Christmas Red Jam (Easy Holiday Recipe)

Makes: ~2 cups
Time: 20 minutes
Flavor: sweet, slightly tart, very festive

🍓 Ingredients

• 2 cups mixed red berries (cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, cherries — fresh or frozen)

• 1 cup sugar (adjust to taste; can reduce to ¾ cup)

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but very festive)

• ½ tsp cinnamon (optional for Christmas warmth)

🥣 Instructions

1. Combine ingredients
   In a saucepan, add berries, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using).

2. Cook down
   Heat on medium, stirring as the berries release their juices.
   Bring to a gentle simmer for 10–12 minutes.

3. Mash
   Use a fork or masher to break down the fruit to your desired texture
   (chunky or smooth).

4. Thicken
   Continue simmering until the jam thickens — usually 15 minutes total.
   It will thicken more as it cools.

5. Add vanilla
   Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

6. Cool & store
   Let cool and store in sterilized jars. Keeps:

   • 2 weeks in the fridge

   • 6–12 months in the freezer

🎅 Flavor Variations

✨ Holiday Spice Jam — add ¼ tsp nutmeg + ¼ tsp cloves
✨ Cranberry-Orange Jam — add 1 tbsp orange zest + 2 tbsp orange juice
✨ Berry-Rose Jam — add ½ tsp rose water for a floral holiday twist

🎁 Perfect For:

• Christmas breakfast (toast, scones, waffles)

• Glazing meats (ham, chicken, turkey)

• Cheeseboards

• Gift jars with ribbons