Cozy Slow Cooker Christmas Jam Recipe
There’s something magical about the holiday season that fills the air with warmth, cheer, and the irresistible scent of freshly cooked treats. Among the delightful premade goodies, homemade Slow Cooker Christmas Jam sits at the top of the list, capturing the essence of winter in every jar. Imagine a thick, luscious jam that bursts with the festive flavors of cranberries, oranges, cinnamon, and clove, mingling together as it simmers away in your slow cooker, filling your home with the most comforting aroma. It’s the kind of treat that not only spreads joy on your morning toast but also doubles as a heartfelt gift for friends and family during the holidays.
What makes Slow Cooker Christmas Jam truly special is not only its vibrant flavor but also the simplicity of making it. When you take the time to prepare this jam, you’re creating a delightful blend that encapsulates the warmth of the season—a spread that brightens up those chilly winter mornings and adds a festive touch to your holiday gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is not your average preserve; it’s packed with flavors that will transport you right into a cozy holiday setting.
- Effortless Preparation: Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax.
- Festive Aroma: The scent of simmering cranberries and spices fills your kitchen, instantly putting you in the holiday spirit.
- Perfect for Gifting: This jam makes for a thoughtful homemade gift that showcases your culinary talents.
- Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, dollop it on yogurt, or use it as a vibrant filling in holiday desserts.
- Nostalgic Touch: It brings back memories of family gatherings, warmth, and homemade goodies.
How to Make Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
Making your own Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is a delightful process that starts with gathering some simple ingredients. It’s as easy as pie, or should I say, jam!
First, you’ll want to gather your ingredients, which include cranberries, sugar, oranges (zest and juice), a dash of cloves, and ground cinnamon.
Once you have everything ready, simply combine the cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves in your slow cooker. Stir it gently to combine the ingredients; this is when you might notice the sweetness of the orange cutting through the tartness of the cranberries.
Next, cover the slow cooker and set it to low for about 5-6 hours. It’s quite magical—once it starts to bubble, you’ll find that the kitchen fills with an enticing aroma that screams Christmas.
After the cooking time is up, give the mixture a good stir, and you’ll notice the cranberries have broken down beautifully. This is an important part of the process; the longer you let it cook, the thicker and more jam-like it will become. Don’t worry if it looks thick — it’ll smooth out as it cools.
Finally, spoon your jam into sterilized jars while it’s still warm. Let it cool completely before sealing. You’ll want to pop a jar in the fridge to keep it fresh, but trust me, you might find yourself going back for more before it even makes it to the shelf!
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Ingredient Breakdown
Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect jam. Cranberries provide that signature tartness, while sugar balances the flavors and preserves the jam. The orange zest and juice infuse a bright, refreshing note that complements the richness of the spices. Ground cinnamon and cloves add a warm, festive spice that will make your home smell like a holiday dream.
If you’re missing an ingredient or two, don’t fret! You can swap or leave out the cloves, or substitute with another citrus if oranges aren’t on hand.
Directions
To start your Slow Cooker Christmas Jam, combine the fresh cranberries and sugar in the slow cooker. Make sure the cranberries are well coated with the sugar, which helps to extract their juices. Add the freshly squeezed orange juice and zest, along with the ground cinnamon and cloves. Stir the mixture gently until everything is just combined—it’s really important to take a moment to appreciate those beautiful colors and scents!
Set your slow cooker to low and cover it, allowing it to cook for about 5 to 6 hours. Check it occasionally; you’ll see the cranberries begin to burst, and soon after that, your kitchen will be filled with the lovely smell of the spices mingling with the sweetness of the orange and tartness of the cranberries—this is when it starts to smell amazing!
Once your cooking time is up, carefully stir the jam. You’ll notice the mixture thickening and becoming beautifully smooth. Now it’s time to transfer your homemade jam into sterilized jars. Ladle the hot jam into the jars, filling them while it’s still warm. Seal the jars once they have cooled down completely, and there you have it—your own Christmas jam, ready to share or enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
Slow Cooker Christmas Jam is wonderfully versatile, making it perfect for many occasions. Serve it at your holiday brunch spread, elegantly paired with cream cheese on a platter of crackers and toasted baguette slices. Picture the vibrant red color of the jam contrasted against the creamy white of the cheese—it’s as visually appealing as delicious!
It can also be a delightful topping for freshly baked scones or biscuits. Drizzle over pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast treat, or even use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies that would make a perfect addition to your holiday cookie trays.
The texture of this jam is delightful too—thick and spreadable while still maintaining a burst of fruitiness. With its bright colors and flavors, it truly captures the essence of the holiday season, making any occasion feel festive.
How to Store Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
To keep your Slow Cooker Christmas Jam fresh, you’ll want to store it properly. If you’ve sealed your jam in sterilized jars, it can stay in the refrigerator for about two weeks. It’s a good idea to keep an eye on it; if you notice any signs of spoilage, it’s best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
For longer storage, you can freeze the jam. Make sure you leave some space at the top of the jars for expansion, and use freezer-safe containers if you prefer. Homemade jam will retain its best quality for up to a year in the freezer, but I’d bet you won’t let it hang out for that long! When you’re ready to enjoy it, just defrost it in the fridge overnight; a quick microwave warm-up works too if you’re in a hurry.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
To ensure your Slow Cooker Christmas Jam turns out perfectly every time, consider these friendly tips:
- Quality Ingredients: Opt for fresh cranberries if available. Frozen cranberries work beautifully too; just don’t thaw them before using, as the cold helps maintain the texture.
- Taste Check: Don’t hesitate to give your jam a quick taste when it’s nearly finished. Adjust the sweetness by adding a touch more sugar if necessary.
- Patience is Key: If it seems a little runny after cooking, give it additional time in the slow cooker. Each slow cooker can vary in cooking temperature, and sometimes a little extra time will yield a thicker consistency.
- Keep it Sterile: When storing your jam, ensure your jars are well sterilized. A quick boil or hot cycle in the dishwasher can do the trick, extending the shelf life of your jam.
Variations
Feel free to get creative with your Slow Cooker Christmas Jam! Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Berry Medley: Substitute some or all of the cranberries with blueberries or raspberries. This creates a sweeter jam with different fruity undertones.
- Spiced Pear: Add diced pears into the mix for a lovely, soft texture and a sweet aromatic twist, perfect for those who enjoy a milder flavor profile.
- Zesty Lemon Twist: Swap some of the orange juice for lemon juice to create a sharper contrast in flavors that brightens the jam beautifully.
- Less Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet jam, reduce the sugar by half and allow the natural flavors of the fruits and spices to shine through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries for this recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh ones. In fact, you don’t need to thaw them; adding them straight from the freezer can help to maintain the texture of the jam.
How do I know when the jam is done cooking?
The jam is ready when the cranberries have burst, and the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency. To be sure, you can test it by placing a small amount on a plate to see if it holds its shape once cooled.
Can I can this jam for longer storage?
Definitely, if you want to preserve your jam for a longer period, you can can it using a proper water bath process. Just make sure to follow the sealing process carefully to keep your jam safe for long-term storage.
What can I serve it with apart from toast?
Oh, the possibilities are endless! Spread it on scones or biscuits, use it as a topping for cheesecake, or stir it into plain yogurt for a festive twist. It also makes a delightful filling for pastries and desserts.
I hope you find joy in making your own Slow Cooker Christmas Jam! It’s a delightful way to indulge in the flavors of the season, creating lasting memories with friends and family. If you love this recipe, save it for later or share it with someone who’d enjoy it too. Each jar holds a taste of the holiday spirit, waiting to warm your home and brighten your table.
Print
Cozy Slow Cooker Christmas Jam
- Total Time: 375 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive jam made with cranberries and oranges, slow-cooked to perfection for a warm holiday treat.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen cranberries
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large orange, zested and juiced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
- Combine cranberries and sugar in the slow cooker, ensuring the cranberries are well coated.
- Add orange juice, orange zest, cinnamon, and cloves; stir gently.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cover for 5 to 6 hours, checking occasionally.
- Once cooking time is complete, stir the mixture and transfer it into sterilized jars while still warm.
- Let it cool completely before sealing the jars.
Notes
For best results, ensure jars are sterilized and consider freezing for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 360 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
