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Warm Spiced Jam

Category: Simple Sauces That Make Meals Better

This festive jam packs all the holiday vibes into one delicious jar. Cranberries bubble with cinnamon, nutmeg, and orange zest, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tart. Its natural thickness comes from the cranberries, while the spices add coziness you can taste. Spread it on toast, pancakes, or serve it with cheese for a cheerful touch during the season.
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Emily Watson
By Emily Watson Emily Watson
Last updated on Tue, 15 Apr 2025 20:53:46 GMT
A jar of rich red cranberry jam on a table with pine cones and greenery. Pin
A jar of rich red cranberry jam on a table with pine cones and greenery. | thefamilycooks.com

This Holiday Berry Blend brings together tangy cranberries with cozy cinnamon and nutmeg flavors. It's fantastic on morning toast or alongside your favorite cheese board. The fresh orange gives it a zingy twist that makes everyone ask for more. You can whip it up quickly and it makes a lovely gift for friends during winter celebrations. Once you try it, this tasty spread will become part of your yearly tradition.

INGREDIENTS

  • 12 ounces cranberries (about 4 cups): These tart berries create the foundation and give a beautiful red color to your spread.
  • ¾ cup granulated sugar: Brings needed sweetness to balance out the cranberries' natural sourness.
  • ½ cup fresh orange juice: Adds a sunny citrus element that works wonderfully with the winter berries.
  • Zest from one orange: Gives a pop of flavor that makes the whole blend come alive.
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon: Brings that cozy winter feeling that makes this spread truly seasonal.
  • ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a touch creates depth and rounds out all the other tastes.

VARIATIONS

  • Spice It Up: Throw in some ground ginger or cloves for an extra warming kick that works great with the cranberries.
  • Berry Medley: Add some raspberries or strawberries to create more layers of flavor in your spread.
  • Dinner Companion: Try brushing this over your holiday turkey or ham during the last stage of cooking for an amazing flavor boost.
  • Extra Zesty: Put in more orange peel or a splash of lemon for a brighter, more awakening taste.

INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1:
Clean your cranberries thoroughly and toss out any bad ones. Put the good berries aside.
Step 2:
Mix cranberries, sugar, and orange juice in a medium pot over medium heat. Keep stirring until the sugar completely melts and the mixture starts bubbling gently.
Step 3:
Turn the heat down low and let everything simmer for about 10 minutes, giving it a stir now and then. You'll notice the cranberries popping and the mixture getting thicker.
Step 4:
Take the pot off the heat. Mix in the orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg until everything's well blended.
Step 5:
Pour your finished spread into a clean pint jar. Let it cool down completely before you put the lid on. You can keep it in the fridge for a month or freeze it for up to three months.

Serving and Storage Tips

  • This Winter Berry Blend tastes amazing on your morning toast, English muffins, or weekend pancakes. It's also a knockout when served with a cheese platter at your holiday get-togethers.
  • Keep your spread in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a month. If you want to save it longer, just pop it in the freezer where it'll stay good for 3 months.
  • When giving as a present, don't forget to dress up the jar with a seasonal tag and pretty ribbon to make your homemade gift extra special.

Tips from well-known chefs

  • Chef Ina Garten: "Fresh citrus peel makes all the difference—it brings a brightness you can't get any other way."
  • Chef Jamie Oliver: "If you want it less chunky, give it a quick blitz with a blender after cooking to break down the cranberries more."
  • Chef Martha Stewart: "Don't skip properly cleaning your jars if you plan to keep the spread for a while or share it with friends."

Christmas Jam

Christmas jam is a bright mix of tart cranberries, fresh oranges, and warming spices. Great on toast, perfect for cheese platters, or a thoughtful holiday gift.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Time
30 mins
By Emily Watson: Emily Watson

Recipe Category: Sauces & Marinades

Skill Level: Beginner

Cuisine Type: American

Makes: 1 jar

Dietary Preferences: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

What You’ll Need

01 A quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
02 About four cups (12 ounces) of whole cranberries, fresh or frozen.
03 A teaspoon of zest from one orange.
04 Half a cup of freshly squeezed orange juice.
05 Three-fourths of a cup of white sugar.
06 An eighth of a teaspoon of nutmeg, ground.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 01

Wash your cranberries, tossing out any bad ones, like those that are squishy or damaged. Put the rest aside.

Step 02

Take a medium saucepan, set it to medium heat, and pour in the cranberries, sugar, and orange juice.

Step 03

Mix it constantly until the sugar is fully melted and the liquid starts bubbling gently.

Step 04

Lower the heat, let it simmer, and stir now and then for about 10 minutes. The cranberries will pop, and the texture will get thicker, like jam.

Step 05

Take the saucepan off the heat, then mix in the orange zest, cinnamon, and nutmeg.

Step 06

Pour the jam into a clean mason jar. Let it cool down before covering the jar with a lid and putting it away.

Step 07

Pop the sealed jar into the fridge, where it'll last for a month, or freeze it for up to three months.

Additional Notes

  1. This festive spiced jam is perfect for breakfast spreads or as a thoughtful holiday gift. The tart cranberries paired with warm spices make it a crowd-pleaser.
  2. Enjoy it spread on toast, pancakes, or baked goods. It's also perfect on a snack board with crackers and cheese during the holidays.
  3. It keeps fresh for a month in the fridge, or you can freeze it and use it within three months.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for guidance only and don't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 30
  • Fats: ~
  • Carbohydrates: 8 g
  • Proteins: ~