Skip the socks: Homemade cranberry jam makes the perfect gift
Instead of agonizing over whether to give another mug or warm socks for Christmas, consider a handmade gift. No special artistic skills are needed — homemade cranberry jam is accessible for anyone to make.
Cranberry jam is a versatile addition to many dishes. It works wonderfully as a sauce for roasted pâté, fills crepes, sweetens morning oatmeal, and adds variety to toast. It pairs well with brie, camembert, or goat cheese cheeses. You can also include it in sandwiches with cold cuts or as a spread, making it a universal gift for all food lovers.
Cranberry jam
Homemade cranberry jam is a delightful snack and a charming, handmade gift for loved ones. It's delicious, healthy, and surprisingly easy to prepare.
Cranberries are rich in vitamin C and boost immunity. Their tart-sweet taste complements many dishes. A jar of homemade jam makes an original and tasty gift for any occasion. Simply decorate it with a ribbon and present it to someone special.
Ingredients:
- Approximately 1 pound of fresh cranberries
- Approximately 1 pound of sugar
Preparation:
Step 1. Place fresh cranberries in a pot and cover them with sugar. Heat the mixture for 30 minutes until it starts to break down. Stir the pot occasionally. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Step 2. Transfer the finished cranberry jam into jars, leaving about 0.5 inches of space at the top, and seal tightly. You don't need to pasteurize the jam if the lid remains secure. If it doesn't, pasteurize it again.
How do you pasteurize it? Line the bottom of a pot with a clean cloth. Place the jars inside, ensuring they don't touch each other, and pour in water to cover about 2/3 of their height. Bring the water to a boil, reduce the heat, and pasteurize for 30-40 minutes.
