Here is a delicious alternative to cranberries. I made a cran-raspberry jam (for gifts) and it came out delicious! Naturally I had to taste it to make sure it was good enough to give as gifts, hehehe. Was fabulous on English muffin, toast and cinnamon bread. I wanted to share this recipe with everyone. Here is what you need:
2 - 12 oz pkgs fresh cranberries, washed
2 - 12 oz pkgs frozen raspberries, defrosted
5 cups granulated sugar
1 cup orange juice
1 pkg fruit pectin
5 - pint size mason jars
Place all of the ingredients in a large heavy stockpot. Stir to combine. Cook over high heat until mixture starts to boil. Continue cooking until the cranberries start to pop, another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Remove from heat. Using a hand/immersion blender, puree the the fruits. If you do not have a hand blender, you can use a potato masher, blender or food processor. You may need to puree in two batches in the blender or food processor.
CAUTION: If you use a blender, place a kitchen towel over the lid and down tightly. When you blend hot items in a blender, it will cause the lid to pop off and you will have hot liquid everywhere.
Return to heat and simmer for an additional 15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The jam will thicken and set once it is cooled.
Remove from heat and carefully ladle into prepared jars. Place the lid - do not screw on too tight. Turn the jars upside down and allow to cool completely.
Refrigerate after the jars have completely cooled off. Keep refrigerated.
Makes 5 - pint size jars of jam
You can substitute any kind of frozen fruit for the raspberries. I dont know about blueberries, it may discolor the jam.
Enjoy!
