Description
This Spiced Orange-Cardamom Christmas Jam with Caramel Ribbon is a festive confection perfect for gifting or enjoying during the holidays. The warm flavors of citrus, ginger, and cardamom combined with a luscious caramel ribbon and crunchy almonds create a truly special treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.0 kg Mixed Winter Fruit (2.2 lbs): 500g oranges, 300g cranberries, 200g apples, chopped
- 800.0 g Granulated Sugar (3.5 cups): for preserving and thickening
- 2.0 tbsp Lemon Juice (30 ml): for acidity and pectin activation
- 1.0 tsp Ground Ginger (5 g): for a warm, spicy kick
- 0.5 tsp Ground Cardamom (2 g): for a fragrant, floral note
- Zest of 1 Orange: for intense citrus aroma
- 200.0 g Granulated Sugar (for caramel) (1 cup): for making the caramel ribbon
- 30.0 g Unsalted Butter, cut into pieces (for caramel) (2 tbsp): for richness and smooth texture
- 30.0 ml Heavy Cream or Coconut Cream (for caramel) (2 tbsp): for a smooth, pourable caramel
- 1.0 tsp Orange Zest (for caramel) (5 g): for subtle orange flavor
- 2.0 tbsp Toasted Almond Slivers (15 g): for crunch and nutty flavor
Instructions
- Combine Fruits and Spices: Mix chopped oranges, cranberries, and apples with sugar, lemon juice, ginger, cardamom, and orange zest.
- Macerate Mixture: Let the fruit sit for 30-60 minutes to draw out juices.
- Boil and Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 45-60 minutes, stirring frequently.
- Test for Set: Place a spoonful on a chilled plate; it should wrinkle when pushed.
- Prepare Caramel: Melt sugar in a saucepan, swirling until amber.
- Emulsify Caramel: Add butter and stir until melted, then whisk in cream and orange zest.
- Layer and Swirl: Spoon jam into jars, drizzle with caramel, and swirl gently.
- Seal and Cool: Seal jars and let cool completely.
- Refrigerate: Refrigerate for at least 4 hours to set.
Notes
Sterilize jars properly for safe jam-making and longer shelf life. Adjust spices to your preference for a customized flavor.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 60 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 30 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: jam,christmas,orange,cardamom,caramel,spiced,holiday,homemade,fruit,winter