- 5
Ingredients
- 3 pounds fresh cranberries (about 12-14 cups)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 3 cups apple cider
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 orange, zested and juiced
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
Preparation
Step 1
When making this jam for gift giving, cook it until the berries are mostly popped. You can use a potato masher to help break it down a bit more. If you prefer a smoother spread, you could either introduce an immersion blender or push the jam through a food mill for something that it mostly skin and seed-free.
Because cranberries are quite high in acid, this is a recipe you play around with a little without causing unsafe conditions. Swap out the spices and drop in a vanilla bean instead. Use more orange zest and juice for a citrusy punch.
Prepare a boiling water bath and necessary jars. Place lids in a small saucepan and bring to a bare simmer.
Combine the cranberries, sugar, cider, and orange and lemon juice and zest in a large pot (use a big one, this jam will bubble) over high heat.
Bring to a boil, skimming off the foam that develops on the top of the fruit. Cook for 10-15 minutes, until the cranberries pop.
Add the ginger, cinnamon, and cloves and stir to combine.
Continue to cook, stirring regularly, until the jam looks quite thick. If it appears to be thickening too much before all the cranberries are popped, add a splash of water to loosen.
Ladle jam into jars. Wipe rims, apply lids and rings and process in a boiling water bath for ten minutes.