Can I use frozen cranberries for this Thanksgiving Jam?

Absolutely! Frozen cranberries work just as well as fresh. There's no need to thaw them first simply add them directly to the pot. They may release slightly more liquid, so you might need to simmer a few extra minutes to achieve the perfect consistency.

How is Thanksgiving Jam different from regular cranberry sauce?

While traditional cranberry sauce is typically chunkier and served immediately, Thanksgiving Jam is cooked longer to create a spreadable preserve with deeper flavors. The addition of apples, citrus, and warming spices gives it a more complex taste profile that's perfect for multiple uses beyond the holiday meal.

Do I need a canner or special equipment for this easy recipe?

No special canning equipment is required! This simple method creates refrigerator or freezer jam. If you plan to store jars at room temperature for extended periods, proper water bath canning is recommended for food safety. However, most home cooks find refrigerator storage sufficient for their needs.

Can I reduce the sugar in this jam recipe?

While you can reduce sugar slightly (by about ¼ cup), sugar plays important roles in jam-making: it helps with preservation, contributes to proper texture, and balances the tart cranberries. Reducing it too much may result in a thinner consistency and shorter shelf life. Consider using low-sugar pectin if you want a significantly less sweet version.

What other recipes can I use this Thanksgiving Jam in?

This versatile preserve works wonderfully in many dishes! Use it as a filling for pastries, swirl it into oatmeal, mix it into cream cheese for a festive spread, or use it as a glaze for ham. It's also delicious with cheese boards or served alongside what green pasta for an unexpected flavor combination. The possibilities are endless!

Thanksgiving Jam: 5 Easy Steps To Festive Homemade Perfection

Name: Easy Thanksgiving Jam Recipe: Festive Homemade Preserve
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Yield: 4-5 half-pint jars
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed); 3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp); 1 large orange, zest and juice; 3 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon ground ginger; ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg; ¼ teaspoon ground cloves; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)

Easy Thanksgiving Jam Recipe: Festive Homemade Preserve

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Thanksgiving Jam combines tart cranberries, sweet apples, and aromatic spices into a festive preserve perfect for holiday meals, gifts, and toast. This easy recipe requires no special equipment and creates delicious homemade jam in just 40 minutes.

Author: Alana
Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 40
Total Time: 55
Yield: 4-5 half-pint jars 1x
Category: Preserves, Condiments
Method: Simmering
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds fresh cranberries (or frozen, thawed)
3 medium apples, peeled and diced (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
1 large orange, zest and juice
3 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts

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Instructions

1. Wash cranberries thoroughly and remove stems. Peel and dice apples into small pieces. Zest the orange before juicing it.

2. Combine cranberries, diced apples, orange zest, orange juice, water, and lemon juice in a large heavy-bottomed pot. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.

3. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Stir continuously until sugar dissolves completely, about 3-4 minutes.

4. Continue cooking at a gentle simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking. Cranberries will burst and mixture will thicken.

5. Test doneness: Place a small plate in the freezer. Drop a teaspoon of jam on the cold plate, wait 30 seconds, then run your finger through it. If it wrinkles and holds shape, it’s ready. If not, cook another 5 minutes and test again.

6. Use a potato masher to break down large fruit pieces to desired consistency. For smoother jam, use an immersion blender. Stir in nuts if using.

7. Carefully ladle hot jam into clean jars, leaving ¼ inch headspace. Wipe rims clean, seal with lids.

8. Allow jars to cool at room temperature for at least 2 hours. Jam will thicken as it cools. Check that lids are properly sealed by pressing center—they should not pop back.

Notes

If jam seems too thin after cooling, return to pot with 1 tablespoon lemon juice and simmer another 10 minutes.
Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark pantry for up to one year. Refrigerate after opening and use within 3 weeks.
This jam freezes beautifully for up to 6 months—leave extra headspace in jars for expansion.
Use a heavy-bottomed pot to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning. Stir frequently throughout cooking.
Don’t reduce sugar significantly as it’s necessary for proper setting and preservation.
Recipe doubles easily for larger batches—just use a pot large enough to prevent boil-overs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 85
Sugar: 20g
Sodium: 1mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Find it online: https://alanarecipes.com/thanksgiving-jam/