Immerse yourself in the festive spirit with our Slow Cooker Christmas Jam, a delightful and aromatic treat that’s perfect for adding a touch of holiday cheer to your table. This recipe transforms a blend of seasonal fruits and spices into a luscious, spreadable jam that’s ideal for enjoying with your favorite breakfast breads, desserts, or even as a unique gift for loved ones.
Using your slow cooker, this recipe combines the ease of a hands-off approach with the complex, rich flavors that only time can develop. Imagine the sweet and tangy essence of fresh cranberries, combined with juicy apples and ripe pears, simmering slowly to perfection. The addition of fragrant cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of vanilla enhances the festive flavor profile, while a splash of orange juice adds a zesty brightness.
As the jam cooks slowly over several hours, the fruit breaks down and melds with the spices, creating a beautifully textured spread with just the right balance of sweetness and tartness. The result is a vibrant, jewel-toned jam that captures the essence of the holiday season in every spoonful.
This Slow Cooker Christmas Jam not only makes a fantastic topping for toast or scones but also pairs wonderfully with cheese platters or as a filling for holiday pastries. Plus, it’s a great way to preserve the flavors of the season to enjoy throughout the year. Whether you’re hosting a holiday brunch, looking for a special gift, or simply want to indulge in some homemade goodness, this jam is sure to be a hit.
Give it a try and savor the taste of Christmas in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh cranberries (about 1 bag)
- 1 cup chopped apples (peeled and cored)
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional: 1/4 cup chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) for added texture
Instructions:
- Prepare the Ingredients: Rinse the cranberries and remove any stems or damaged berries. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Place the cranberries, chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, orange juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ginger into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours, or until the cranberries have burst and the apples are tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Mash and Flavor: Once the mixture is cooked and softened, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to mash the fruit to your desired consistency. Stir in the vanilla extract. If using nuts, fold them into the jam at this point.
- Cool and Store: Let the jam cool slightly before transferring it to clean, sterilized jars. Allow the jam to cool to room temperature before sealing and refrigerating.
- Serve: Enjoy your Christmas Jam spread on toast, paired with cheese, or as a topping for desserts.
Tips:
- For a Smoother Texture: If you prefer a smoother jam, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture once it’s cooked.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the jam before finishing and adjust the sweetness by adding a little more sugar if needed.
- Storage: Store the jam in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it for longer storage.
- Serving Ideas: This jam makes a great holiday gift. Consider pairing it with a gift basket of crackers and cheese for a festive treat.
Slow Cooker Christmas Jam captures the essence of the holiday season with its blend of tart cranberries and sweet spices. It’s a versatile addition to your holiday table, offering a burst of seasonal flavor in every spoonful.
