Holiday Jam/ Strawberry & Cranberry Jam

Cranberry season is short, so grab a few bags and make something delicious. If you are trying to save a little money make some jars of jam to give as holiday gifts this year. Or like me, I just make them for my family. So much cheaper then purchasing jam or jelly.

Holiday Jam/ Strawberry & Cranberry Jam 8 pints

In a Large pot on medium heat add:
4 pounds of sliced strawberries
4 cups of sugar
4 pounds of rinsed cranberries (pick through them and remove the rotten ones)
Juice from one lemon
**Stir often and place a lid on the pot when not stirring. Keep the heat on medium so the fruit begins to melt and cook.
**Once the berries begin to soften, run them through a blender or use an immersion blender (be very careful this is extremely hot). Blend until smooth. This will help thicken the jam
**Now cook with the lid off and allow the jam to come to a rolling boil, that is just a boil that does not stop when being stirred.
**Once it is at a rolling boil, let it boil one full minute
**Turn down the heat, just a bit, and allow to cook until it is as thick as you desire. Test this by putting jam on a spoon and letting it cool, that will give you an idea of how thick the jam is.

**To water bath can fill pints to 1/4 inch headspace
Water bath for 15 minutes

**Can make and freeze or make and refrigerate to give out as gifts

To make HOLIDAY JAM add 1-2 teaspoon cinnamon, 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves and 1/8 teaspoon allspice

I just enjoy it without the spices. If you don't like it so tart you could add another cup of sugar.

Make a wonderful, heartfelt gift for other by gifting them some jam that you made yourself.