Are you looking for a delicious and easy recipe to add a touch of homemade warmth to your holiday season? Look no further! This Amish Christmas Jam recipe is a delightful blend of sweet and tart flavors, perfect for spreading on freshly baked bread, biscuits, or even enjoying by the spoonful. It’s a simple yet elegant treat that’s sure to become a family favorite. This recipe is perfect for beginner cooks looking for easy recipes and experienced cooks seeking delicious dishes to add to their repertoire of homemade cooking. It's also a great option for those seeking healthy meals, as it uses natural ingredients. Let's dive into this quick dinner idea, perfect for adding a festive touch to your holiday meals.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cranberries (fresh or frozen)
- 2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
- 1 ½ cups sugar (granulated)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
- Zest of 1 orange
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the cranberries, orange juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, cloves, allspice, and orange zest.
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Bring to a Boil: Over medium-high heat, bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Simmer and Reduce: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer for approximately 15-20 minutes, or until the cranberries have burst and the mixture has thickened considerably. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
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Mash (Optional): If you prefer a smoother jam, use a potato masher or immersion blender to gently mash some of the cranberries. Leave some whole cranberries for texture if you prefer.
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Remove Spices: Remove the cinnamon stick before proceeding to the next step.
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Sterilize Jars: While the jam simmers, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. This is crucial for preserving the jam properly.
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Fill Jars: Carefully ladle the hot jam into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of headspace at the top.
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Seal and Process: Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids and rings on tightly, and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes. This ensures a proper seal and prevents spoilage.
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Cool and Store: Remove the jars from the boiling water bath and let them cool completely. You should hear a "pop" sound as the jars seal. Store in a cool, dark place.
Tips for the Best Amish Christmas Jam:
- Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly squeezed orange juice and fresh cranberries will significantly enhance the flavor of your jam.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by ¼ cup. Taste and adjust as needed.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or nutmeg to create your unique flavor profile.
Variations:
- Cranberry-Apple Jam: Add 2 cups of peeled and chopped apples to the recipe for a delightful cranberry-apple blend.
- Orange-Ginger Jam: Add 1 tablespoon of grated fresh ginger for a zesty twist.
- Spiced Cranberry Sauce: Reduce the simmering time to create a thicker cranberry sauce instead of jam, perfect as a side dish for your holiday meals.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 100-120
- Carbohydrates: 25-30g
- Sugar: 20-25g
This Amish Christmas Jam recipe is a perfect addition to your holiday baking or gifting. Enjoy the delicious aroma and festive flavors this homemade jam brings to your table! Remember, it’s not just a recipe; it's a heartwarming tradition waiting to be made. This simple, delicious recipe is sure to impress your family and friends, making it the perfect addition to your collection of best recipes.