Cranberry Serrano Pepper Jam {Christmas Edible Gift}
Author: 
Recipe type: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 1 pint
 
This jewel-hued jam made with winter cranberries, orange and a touch of hot serrano chili peppers makes for a delicious addition to your Holiday table or a lovely Christmas Edible Gift.
You will need:
  • Cranberries - 12 oz
  • Orange - 1 large, juiced
  • Serrano chili pepper - 1, finely minced
  • Sugar - 2 cups
  • Cinnamon, clove or dried ginger powder - ½ tsp (optional)
How to:
  1. Take all the ingredients in a large, deep, thick-bottomed pan and bring to a boil on medium-high heat. Let boil till the cranberries begin to pop, 4-5 minutes.
  2. Gently mash the berries with the back of your ladle or a clean potato masher. Keep cooking the mixture till the berries cook down and the jam begins to thicken, around 10-12 minutes (see notes for checking jam doneness).
  3. Once done, remove from heat immediately. Spoon jam into clean, sterilized glass jars, cool completely, cover tightly with lid and refrigerate. Jam keeps well for a couple of weeks with proper storage and use.
  4. To gift the jam, decorate individual jars with colorful paper or ribbon.
Notes:
1. When jam is done, it will be dark in color and will also have a glossy sheen to it. You can also do the following tests to determine if jam is ready.
2. Before starting, place a couple of small plates in the freezer. To check if jam is done, place a blob of hot jam mixture on the cold plate. Cool it for a few seconds in the freezer and run a finger across it. If the mixture gels and you are able to run your finger through it without it being runny, the jam is done. Else, cook for a couple more minutes and test again.
3. You can also test using the spoon method. Dip a metal spoon into the hot jam mixture and allow it to slide off the spoon. Initially, it will fall off as individual liquid drops. When jam is done, it will slide off the spoon as one mass (or a sheet).
4. Always remember that the jam will thicken when cool. So take care not to overcook it. It takes practice and patience to tell when exactly the jam is done, but you’ll get there!
Recipe by At The Corner of Happy And Harried at https://www.happyandharried.com/2016/11/25/cranberry-serrano-pepper-jam-christmas-edible-gift/