Christmas Red Jam is a festive, jewel-toned spread that captures the essence of the holiday season in every spoonful. This vibrant jam combines the tart brilliance of cranberries with the sweet, sunny flavor of strawberries, creating a complex fruit profile that’s perfectly balanced by warm winter spices. The slow cooker method is the secret to its deep, developed flavor—the long, gentle cooking allows the fruits to break down completely while the spices meld together into a harmonious background note that enhances rather than overwhelms the fruit. What makes this jam truly special is how the cranberries’ natural pectin provides the perfect set without any additional thickeners, resulting in a spreadable consistency that’s neither too firm nor too runny. The deep ruby color makes it as beautiful on a holiday cheese board as it is slathered on morning toast, embodying the visual and flavorful spirit of Christmas.
The magic of this jam lies in its patient, hands-off preparation and the chemical reaction that occurs during the slow cooking process. The initial high heat helps the fruits release their juices, which then combine with the brown sugar to create a rich syrup that slowly concentrates over the cooking time. The spices—cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger—bloom in this hot environment, releasing their essential oils and infusing the entire mixture with warmth and complexity. The instruction not to stir or open the lid is crucial, as it maintains a consistent temperature and allows the natural pectin in the cranberries to work its thickening magic without interruption. The final blending step can be adjusted to your preference: pulse briefly for a chunkier jam with fruit pieces, or blend longer for a perfectly smooth spread. As the jam cools, the pectin continues to set, resulting in the ideal spreading consistency that makes this such a versatile condiment for everything from breakfast to dessert.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
• Festive Flavor: The perfect balance of tart, sweet, and warm spices
•Natural Thickening: Cranberries provide pectin for perfect set without additives
•Slow Cooker Simplicity: Hands-off cooking develops deep flavor effortlessly
•Versatile Uses: Perfect for gifts, breakfast, cheese boards, or dessert toppings
Ingredients:
• 6 cups (24 oz) fresh cranberries
• 16 oz fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ½ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions:
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
• Place cranberries, strawberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger in the slow cooker.
• Stir thoroughly until fruits are evenly coated with sugar and spices.
Step 2: Slow Cook
• Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours without opening the lid or stirring.
• The mixture will become bubbly and the fruits will break down completely.
Step 3: Blend to Desired Consistency
• Carefully transfer the hot mixture to a blender (or use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker).
• Pulse until you achieve your preferred texture—less for chunkier jam, more for smoother spread.
Step 4: Cool and Thicken
• Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature, during which it will thicken significantly.
• Transfer to clean jars or airtight containers for storage.
Tips:
• Don’t Peek: Resisting the urge to stir ensures proper thickening and flavor development
•Texture Control: Blend less for rustic jam with fruit pieces, more for smooth spread
•Sugar Adjustment: Taste after cooking and add more sugar if desired while jam is still warm
•Gift Giving: Package in decorative jars for beautiful homemade holiday gifts
Storage Options:
• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 weeks
•Freezing: Freeze for up to 6 months in freezer-safe containers
•Canning: Process in a water bath canner for 10 minutes for shelf-stable storage
Christmas Red Jam is the ultimate holiday condiment that brings festive cheer to every meal. Its beautiful color, warm spices, and perfect sweet-tart balance make it a versatile addition to your seasonal cooking and gift-giving traditions.
