Sparkling Holiday Jam is the perfect blend of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries, making it a delightful addition to your holiday table. This bright and colorful jam not only complements breakfast toast but also adds a festive flair to holiday desserts and cheese platters. With a vibrant hue, Sparkling Holiday Jam captures the spirit of the season, making it a favorite for family gatherings and gift-giving alike. If you’re looking to spread some joy this holiday, let’s dive into how to make this delicious preserve!

What Goes into This Sparkling Holiday Jam

To create this delightful spread, gather the following ingredients:

Strawberries: 2.5 quarts (approximately 2.4 liters), coarsely chopped
Cranberries: 1 (12 ounce) package (about 340 grams), fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped
Powdered Fruit Pectin: 2 (2 ounce) packages (about 57 grams total)
Margarine: 1 teaspoon
White Sugar: 5 pounds (approximately 2.3 kilograms)

Step-by-Step Sparkling Holiday Jam Recipe

Making your own Sparkling Holiday Jam is a simple yet rewarding process. Follow these easy steps:

Prepare the Jars: Start by sterilizing your jars and lids in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Keep them simmering while you prepare the jam to make sure they stay hot.
Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, cranberries, powdered pectin, and margarine together. Stir well.
Bring to a Boil: Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll want it bubbling nicely.
Add Sugar: Once boiling, carefully stir in the white sugar. Return the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
Cook: Let it cook for 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.
Fill the Jars: Quickly fill each jar with the hot jam, leaving about 1/2 inch from the top. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a good seal.
Seal the Jars: Place the lids on the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

How to Serve Sparkling Holiday Jam

Serving Sparkling Holiday Jam is where the fun really begins! Here are a few creative ways to enjoy it:

Spread on Toast: Serve a generous dollop on warm, toasted bread or bagels for a festive breakfast.
Pair with Cheese: Create a charming cheese board by pairing this jam with a variety of cheeses. The sweetness of the jam beautifully contrasts with sharp cheeses.
Top Desserts: Drizzle over ice cream or yogurt for a delightful dessert topping that adds color and flavor.

Helpful Tricks for Sparkling Holiday Jam

To make your jam-making adventure even smoother, here are some helpful tips:

Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, use fresh strawberries when in season. If using frozen cranberries, make sure they’re not thawed before adding them to the mix.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the amount of sugar slightly. Just be mindful that it may affect the consistency.
Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist, enhancing the flavor profile of your Sparkling Holiday Jam.

Sparkling Holiday Jam FAQs

How long can I store Sparkling Holiday Jam?

You can store properly sealed jars of jam in a cool, dark place for about a year. Once opened, keep the jar in the refrigerator and consume within a few weeks.

Can I use different fruits for this jam?

Absolutely! While strawberries and cranberries create a delightful combination, feel free to experiment with your favorite fruits. Just make sure to maintain the right balance of sweetness.

Is it possible to make this jam without pectin?

Yes, but using pectin helps the jam set properly. If you prefer not to use it, you can try to cook the jam longer to achieve the desired thickness, but the timing will vary.

Now that you know how to make this delightful Sparkling Holiday Jam, it’s time to give it a try! Your family and friends will love it, and it’s sure to brighten up any holiday celebration. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Sparkling Holiday Jam

A delightful blend of sweet strawberries and tart cranberries, perfect for holiday celebrations and gift-giving.

Prep Time15

Cook Time6

Total Time21

Course: Breakfast, Condiment, Dessert

Cuisine: American, Holiday

Keyword: cranberries, Holiday Recipes, Jam, Preserves, Strawberries

Servings: 10 jars

Calories: 280kcal

Ingredients

Fruits

2.5 quarts Strawberries, coarsely chopped Fresh strawberries yield the best flavor.
1 package Cranberries (12 ounce), fresh or frozen, coarsely chopped If using frozen cranberries, do not thaw before adding.

Other Ingredients

2 packages Powdered Fruit Pectin (2 ounce each) Essential for proper jam thickness.
1 teaspoon Margarine Helps to reduce foaming.
5 pounds White Sugar Adjust for sweetness preference.

Instructions

Preparation

Start by sterilizing your jars and lids in boiling water for at least 10 minutes. Keep them simmering while you prepare the jam to make sure they stay hot.
In a large saucepan, mix the chopped strawberries, cranberries, powdered pectin, and margarine together. Stir well.

Cooking

Turn on the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. You want it bubbling nicely.
Once boiling, carefully stir in the white sugar. Return the mixture to a boil while stirring constantly.
Let it cook for 1 minute, then remove the saucepan from the heat.

Jarring

Quickly fill each jar with the hot jam, leaving about 1/2 inch from the top. Wipe the rims clean to ensure a good seal.
Place the lids on the jars and process them in a boiling water bath for 5 minutes.

Notes

For variations, consider adding a splash of orange juice or zest for a citrusy twist. Store sealed jars in a cool, dark place for about a year.