Get Jammin': How to Create Christmas Jam and Discover New Hobbies in the Kitchen

The festive season is just around the corner, and what could be more joyful than creating something sweet and delightful? Making Christmas jam not only brings fun into your kitchen but also helps cultivate new culinary skills. I recently attended a free event hosted by MVPN, where I learned the art of jam making while rekindling the joy of cooking. In this post, we’ll explore how to make Christmas jam, the excitement of picking up new hobbies, and simple movements that make kitchen work enjoyable.

Jars of vibrant Christmas jam ready for gifting.

The Joy of Kitchen Hobbies

Taking up a new hobby can spark creativity and add flavor to your life—both literally and figuratively! Cooking is a hobby that fills our stomachs while also providing a therapeutic outlet. The simple act of stirring pots or canning jars can uplift your spirits and engage your mind.

When I arrived at the MVPN event, the warm atmosphere enveloped me. The air was filled with delightful aromas as cooking enthusiasts chatted and shared their experiences. It felt like joining a community of like-minded individuals eager to learn and grow.

The process of making jam is both enjoyable and rewarding. With just a few ingredients, I left with two jars of delicious Christmas jam. More importantly, I gained knowledge about selecting quality ingredients, mastering canning techniques, and balancing following recipes with the freedom to experiment.

Jump to Recipe

For example, using 8 cups of fresh cranberries, 3 cups of strawberries, 1 cup of blueberries, 1 cup of orange juice ( we used one whole orange and skinned the peel for added zest), 1 inch of ginger zest and 4 cups of sugar (which is a lot! we determined for next time to find an alternative) can create a delightful holiday flavor, while a sprinkle of cinnamon, nutmeg and all spices adds warmth. You may be surprised to learn that homemade jam can last up to a year when canned properly!

Colorful jars and spices used in making Christmas jam.

The Functional Use of Movement in the Kitchen

Cooking can also be a delightful form of exercise. Movement plays a key role in the kitchen— from chopping and stirring to pouring and canning. Developing an efficient approach helps navigate your cooking space with ease.

Here are some practical tips to enhance your kitchen movements:

1. Organize Your Space: Keep ingredients and tools close at hand. A tidy counter enhances your workflow and saves time. For instance, having your canning jars ready alongside your ingredients can cut down preparation time by 20%.

   
   

2. Practice Proper Posture: Maintain good posture to avoid strain. Instead of bending over while lifting heavy pots, use your legs. This simple adjustment can reduce post-cooking fatigue significantly.

   
   

3. Utilize Time Wisely: While waiting for water to boil, rinse off used utensils or chop additional ingredients. This multitasking can streamline your cooking process and keep you engaged.

   
   

4. Incorporate Movement: Dance or step from one side of the kitchen to the other while gathering ingredients. This keeps your energy levels high and creates a more enjoyable cooking atmosphere.

   1. We played holiday music to really get into the spirit, but play what best speaks to you! Make it fun and enjoyable!

      
      

These movements not only boost efficiency but can also turn cooking from a task into a joyful event.

The Process of Making Christmas Jam

Making Christmas jam involves both creativity and precision. Let’s simplify the steps:

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Start with seasonal fruits such as cranberries, and strawberries. You will need about 8 cups of cranberries, 3 cups of strawberries (chopped), 1 cup of blueberries, 1 inch of ginger zest, 8 cups of sugar, and —seasonal spices, like ginger or nutmeg, add festive flair.

   
   

2. Prepare the Fruit: Wash, peel, and chop your fruit into small pieces. Smaller pieces help the flavors meld better, ensuring no bite is without flavor.

   
   

3. Cook Everything Together: Combine your fruit in a large pot. Bring to a rolling boil while stirring constantly to prevent burning. This should take about 10-15 minutes for optimal flavor extraction. Wait for sounds of the cranberries popping and begin to slowly add the sugar until well mixed.
   

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

4. Canning: When your jam thickens to a desired consistency, carefully fill sterilized jars, leaving about a quarter-inch of space at the top. Seal them tightly to prevent spoilage. I learned during this event to take a small rag with white vingear on top to wipe away access on the side of the jars and lids to secure the seal.

   
   

   

   
   
   
   

5. Cool Down: Let the jars cool completely, then you can admire your hard work. This step allows the jam to set and makes it safe for storage.

   
   

6. Share the Joy: Homemade jam makes a heartfelt gift during the holidays. Sharing your creations with family and friends can spread joy for miles.

   
   

Tie with a decorative ribbon and you have made a great heart felt Christmas gift

Embracing the Joy of Cooking

Participating in the MVPN event reminded me of the importance of cooking as a hobby and sharing the experience with others. It was fun to connect and share cooking tasks all the while learning different peoples ideas and cooking strategies. The best part about attending this event is I left with two jars of Christmas jam as well as a feeling of accomplishment and connection to fellow food lovers with tons of more ideas this holiday season.

Whether you want to sharpen your culinary skills or simply enjoy the festive season, making Christmas jam is a rewarding journey. The process is fun and offers valuable lessons about efficiency and creativity in the kitchen.

So, gather your ingredients, play your favorite holiday tunes, and get ready to enjoy the sweet rewards of homemade jam. You might just find a new passion that adds flavor to your life in unexpected ways!

Happy jam-making!

Copy of the Christmas Jam ( I do not own the rights to this recipe, link is found here https://www.therusticelk.com/christmas-jam/ )

For more upcoming event at the MVPN check out their social media pages https://www.facebook.com/MVPNAbilene/

Our next event is making Eggnog on December 20 @ 10 am. Hope to see you there!