Simple Fresh Cranberry Jam

Simple Fresh Cranberry Jam makes the best condiment for almost any meal, especially when smeared on top of creamy mascarpone cheese!

Well guys, it’s here: my one contribution to the overabundance of Thanksgiving recipes on the internet! Woohoo!

 

I’ll be honest, I really struggle sometimes to come up with holiday recipes to share online. The main reason is just that I’m a simple food kind of girl at heart, and I like to stick with what I love and what invokes warm memories when it comes to holiday food. Don’t get me wrong, it’s not that I wouldn’t love something fancy or time-intensive (because, well, I just love food); I just crave what I crave and don’t want to mess with a time-tested recipe. You dig?

 

That being said, I know that not everyone is a cranberry sauce fan (my husband being one of them), and I get it. Cranberries are tart and bitter and the seeds can be annoying. I still love ’em though! And I figured that maybe if there was a less saucy way to enjoy them, then maybe everyone could appreciate their distinct flavor a little more. That and a little extra sugar. It’s the holidays after all!

 

I could seriously eat this goodness straight out of the jar – and I have – but the best way that I’ve had it so far has been on my morning toast with a big smear of mascarpone cheese. The textures are all so good together, and the buttery-creamy flavor of the cheese is such a great pairing for the jam!

 

And, you know, if you dig trying new Thanksgiving recipes here are some of my favorites from years gone by!

The Ultimate Thanksgiving Turkey
Easy Weeknight Thanksgiving Turkey Burgers
The Best Thanksgiving Turkey Breast
Skillet Cranberry Cobbler
Crockpot Holiday Cranberry Sauce
Deep Dish Cranberry Apple Pie
Mustard Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Whipped Chipotle Sweet Potatoes
Creamy Greek Yogurt Mashed Potatoes
Cauliflower Whipped Potatoes

SIMPLE FRESH CRANBERRY JAM

Makes approximately 16 servings

Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh cranberries, picked over
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup granulated or raw sugar
• pinch of salt
• 1 cup water OR orange juice

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a medium pot over medium heat.
• Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium low.
• Simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until very thick.
• Remove from heat and allow to cool at room temperature. The jam with thicken as it cools.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to use. It should keep this way for about 2 weeks – if it lasts that long!
• Enjoy!