Ah, the magic of the holidays! There’s something truly special about making my *Christmas jelly*. The vibrant red color of fresh cranberries always brings a festive vibe, and the sweet-tart flavor is just perfect for spreading on warm biscuits or adding to a holiday charcuterie board. I remember sitting in the kitchen with my family, the scent of simmering cranberries filling the air while we laughed and shared stories. It’s a tradition that brings everyone together, and let me tell you, this jelly has a way of making any holiday meal feel extra special. Trust me, you’ll want to add this to your festive repertoire!
Ingredients List
To make the perfect *Christmas jelly*, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll gather:
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries: These little gems are the star of the show! Fresh is best for that vibrant color and flavor.
- 1 cup of granulated sugar: This will add just the right amount of sweetness to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
- 1 cup of water: Essential for cooking down the cranberries and creating your jelly base.
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor and enhances the jelly’s acidity.
- 1 packet of fruit pectin: This is what helps your jelly set beautifully, giving it that perfect, spreadable consistency.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re just a few steps away from a delightful holiday treat!
How to Prepare *Christmas Jelly*
Now that you’ve got your ingredients ready, let’s dive into making this festive *Christmas jelly*! The process is straightforward and oh-so-rewarding. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a batch of jelly that’ll make your holiday celebrations even sweeter!
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
First, grab a medium pot and toss in your 2 cups of fresh cranberries, 1 cup of water, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir everything together gently, ensuring the cranberries are well-coated. This will set the stage for that beautiful jelly!
Step 2: Boil and Simmer
Next, turn on the heat and bring your mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes. You’ll want to keep an eye on it until the cranberries burst, releasing all their juicy goodness. The smell is divine!
Step 3: Strain the Mixture
After the cranberries have burst, it’s time to strain! Place a fine sieve over a bowl and carefully pour the mixture in. Using the back of a spoon, press down to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard the solids, and you’ll be left with a beautiful cranberry juice.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Pectin
Now, pour the strained liquid back into the pot. Add 1 cup of sugar and your packet of fruit pectin. Stir everything together until the sugar is fully dissolved. This step is crucial for that perfect jelly consistency!
Step 5: Final Boil
Bring the mixture back to a rolling boil and let it cook for 5 minutes while stirring constantly. This is where all the magic happens! You’ll see it thicken up, and the colors deepen. Just be careful not to let it splatter!
Step 6: Jar and Cool
Finally, pour your hot jelly into sterilized jars, leaving a little space at the top. Seal them up and let them cool at room temperature before transferring to the refrigerator. In no time, you’ll have delicious *Christmas jelly* ready to enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this *Christmas jelly*! It’s not just a delightful treat; it’s also a perfect addition to your holiday spread. Here’s why you’ll want to whip up a batch:
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple steps, you’ll have homemade jelly that impresses without the fuss.
- Festive Flavor: The sweet-tart balance of cranberries makes this jelly a standout on any table.
- Versatile Use: Spread it on toast, drizzle it over desserts, or use it as a vibrant glaze for meats.
- Perfect for Gifting: It makes a lovely homemade gift; who wouldn’t appreciate a jar of festive goodness?
- Holiday Tradition: Making this jelly can become a cherished family tradition, just like it is in my home!
Tips for Success
To ensure your *Christmas jelly* turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips I’ve gathered over the years:
- Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh cranberries for the best flavor. Frozen ones can work in a pinch, but fresh gives that vibrant taste.
- Measure Accurately: Make sure to measure your ingredients, especially the sugar and pectin. Too much or too little can affect the set.
- Watch the Boil: Keep a close eye during the final boil. Stir constantly to prevent sticking, and don’t be afraid to adjust the heat as needed.
- Clean Jars: Sterilize your jars before filling them to ensure your jelly stays fresh longer.
- Taste Test: Don’t hesitate to taste the liquid before it sets; you can adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar if needed!
With these tips in mind, you’ll be a *Christmas jelly* pro in no time!
Nutritional Information
Here’s a quick look at the estimated nutritional data for each serving of your delightful *Christmas jelly* (about 1 tablespoon):
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the exact ingredients used. Enjoy your jelly guilt-free!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making *Christmas jelly*? No worries! Here are some common queries I’ve come across:
Can I use frozen cranberries? Yes, you can! Just be sure to thaw them before cooking, but fresh cranberries yield the best flavor.
How long does the jelly last? If stored properly in the refrigerator, your *Christmas jelly* should stay fresh for up to three weeks!
Can I adjust the sweetness? Absolutely! Feel free to taste the liquid before it sets and add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter jelly.
What can I serve with it? This jelly pairs wonderfully with toast, meats, or even as a topping on desserts. The possibilities are endless!
Is it suitable for canning? Yes, you can can this jelly if you follow proper canning guidelines for preservation.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your *Christmas jelly* fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should last for up to three weeks. No need for reheating since it’s delicious served chilled or at room temperature. Just scoop out what you need and enjoy!
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Christmas Jelly: 5 Reasons You’ll Love This Festive Treat
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 2 cups 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A festive jelly perfect for Christmas celebrations.
Ingredients
- 2 cups of fresh cranberries
- 1 cup of sugar
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 packet of fruit pectin
Instructions
- Combine cranberries, water, and lemon juice in a pot.
- Bring to a boil and simmer until cranberries burst.
- Strain the mixture through a fine sieve.
- Add sugar and pectin to the liquid.
- Boil for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal.
- Let cool to room temperature then refrigerate.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Use fresh cranberries for best results.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 50
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: christmas jelly, cranberry jelly, holiday preserves
