Description
Festive merry christmas jam celebrates holiday cheer with winter berries and warming spices. Crimson-red preserves spread seasonal joy across holiday tables, delighting guests with pure homemade comfort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Fruits:
- 2.2 pounds (1 kilogram) mixed fruits: fresh pears, plums, figs, and dried raisins
Primary Sweetener:
- 3 cups (600 grams) sugar
Spices:
- 1 star anise
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 12 green cardamom pods
Instructions
- Retrieve a small plate and place it in the freezer to later assess the jam’s consistency.
- Thoroughly cleanse and sanitize glass jars for preservation.
- Rinse fresh fruits meticulously. Extract cores from plums and pears without peeling. Chop fruits into substantial segments and transfer to a capacious cooking vessel.
- Generously distribute sugar across fruit chunks, ensuring comprehensive coating through thorough mixing.
- Elevate temperature to generate vigorous boiling. Incorporate aromatic spices – star anise, cinnamon sticks, and cracked cardamom pods – to infuse complex flavor profiles.
- Reduce heat to gentle simmer. Maintain low temperature for approximately 30 minutes, periodically stirring. Monitor jam’s progression until reaching precise setting temperature of 105°C/220°F.
- Validate jam’s readiness by depositing a minute droplet onto frozen plate. Observe whether mixture quickly solidifies without excessive liquid dispersal.
- Extract whole spices. Utilize hand blender to transform jam into desired texture – smooth or slightly chunky.
- Carefully decant hot jam into sterilized containers, filling to container’s uppermost edge.
- Enhance preservation by introducing minimal rum or whiskey quantities into jar lids, creating additional antimicrobial protection.
- Swiftly seal jars tightly. Immediately invert containers while maintaining elevated temperature to establish natural vacuum seal. Maintain inverted position for complete 24-hour duration.
- Affix descriptive labels indicating product name and preparation date. Store in cool, darkness-protected environment. Refrigerate immediately after initial opening.
Notes
- Freeze a plate beforehand to quickly test jam’s consistency without guessing.
- Sterilize jars thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth and extend shelf life.
- Use whole fruits with skins intact for maximum flavor and natural pectin content.
- Smash cardamom pods gently to release intense aromatic compounds during cooking.
- Stir jam occasionally while simmering to prevent burning and ensure even cooking.
- Use a digital thermometer for precise jam setting temperature at 105C/220F.
- Hand blend to desired texture, leaving some fruit chunks for rustic homemade feel.
- Add alcohol like rum or whiskey for enhanced preservation and subtle flavor depth.
- Turn jars upside down immediately after filling to create natural vacuum seal.
- Store in cool, dark place to maintain jam’s vibrant taste and color.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 175
- Sugar: 24g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg