SPICED CRANBERRY JAM

Ingredients

• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole nutmeg or 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• 1 tsp whole cloves
• 8 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
• 1/4 cup apple juice
• 4 cups granulated sugar

Directions

1. Place cinnamon sticks, nutmeg and cloves on a piece of cheesecloth. Gather cheesecloth around spices to form a sachet and tie with butcher’s twine; set aside.
2. Combine cranberries and apple juice in a non-reactive Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium heat, mashing cranberries occasionally with a potato masher.
3. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, stirring and mashing occasionally, until cranberries pop and mixture thickens, about 10 - 12 minutes. Add sachet and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 - 2 minutes. Add sugar and stir to combine. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until thick, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat; remove and discard sachet.
4. Ladle jam into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Remove air bubbles with a narrow rubber spatula or plastic knife. If necessary, add additional jam to maintain headspace. Wipe jar rims thoroughly with a clean damp cloth.
5. Seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes at all altitudes in Alberta.