Description
This Spiced Christmas Apple Jam is a warm and fragrant preserve combining tender apples with holiday spices like cinnamon, cloves, and star anise. Enhanced with lemon zest and vanilla, it creates a perfectly balanced, sweet, and spiced jam ideal for festive breakfasts or gifting during the holiday season.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 4 cups peeled and diced apples
Sweeteners and Flavorings
- 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Spices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5 whole cloves
- 1 whole star anise (optional)
Other
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon powdered pectin (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and finely dice the apples. Place 4 cups of diced apples into a large saucepan to start your jam base.
- Combine Ingredients: Add brown sugar, lemon juice, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, cloves, star anise, and water to the saucepan. Stir well and allow the mixture to rest for 5–10 minutes, letting the flavors meld.
- Cook the Jam: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let it simmer uncovered for 30–40 minutes until the apples are soft and the jam thickens.
- Blend and Refine Consistency: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve the desired jam consistency. Remove the cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise. If using powdered pectin, stir it in now and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to set the jam.
- Add Final Flavor Touch: Stir in the vanilla extract, then taste the jam. Adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more sugar or lemon juice as preferred.
- Jar and Store: Pour the hot jam into clean jars. Allow them to cool completely before refrigerating. For long-term storage, process the jars using appropriate canning methods.
Notes
- Optional pectin can be used for a firmer set but is not required if you prefer a looser jam.
- Star anise adds a unique flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Adjust sweetness by tasting after cooking and adding more sugar if desired.
- Ensure jars are sterilized before filling to extend shelf life.
- This jam pairs wonderfully with toast, cheese boards, or as a holiday gift.
