Dive into the festive delight of Cranberry Charm Jam, a vibrant spread that captures the bold and tangy flavors of fresh cranberries. This homemade jam is a celebration of the unique tartness and subtle sweetness of cranberries, offering a versatile and bright addition to your pantry, perfect for holiday spreads, desserts, or as a zesty glaze for meats.
Preparation and Cooking Times
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: About 2.5 cups
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
Nutritional Profile (per tablespoon)
- Calories: 32 kcal
- Protein: 0.1 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 0.2 g
- Sugar: 7.8 g
- Ingredients
- Fresh cranberries (1 kg / 2.2 lbs / 35 oz)
- Granulated sugar (450g / 1 lb / 16 oz)
- Water (150ml / 5 oz)
- Orange zest (optional for a citrus twist) (5g / 0.2 oz)
- Lemon juice (30ml / 2 tbsp / 1 oz)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Prepare Cranberries: Wash the cranberries thoroughly.
- Cook the Cranberries: In a large pot, combine cranberries, sugar, water, and orange zest. Bring to a boil over medium heat.
- Simmer: Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes, or until the cranberries burst and the mixture thickens.
- Add Lemon Juice: Stir in lemon juice and cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Test for Doneness: Place a small amount of jam on a cold plate. If it thickens, it’s ready.
- Jar and Cool: Pour the hot jam into sterilized jars, leaving space at the top. Seal and let cool.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Balancing Flavors: Adjust the amount of sugar depending on the tartness of the cranberries.
- Enhancing Flavor: Orange zest adds a delightful citrus note, complementing the tart cranberries.
- Texture: For a smoother jam, blend the mixture before jarring.
- Storage: Store in a cool, dry place or refrigerate for extended shelf life.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cranberries?
Yes, frozen cranberries work well in this recipe.
How long does cranberry jam last?
Properly stored, it can last up to 1 month in the refrigerator.
Can I make cranberry jam less sweet?
Yes, but adjust sugar to your taste, keeping in mind it helps in preservation.