Slow Cooker Christmas Jam

Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is a sweet and tangy blend of cranberries, strawberries, and seasonal spices that captures the flavors of the holidays. This jam is perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or even as a glaze for roasted meats. Made in the slow cooker, it’s a simple and delicious way to fill your home with festive aromas and create a delightful homemade gift for friends and family.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Ingredients
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
4. Cook Notes & Tips
5. Variations
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
7. Conclusion

Ingredients

For Christmas Jam

• 2 cups fresh cranberries
• 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1 large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Wash the cranberries and strawberries. If using fresh strawberries, hull them and cut them in half.
2. Peel, core, and dice the apple.

Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker

1. In the slow cooker, combine the cranberries, strawberries, diced apple, sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger. Stir to mix everything well.

Step 3: Cook the Jam

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. Once the fruit is soft and the mixture has thickened, use an immersion blender to blend the jam to your desired consistency. You can leave it slightly chunky or blend it until smooth.

Step 4: Cool and Store

1. Once the jam has reached your desired consistency, let it cool slightly.
2. Transfer the jam to sterilized jars and let it cool completely before sealing. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or process in a water bath for long-term storage.

Cook Notes & Tips

• Sugar: Adjust the sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet jam, you can reduce the amount slightly.
• Blending: An immersion blender works best for blending the jam in the slow cooker. If you don’t have one, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches.
• Storage: If you want to store the jam for longer, you can process the jars in a water bath for 10 minutes to create a proper seal.

Variations

• Spiced Christmas Jam: Add a splash of vanilla extract or a cinnamon stick for a deeper flavor.
• Citrus Twist: Add the zest of one orange or lemon for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
• Mixed Berry Jam: Substitute half of the cranberries with raspberries or blackberries for a mixed berry version.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I Use Frozen Fruit?

Yes, you can use frozen cranberries and strawberries. There’s no need to thaw them before adding them to the slow cooker.

2. How Long Will This Jam Last?

If stored in the refrigerator, the jam will last for up to 3 weeks. If processed in a water bath, it can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

3. Can I Make This Jam Sugar-Free?

You can use a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, but keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly.

4. What Can I Serve with Christmas Jam?

This jam is delicious on toast, biscuits, or scones. You can also use it as a topping for yogurt, a filling for pastries, or a glaze for roasted meats like ham or chicken.

Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is a delightful and easy way to bring the flavors of the holiday season into your home. With its blend of cranberries, strawberries, and warm spices, this jam makes a wonderful addition to your breakfast table or a thoughtful homemade gift for friends and family. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the taste of Christmas in every bite.

Happy cooking!