DIY Goodness: Holiday Fruit Refrigerator Jam

This holiday season, I enjoyed making this holiday fruit refrigerator jam for family and friends. It is made with some of my favorite fruit bounties this season brings: cranberries, cherries and orange peel. It is wonderful on toast and is perfect for New Year's breakfast or brunch.

"Holiday Fruit Refrigerator Jam"

*makes 6 half-pint jars

3/4 cup cherries, pitted and chopped

3/4 cup cranberries, chopped

1/2 cup orange rind, finely grated   

4 cups sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 (1.75 ounce) package powdered no-sugar fruit pectin

3/4 cup water

6 half-pint canning/freezer jars

Rinse 6 clean half-pint freezer-safe canning/freezer jars with boiling water. Dry thoroughly. Wash cherries, remove pits and chop in quarters. Place in medium bowl. Do not drain cherries. If cherries have been chilled, set aside until the cherries reach room temperature. Repeat these steps with cranberries. In small bowl, finely grate orange peel and set aside. In large mixing bowl, combine cherries, cranberries and orange peel. Add sugar and lemon juice to mixture. Stir well. Set mixture aside 10 minutes, stirring every few minutes. In saucepan, combine powdered fruit pectin and water. Stir well. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute. Remove from heat. Immediately add pectin mixture to fruit mixture and stir well. Keep stirring mixture about 3 minutes until sugar is completely dissolved. Quickly pour into sterile jars to within 1/2 inch of top of jar. Wipe off top edges of jar and cover with lid. Makes 6 half-pint jars. Let stand at room temperature 24 hours to set. After jam has set, enjoy immediately or it can be frozen for up to one year. Once opened, it can be stored in refrigerator up to 3 weeks. Enjoy!