Description

Spiced Christmas Jam is a festive homemade preserve blending the sweetness of peaches, nectarines, and cranberries with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. This jam captures the holiday spirit in every jar, perfect for toast, pastries, cheese platters, or as a thoughtful gift during the Christmas season.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

4 cups finely chopped pitted peeled peaches or nectarines
2 cups finely chopped seeded orange
1 cup finely chopped cranberries
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Spices

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves

Sugar and Pectin

5 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 pouch (6 ounces) liquid fruit pectin

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: In a large, deep stainless steel saucepan, mix the chopped peaches or nectarines, orange, cranberries, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir in the sugar and water thoroughly to blend all components well.
Boil and Add Pectin: Place the mixture over high heat and bring it to a full rolling boil that cannot be stirred down. Stir frequently to prevent burning. Once boiling, quickly add the liquid fruit pectin while stirring vigorously to distribute evenly.
Boil Again: Return the jam mixture to a full rolling boil. Boil vigorously for 1 minute while stirring constantly to ensure the spices and pectin are well integrated. Remove the pot from heat and skim off any foam that has formed on the surface.
Jar the Jam: Carefully ladle the hot jam into prepared sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4-inch of headspace at the top. Clean the rims of the jars with a damp cloth, place the lids on top, and apply screw bands until they are fingertip tight.
Process and Seal: Process the filled jars in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude if necessary. After processing, carefully remove the jars and place them on a rack to cool undisturbed for 24 hours. Check the seals before storing the jars in a cool, dry place.

Notes

Ensure all fruit is finely chopped for a smooth consistency.
Use a stainless steel pot to avoid reaction with acidic ingredients.
Skimming foam off the jam improves clarity and appearance.
Check jar seals after cooling to ensure proper preservation.
Adjust boiling time during canning if you live at high altitudes.
This jam pairs wonderfully with soft cheeses and makes a thoughtful homemade gift.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Preserves
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Christmas jam, spiced jam, holiday preserves, peach jam, cranberry jam, homemade jam, fruit spreads