Easy Amish Christmas Jam

If you’re looking for a delightful way to add a touch of homemade goodness to your holiday breakfast, then this Easy Amish Christmas Jam is just what you need! Picture this: a warm biscuit or slice of toast topped with a vibrant, fruity jam made from fresh cranberries and strawberries. It’s a simple yet special treat that brings joy to your table.

This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a bustling Christmas morning or a cozy family gathering. Its bright flavors and beautiful colors will make your breakfast spread shine. Plus, making your own jam means you get to control the ingredients, ensuring it’s as wholesome as can be!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick prep time: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can easily fit this jam-making into your busy schedule.
• Family-friendly flavors: The mix of cranberries and strawberries creates a taste that everyone will adore.
• Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and store it in jars for whenever the craving hits!
• Deliciously versatile: Use it on toast, pancakes, or even as a topping for desserts—it’s delicious everywhere!

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be happy to know that the ingredients for this Easy Amish Christmas Jam are simple and wholesome. These fruits and spices come together beautifully to create that festive flavor we all love during the holidays.

For the Jam

• 6 cups (24 oz) whole cranberries
• 16 oz fresh strawberries
• 2 cups packed brown sugar
• 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground ginger

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 240 minutes
Total Time: 250 minutes

Variations

One of the best things about this Easy Amish Christmas Jam is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on what you have at home or what flavors your family loves most.

• Add more fruit: Include some blueberries or raspberries for an extra burst of flavor.
• Spice it up: Toss in some orange zest or vanilla extract for a twist on the traditional recipe.
• Swap sweeteners: Try using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
• Make it chunky: If you like bits of fruit in your jam, mash the strawberries less before cooking!

How to Make Easy Amish Christmas Jam

Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing the whole cranberries and hulling the strawberries. It’s important to remove any bad cranberries—those bruised ones can affect your jam’s taste. Chopping the strawberries into smaller pieces helps them break down more easily during cooking.

Step 2: Combine in a Pot

In a large pot, combine the cranberries, chopped strawberries, brown sugar, and spices. Mix everything well! This step is key because letting the fruits sit with sugar allows them to release their juices, which makes for a delicious base.

Step 3: Cook Slowly

Now comes the fun part! Bring your mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for about four hours. Cooking slowly is crucial here; it thickens the jam naturally without needing any animal-derived gelatin.

Step 4: Check Consistency

After four hours, take out a small spoonful of jam and place it on a cold plate. Let it cool slightly before running your finger through it. If it holds its shape without running back together too quickly, it’s ready! If not, give it some more time on the stove.

Step 5: Jar Up Your Jam

Once you’re happy with its consistency, carefully ladle the hot jam into sterilized jars. Seal them tightly while still warm. As they cool down, you’ll hear those satisfying “pops” as they seal properly—what a rewarding sound!

With just these easy steps, you’ll have homemade Easy Amish Christmas Jam ready to share—and trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Pro Tips for Making Easy Amish Christmas Jam

Making your own jam can be a delightful experience, and these tips will help ensure that your Easy Amish Christmas Jam turns out perfectly every time!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always choose fresh cranberries and strawberries for the best flavor. Fresh fruits have a vibrant taste that frozen options simply can’t replicate, making your jam more delicious.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: While the recipe calls for brown sugar, feel free to adjust the amount based on your sweetness preference. This way, you can customize the jam to suit your palate or those of your family and friends.
• Allow Time for Cooling: After cooking, let the jam cool completely before transferring it to jars. This helps it set properly and ensures that the flavors meld beautifully together.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to tweak the spices in this recipe! Adding a pinch of allspice or cardamom can create unique flavor profiles while keeping with the warm, festive theme.
• Store Properly: Make sure to store any leftover jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Proper storage not only prolongs its shelf life but also keeps it tasting fresh!

How to Serve Easy Amish Christmas Jam

Serving homemade jam is as fun as making it! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful treat at your holiday gatherings.

Garnishes

• Mint Leaves: A few sprigs of fresh mint can add a pop of color and a refreshing aroma that complements the flavors of the jam.
• Chopped Nuts: Sprinkling some finely chopped pecans or walnuts on top adds a delightful crunch and nutty flavor that balances out the sweetness.

Side Dishes

• Cream Cheese Spread: Serve this jam alongside a creamy spread made from plant-based cream cheese. The tangy creaminess pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spiced notes of the jam.
• Savory Crackers: Pairing your jam with whole grain or rye crackers adds texture and a slight saltiness that contrasts beautifully with the sweet fruit flavors.
• Toast or Biscuits: Warm toast or flaky biscuits are perfect vehicles for spreading this gorgeous, homemade jam. Their buttery texture enhances each bite!
• Greek Yogurt Parfaits: Layer this jam with plant-based yogurt and granola for a simple yet elegant breakfast treat that everyone will love.

Enjoy sharing your Easy Amish Christmas Jam with loved ones, and watch as they savor every spoonful!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Easy Amish Christmas Jam is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can make a batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the holiday season or gift it to friends and family.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover jam in a clean, airtight jar in the refrigerator.
• It should keep well for about two weeks.
• Always use a clean spoon to avoid introducing bacteria.

Freezing

• For longer storage, you can freeze the jam.
• Use freezer-safe jars or containers, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
• Label with the date before placing in the freezer; it’s best used within a year.

Reheating

• If your jam has thickened too much after being frozen, gently reheat it on the stove over low heat.
• Stir frequently until it reaches your desired consistency.
• You can also microwave small portions at medium power, stirring every 15 seconds.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Easy Amish Christmas Jam:

Can I use other fruits in Easy Amish Christmas Jam?

Absolutely! You can substitute cranberries with blueberries or raspberries for a different flavor. Just make sure to maintain the same amount of sugar.

How do I know if my Easy Amish Christmas Jam has set correctly?

The jam is ready when it has thickened and coats the back of a spoon. You can also perform a plate test by placing a small amount on a chilled plate and running your finger through it; if it holds its shape, it’s good to go!

How long does Easy Amish Christmas Jam last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, this jam will last for about two weeks. If frozen, it can maintain its quality for up to a year.

Can I reduce the sugar in Easy Amish Christmas Jam?

You can try reducing the sugar slightly, but keep in mind that sugar isn’t just for sweetness; it’s also essential for preservation and texture.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you enjoy making this Easy Amish Christmas Jam as much as I do! It’s not just about spreading it on toast; it’s about sharing warmth and joy during the holidays. This homemade treat is bound to bring smiles to everyone at your table. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to experiment with flavors!