Wednesday, January 1, 2014

Cranberry Apple Jam-Small Batch

It seems that every year I end up with whole cranberries in my freezer and wonder what I should make with them... This year I decided to pair them with a lonely apple and just the slightest hint of cinnamon, creating a very tasty breakfast treat! This Cranberry Apple Jam is beautiful and slightly tart, add a strong cup of coffee and it's a great way to start the day:@)

Cranberry Apple Jam
For every 1 cup of fresh cranberries use:
*1/2 C sugar
1/2 C water
1/2 large apple, peeled and grated
cinnamon to taste-I just wanted a hint and used 1/16 tsp per 1 C cranberries
1/4 lemon, juiced
  1. In large pot bring everything to a boil, reduce heat a bit but keep it boiling for about 10 minutes stirring constantly, you'll notice it begin to thicken up and coat a spoon nicely. 
  2. Ladle into sterilized jars and either cool and store covered in the fridge or process for 10 minutes in a hot water bath.
Notes:
  • If the cranberries weren't frozen I would have cut them in half and bounced them around in a colander to remove some of the seeds. 
  • *After it cooks for a bit carefully taste it, I like it a little more tart, you may want to add a little more sugar.
  • Cranberries can splatter and stain as they pop, try pushing them under the liquid with a spoon or potato masher to pop them.
  • Possible variation: I'd like to try using orange juice instead of water.
  • 2 cups of cranberries/1 apple gave me 2 1/2 half pint jars.
  • Other fresh cranberry ideas: Mostly Seedless Jelly, Cheesecake Topping, Slow Cooker Cranberry Sauce and Cranberry Chess Pie.
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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