make Amish Christmas Jam
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Combine Ingredients: In a slow cooker, add the whole cranberries, chopped strawberries, brown sugar, and all the spices. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed.
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Cook: Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid during this time to keep the moisture locked in and flavors concentrated.
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Blend: After cooking, carefully transfer the jam mixture to a blender. Blend until you achieve your desired jam-like consistency; avoid over-blending to maintain some texture.
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Cool: Allow the jam to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly. This will help enhance its spreadable quality.
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Store: Transfer the cooled jam into clean glass jars or airtight containers. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 weeks, frozen for up to 6 months, or canned for longer shelf life. Always remember to refrigerate after opening if canned.
Optional: Serve the jam on warm buttermilk biscuits for a delightful treat!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Amish Christmas Jam?
Elevate your holiday spread with delightful pairings that complement this vibrant, homemade jam beautifully.
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Warm Buttermilk Biscuits: Soft and fluffy, these biscuits provide the perfect base to highlight the sweet-tart flavors of the jam.
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Creamy Greek Yogurt: The tangy richness of yogurt balances the sweetness of the jam, creating a deliciously creamy breakfast parfait.
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Scones with Clotted Cream: These classic treats with a dollop of clotted cream transform your jam into an elegant afternoon tea experience.
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French Toast: Drizzle this jam over fluffy French toast, adding a festive twist to your brunch that brings smiles all around.
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Cheese Platter: Pair with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a stunning contrast that will impress your guests at holiday gatherings.
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Holiday Toasts: Spread on toasted sourdough, the crispy texture bursts with festive flavors, making it an unforgettable snack.
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Charcuterie Boards: Incorporate this jam as a sweet element alongside meats and nuts, enhancing your grazing table with vibrant bursts of flavor.
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Sparkling Wine or Cider: Sip a glass alongside your jam-laden treats; the bubbles enhance the festive spirit and make every bite feel like a celebration.
Embrace these offerings for a truly enchanting holiday table that celebrates homemade goodness!
How to Store and Freeze Amish Christmas Jam
Fridge: Keep your Amish Christmas Jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. Always ensure it’s sealed properly to maintain freshness.
Freezer: If you want to enjoy your jam later, freeze it in freezer-safe jars or bags for up to 6 months. Make sure to leave some headspace for expansion when freezing.
Canning: For longer preservation, consider canning your jam. Follow proper canning guidelines to ensure safety, allowing you to enjoy this festive treat all year round.
Reheating: If the jam thickens in the fridge, gently reheat in the microwave or on the stove until spreadable, ensuring it keeps its delightful texture.
Amish Christmas Jam Variations
Unleash your creativity and make this recipe even more special with delightful twists and swaps!
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Berry Bliss: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blueberries for a fruity explosion. Each berry brings its unique character, perfectly complementing the cranberries.
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Citrus Zest: Add a splash of orange juice or zest for a refreshing citrus note. This brightens up the flavors beautifully, giving a cheerful lift to the jam.
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Spice It Up: For an extra kick, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. Just a hint creates a subtle heat that balances the sweetness wonderfully.
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Maple Sweetness: Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a rich, earthy sweetness. This swap introduces a unique flavor twist that elevates the jam to new heights.
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Nutty Additions: Stir in some finely chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for a delightful crunch. The added texture enhances both flavor and mouthfeel.
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Vanilla Infusion: Blend in a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a warm, comforting flavor. It adds an extra layer of depth that pairs perfectly with the spices.
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Herbal Touch: Infuse your jam with a hint of fresh herbs like mint or basil. This unexpected twist brightens the jam, perfect for a gourmet gift or holiday spread.
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Ginger Kick: Substitute ground ginger with fresh grated ginger for a bolder spice. The fresh version adds an enticing zing that elevates your jam experience.
Expert Tips for Amish Christmas Jam
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Fresh Ingredients: Use ripe, firm cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor. Smaller or spoiled fruits can alter the taste and texture of your jam.
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Slow Cooker Secrets: Resist the urge to lift the lid while cooking! Opening it allows steam to escape and can affect the jam’s consistency and cooking time.
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No Sugar Substitutes: While it might be tempting to cut down on the brown sugar, doing so can hinder the jam’s thickening process, as sugar helps create natural pectin.
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Blending Technique: Blend the jam until it’s mostly smooth, but leave some chunks for texture. Over-blending can create a sauce instead of a jam!
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Storage Awareness: Always store your Amish Christmas Jam in airtight containers. It will keep fresh for up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator or 6 months in the freezer.
Make Ahead Options
These Amish Christmas Jam preparations are perfect for home cooks looking to save time during the busy holiday season! You can prepare the fruit mixture (fresh cranberries and chopped strawberries) up to 24 hours in advance by combining them with the brown sugar and spices in your slow cooker. Just refrigerate the mixture until you’re ready to cook. When it’s time to whip up the jam, simply set your slow cooker on HIGH for 4 hours without peeking, and then blend it until smooth. This way, you’ll enjoy the same fresh flavor with minimal effort, making your festive gatherings smoother and more enjoyable!
Amish Christmas Jam Recipe FAQs
How do I select ripe ingredients for Amish Christmas Jam?
Absolutely! When choosing fresh cranberries, look for firm, plump berries that are bright and free of blemishes or dark spots. For strawberries, opt for vibrant red, fragrant berries and chop them into even-sized pieces to ensure uniform cooking. If fresh strawberries aren’t available, frozen strawberries can be a wonderful alternative—just make sure they are unsweetened!
How should I store my Amish Christmas Jam, and how long will it last?
The Amish Christmas Jam can be refrigerated in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks. To maintain its freshness, ensure the containers are sealed tightly. After opening, always refrigerate the jam and consume it within this timeframe. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing it!
What are the best practices for freezing Amish Christmas Jam?
For freezing, ladle the jam into freezer-safe jars or bags, leaving about an inch of headspace at the top of the jar to allow for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or let it sit at room temperature for a few hours.
What if my jam doesn’t thicken properly?
Very! If your jam hasn’t thickened as expected, it might need a little help. First, check if it has enough sugar; remember, sugar not only sweetens but also helps create natural pectin. You can remedy this by returning the jam to the pot, adding a tablespoon of lemon juice and another 1/4 cup of sugar, then cooking it on HIGH for 10-15 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. If it’s still too runny, you can blend in a bit of pectin and cook it until thickened.
Are there any dietary considerations for this recipe?
Definitely! This Amish Christmas Jam is gluten-free and can be modified to cater to dietary restrictions. If you’re concerned about sugar intake, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar or use a sugar substitute, but be mindful that it may affect the jam’s thickening ability. Always remember that cranberries are naturally tart, so balance the sweetness to your liking. When sharing with pets, avoid giving them jam, especially if it contains sugar or spices, which may not be suitable for them.
Can I gift Amish Christmas Jam and how should I package it?
Gifting this delightful jam is indeed a fantastic idea! I recommend using beautiful glass jars with decorative lids and labeling them with the date made. A little festive ribbon adds a charming touch! Be sure to include storage instructions for the recipient; letting them know it can last for weeks in the fridge or months in the freezer will ensure they savor your thoughtful gift to the fullest.
Amish Christmas Jam Recipe: A Festive Homemade Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a slow cooker, add the whole cranberries, chopped strawberries, brown sugar, and all the spices. Stir gently to ensure everything is well mixed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it on HIGH for 4 hours. Do not lift the lid during this time.
- After cooking, carefully transfer the jam mixture to a blender. Blend until you achieve your desired jam-like consistency.
- Allow the jam to cool at room temperature until it thickens slightly.
- Transfer the cooled jam into clean glass jars or airtight containers.