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Amish Christmas Jam

A festive, ruby-red jam combining tart cranberries, sweet apples, and warm winter spices, perfect for holiday gifts and breakfasts.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 64 tbsp
Course: Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American, Autumn
Calories: 35

Ingredients
  

Jam Ingredients
  • 3 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
  • 2 medium apples peeled, cored, and finely chopped
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup apple cider not vinegar
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • 0.25 tsp ground nutmeg
  • 0.125 tsp ground cloves optional
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot
  • Canning Jars
  • Ladle
  • Jar Lifter (if canning)

Method
 

  1. Prepare the fruit: Rinse cranberries and pick out any stems. Peel, core, and finely chop the apples.
  2. Combine fruit, sugar, and cider: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, combine cranberries, apples, sugar, and apple cider.
  3. Dissolve sugar and boil: Stir over medium-high heat until sugar dissolves. Bring to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.
  4. Simmer to thicken: Reduce heat to a steady simmer. Cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and the cranberries have burst.
  5. Test for set: Perform a plate test by placing a spoonful on a chilled plate. If it wrinkles when pushed, it's ready.
  6. Add spices and flavor: Remove from heat. Stir in cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and vanilla extract.
  7. Jar the jam: Ladle the hot jam into clean, sterilized canning jars, leaving 1/4-inch headspace. Wipe rims, apply lids, and screw on bands.
  8. Process for storage (optional): Process jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to seal. Let cool completely before storing.

Notes

Jam will continue to thicken as it cools. If not water bath processing, jam must be stored in the refrigerator and used within 3 weeks.