Cranberry Apple Orange Jam

$- 2 cups fresh cranberries, thoroughly rinsed - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith offers a great tartness) - Zest and juice from 1 large orange - 1 cup granulated sugar (feel free to adjust for your desired sweetness) - 1/2 cup water - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice I love using fresh ingredients to make this jam. Fresh cranberries give a bright flavor. The tartness of Granny Smith apples balances well with the sweet cranberries. I always zest and juice a large orange for a fresh and zesty kick. When it comes to sugar, you can adjust it. If you want it sweeter, add a bit more. Keep in mind, the sugar helps with preserving the jam too. The half cup of water is needed to help the fruit cook down. Spices like ground cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth. They make the jam taste cozy and inviting. Finally, the lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. By using these key ingredients, you create a tasty jam that is perfect on toast or as a gift. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Start by combining ingredients in a pot. Take a large pot and add 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 2 peeled and diced apples, the zest, and juice from one large orange. Add 1/2 cup of water. This mix will create a bright and tangy base for our jam. 2. Next, focus on the cooking process and simmering details. Place the pot over medium heat. As it heats, stir the mixture gently. When it begins to boil, lower the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes. You will see the cranberries burst open and soften, releasing their juices. 3. Now, test for consistency. After simmering, add 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Stir well until the sugar dissolves completely. Continue to simmer for 20-25 minutes while stirring often. The jam will thicken and become glossy. 4. To ensure it’s ready, place a teaspoon of jam on a cold plate. Wait a minute, then run your finger through it. If it holds its shape, it’s perfect. 5. Remove the pot from the heat and allow the jam to cool slightly. Pour it carefully into sterilized jars. Seal them tightly to keep the jam fresh. 6. Let the jars cool completely at room temperature before storing them in the fridge. Enjoy your homemade cranberry apple orange jam! - Adjusting sweetness for taste: You can change the sugar amount. If you like it sweeter, add more sugar. If you prefer it less sweet, use less. Always taste as you go! - Tips for achieving the ideal consistency: The key is to simmer long enough. As it cooks, the jam will thicken. To check, place a spoonful on a cold plate. If it holds its shape, it’s perfect. - Preventing burning or sticking: Stir the jam often while it cooks. This keeps the fruit moving and helps prevent sticking. If you see any sticking, lower the heat or add a splash of water. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh cranberries and apples to enhance the flavor of your jam. Fresh ingredients yield a brighter taste and a more vibrant color. Adjust Sweetness: Taste the mixture before adding all the sugar. Depending on the tartness of your cranberries and apples, you may want to adjust the amount of sugar to suit your preference. Check Consistency: For a perfect jam consistency, do the plate test. If the jam wrinkles when pushed with your finger, it has reached the right thickness. Storage Tips: To ensure longevity, store the jam in sterilized jars and keep it refrigerated. For longer storage, consider water bath canning for shelf stability. {{image_4}} Want to take your cranberry apple orange jam to the next level? You can add more spice and flavor. Here are some ideas: - Additional spices to consider: Try adding allspice or cloves. They bring warmth and depth. Just a small amount can change the taste a lot. Cinnamon is great, but don’t be shy with other spices. - Adding other fruits: You can mix in other fruits too. Pears or peaches work well. They add sweetness and a nice texture. Be sure to chop them small so they blend in well. - Preserving techniques for different textures: If you want a smoother jam, blend it after cooking. For a chunkier version, just mash the fruit slightly. You can also try canning or freezing for longer storage. Each method gives a different feel, so choose what you like best. These variations make your jam unique and perfectly suited to your taste. Enjoy experimenting! To store your homemade jam safely, start with clean jars. Wash them in hot, soapy water. You can also run them through the dishwasher. This will kill germs. For best results, place the jars in a pot of boiling water for a few minutes. This extra step will help keep your jam fresh longer. Once your jam cools, pour it into the sterilized jars. Leave about half an inch of space at the top. This space helps the jam expand when it freezes or heats. Seal the jars tightly with their lids. If you do not seal them well, air can spoil your jam. After sealing, place the jars in the fridge. Homemade jam can stay fresh for about three weeks in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Just make sure to use jars that can handle the cold. You should also leave more space at the top of the jar when freezing. This space allows the jam to expand. Homemade jam can last a while if stored correctly. In the fridge, it stays good for up to three weeks. If you freeze it, the jam can last for up to a year. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you see mold or smell something off, it’s best to toss it. Enjoy your tasty cranberry apple orange jam while it’s fresh! Yes, you can use frozen cranberries for this recipe. Just thaw them first. Drain any excess water before using them. This ensures your jam stays thick and flavorful. To make this jam without sugar, use natural sweeteners. Try honey or maple syrup. You can also use mashed bananas for sweetness. Remember to adjust the amount to taste, so your jam remains balanced. You can pair this jam with many foods. It tastes great on toast or fresh scones. Try it on pancakes or waffles for a sweet twist. You can also use it in yogurt or oatmeal. It adds a nice fruity flavor. You learned about the key ingredients for making Cranberry Apple Orange Jam, including fresh cranberries, apples, and flavor enhancers. We went through the step-by-step process, from mixing ingredients to cooking them for the right consistency. I shared tips to adjust sweetness and prevent sticking. You also discovered ways to enhance flavors and preserve texture. Finally, we talked about jarring, sealing, and storing your jam. Now you’re ready to create your own batch. This jam is sure to bring joy and flavor to your meals!$

A delightful jam made with fresh cranberries, apples, and orange for a perfect spread.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 45

Total Time 1

Course Condiment

Cuisine American

Ingredients

2 cups fresh cranberries, thoroughly rinsed
2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith offers a great tartness)
1 large orange (zest and juice)
1 cup granulated sugar (feel free to adjust for your desired sweetness)
0.5 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

In a large pot, combine the rinsed cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, and water. Place the pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally to mix the ingredients.
Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for approximately 10 minutes. You’ll notice the cranberries beginning to burst and soften during this time.
Add the sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fresh lemon juice to the pot. Stir well to ensure all the sugar is completely dissolved into the fruit mixture.
Allow the jam to continue simmering over low heat for an additional 20-25 minutes, stirring frequently to avoid any sticking. The mixture should thicken considerably as it cooks.
To check the consistency of the jam, place a teaspoon of it on a chilled plate and let it sit for about a minute. Run your finger through the jam; if it holds its shape, it’s ready!
Remove the pot from heat and let the jam cool for a few minutes. Carefully pour the warm jam into sterilized jars, sealing them tightly to maintain freshness.
Allow the jam to cool completely at room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.

Notes

For a charming gift, serve the jam in a small jar adorned with a decorative ribbon. This delightful spread pairs wonderfully with fresh bread or scones, making it a perfect breakfast treat!

Keyword fruit spread, homemade, jam