Festive Berry Delight Jam
This delightful Festive Berry Delight Jam combines the sweet essence of strawberries with the tartness of fresh cranberries for a perfectly balanced treat. Ideal for holiday gifting or simply to enjoy on a cozy morning with toast or pancakes, this jam captures the spirit of Christmas in every jar. With a simple process and pectin for quick setting, you’ll have your pantry stocked with homemade goodness in no time. Each batch yields approximately 14 half-pint jars of jam that will brighten up your breakfasts and holiday spreads!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Frozen Strawberries
2 (20-ounce packages, thawed or 2 1/2 quarts fresh, hulled)
Cranberries
1 (lb, fresh or frozen)
Granulated Sugar
5 (lbs)
Liquid Fruit Pectin
2 (3-ounce envelopes)
Instructions
1
Thaw the frozen strawberries, if using, and hull fresh strawberries. Using a food processor, blend the strawberries until they reach a smooth consistency.
2
In a large stockpot, combine the ground strawberries, fresh or frozen cranberries, granulated sugar, and liquid fruit pectin. Stir well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
3
Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a full, rolling boil. Maintain the boil for exactly 1 minute. Keep stirring continuously to prevent scorching.
4
Once done, remove the pot from heat and allow the jam to cool for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally to distribute any foam evenly throughout.
5
Skim any foam that has formed on the surface of the jam using a spoon.
6
Pour the hot jam into clean and sterilized canning jars, ensuring to leave a 1/4 inch headspace at the top of each jar.
7
Seal each jar with a cap, and process them in a hot water bath for 15 minutes to properly preserve the jam.
8
Carefully remove the jars from the boiling water using sterile canning tongs and let them cool upside down on a clean kitchen towel. This will help ensure a proper seal. Allow them to cool overnight.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Festive Berry Delight Jam?
Festive Berry Delight Jam is a homemade fruit spread that combines sweet strawberries with tart cranberries, designed for holiday gifting or breakfast spreads.
Can I use fresh strawberries for this recipe?
Yes, you can use 2 and a half quarts of fresh, hulled strawberries instead of frozen ones.
Should the cranberries be fresh or frozen?
This recipe works equally well with either one pound of fresh or one pound of frozen cranberries.
How many jars of jam does this recipe make?
Each batch yields approximately 14 half-pint jars of jam.
What type of pectin is required?
The recipe calls for two 3-ounce envelopes of liquid fruit pectin.
How long do I need to boil the jam mixture?
The mixture must be held at a full, rolling boil for exactly 1 minute.
What does a rolling boil mean?
A rolling boil is a vigorous boil that does not stop bubbling even when the mixture is stirred.
How much sugar is used in this jam?
This recipe requires 5 lbs of granulated sugar to ensure a proper set and preservation.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar?
It is not recommended to reduce the sugar in this specific recipe as it is necessary for the pectin to set correctly.
What is the recommended headspace for the jars?
You should leave a 1/4 inch headspace at the top of each jar before sealing.
Why is headspace important in canning?
Headspace allows for the expansion of the food during the water bath process and helps create a vacuum seal.
How long should the jars stay in the water bath?
The jars should be processed in a hot water bath for 15 minutes.
Why should the jars be cooled upside down?
Placing them upside down on a towel helps ensure a proper seal and aids in the preservation process.
How long must the jam cool before it is ready?
The jars should be allowed to cool undisturbed overnight to ensure the seal is permanent.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
Yes, a food processor is used to blend the strawberries into a smooth consistency before cooking.
How do I prepare the strawberries if they are frozen?
If using frozen strawberries, you must thaw them completely before blending them in the food processor.
Should I stir the jam while it is boiling?
Yes, you must stir continuously to prevent the sugar and fruit from scorching on the bottom of the pot.
How do I remove the foam from the jam?
Allow the jam to cool for 5 minutes after boiling, then use a spoon to skim any foam from the surface.
Can I use dry pectin instead of liquid pectin?
This recipe specifically requires liquid pectin; substituting dry pectin would require different measurements and processing times.
What size jars are best for this jam?
Half-pint jars are the ideal size for this recipe, particularly for holiday gifting.
Do the canning jars need to be sterilized?
Yes, jars must be clean and sterilized to prevent spoilage of the preserves.
What are the primary flavor profiles of this jam?
The jam features a balance of sweet strawberry essence and the bright tartness of cranberries.
Can this jam be used as a gift?
Yes, its festive color and flavor make it a perfect homemade gift for Christmas.
What should I serve with Festive Berry Delight Jam?
It is excellent on toast, pancakes, or served as part of a holiday brunch spread.
How do I safely remove jars from the boiling water?
You should use sterile canning tongs to carefully lift the jars out of the hot water bath.
What happens if I boil the jam for more than 1 minute?
Over-boiling can break down the pectin and may result in a jam that does not set properly.
How do I know if the jars sealed correctly?
Once cooled, the lids should be concave and should not pop or move when pressed in the center.
Can I double this recipe?
It is generally recommended to make jam in single batches to ensure the pectin sets correctly and the fruit doesn't overcook.
How should the jam be stored?
Unopened, sealed jars should be stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, keep the jar refrigerated.
Is this recipe suitable for beginners?
Yes, the use of liquid pectin makes the setting process very reliable for those new to canning.