Is it a chilly December morning? The Christmas Tree is twinkling, a fire is crackling and the aroma of spices is wafting from the house. What’s missing? The perfect accompaniment to your toast or scones! What is Eggnog Jam? I always make a batch of this when the first cartons of eggnog hit the shelves. How do you spread Christmas cheer on your morning bread? If you love eggnog, why don’t you try it? Is this recipe worth trying? Is it easier than making simple caramel, and tastes infinitely more festive? What is a good way to use up leftover eggnog?
What is Eggnog Jam?
Think of it as a creamy, spiced custard, transformed into a spreadable delight. It captures all the warm, comforting flavors of classic eggnog – the vanilla, the nutmeg, the hint of rum – but in a jam form. It’s essentially eggnog that’s been thickened and concentrated to a rich, spoonable consistency. Unlike traditional fruit jams, this one has a velvety texture and a distinct holiday flavor profile. The name, Eggnog Jam, perfectly describes what it is; Christmas in a jar! Don’t let the “jam” part fool you, though. There’s no fruit involved here, just pure eggnog goodness.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What are some of the best Eggnog Jam recipes? What I love about this is how easy it is to make. If you can stir a pot, you could make this. It takes minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor.
• Flavor:Imagine the creamy, spiced richness of eggnog, intensified and concentrated into a sweet, decadent dessert. Vanilla and Nutmeg notes are prominent, creating a warm, comforting flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. The holiday season is here.
• Simplicity:What is a simple recipe? All you need is patience and a few simple ingredients. No fancy equipment or complicated techniques required!
• Cost-Eggnog can be surprisingly inexpensive, especially if you buy it after Christmas when it goes on sale. What are the other pantry staples that make this a budget-friendly treat? I usually pick up a few extra cartons of eggnog at the end of the season just to make this jam. I like it. Throughout the year!
• Versatility: This Eggnog Jam isn’t just for toast! You can use it to fill cookies, top pancakes, swirl into yogurt, or even as a glaze for cakes. It’s perfect for gift-giving, adding a personal touch to your holiday presents. For a similar, but less festive flavor, try making a vanilla bean custard. But trust me, the eggnog version is the one you’ll be craving all winter long.
How do I make Eggnog Jam?
Quick Overview
How do you make Eggnog Jam? What is the best way to cook eggnog with a little sugar and spices until it thickens into Ice Cream? What is the best way to prevent scorching? What are some of the best recipes for creamy, dreamy spreads? What are some of the best places to visit on the Is it worth the wait?
Ingredients
For the Eggnog Jam: How do you
• 4 cups eggnog (full-fat is best for richness)
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste depending on the sweetness of your eggnog)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (freshly grated is even better)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
What are the steps to
Step 1: Combine Ingredients
In a medium saucepan, combine the eggnog, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Whisk everything together until the sugar is dissolved. Do not over mix. I always use a heavy-bottomed saucepan to prevent scorching.
Step 2: Simmer
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once it’s simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to simmer, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes. 30-40 minutes, or until the jam has thickened to your desired consistency. Is this the most important part – don’t rush it! The longer it simmers, the thicker it will become.
Step 3: Check for Doneness
To test for doneness, place a small spoonful of jam on cold plate. Let it cool for a minute or two. If it wrinkles when you push it with your finger, it’s ready. If not, continue simmering for a few more minutes and test again. What should I do if I overcook it?
Step 4: Cool and Store
What is the best way to make jam? Remove the saucepan from the heat and let it cool completely. As the water cools, it will thicken further. Once cooled, transfer the jam to sterilized jars and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. I usually use small mason jars, which are perfect for gifting.
What should I serve it with?
What is Eggnog Jam? It’s not just for slathering on toast (although it’ll be delicious on toasted toast!). What are some of my favorite ways to serve it: with a Sour Cream.
For Breakfast:Is it good to spread it on croissants, scones, or English Muffins? For a truly decadent breakfast, try topping it with whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon. I love mixing it into my morning oatmeal for a festive twist.
For Brunch: Serve it alongside a cheese board or charcuterie platter. The sweet and spiced flavor of the jam pairs beautifully with salty cheeses and cured meats. It’s also a great addition to a mimosa bar – add a spoonful to your champagne for a festive cocktail.
As Dessert:Use it to fill cookies, tarts, or mini cheesecakes. What are some good toppings for ice cream? For a simple yet elegant dessert, try layering it with gingerbread cookies and whipped cream.
For Cozy Snacks:What’s a good snack to spread on graham crackers? Is it good with pears or apples? I always have a jar of this on hand during the holidays for unexpected guests.
My family tradition is to have this on Christmas morning with warm, homemade biscuits. What a great start to savoring the holidays!
Top Tips for Perfecting Your Eggnog Jam
How do I make Eggnog Jam?
Eggnog Choice:Use full-fat eggnog for the richest flavor and creamiest texture. Low-fat eggnog will work, but the jam may not be as thick or flavorful. If you’re feeling adventurous, try making your own eggnog! How do you add flavor to jam?
Sugar Adjustment:If you’re using eggnog, taste it before adding sugar. Some brands are sweeter than others, so you may need to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly. I usually start with 1/2 cup and add more to taste.
Spice Levels: Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spices. If you love nutmeg, add a little extra! You can also add other spices like cardamom, cloves, or ginger for a unique flavor twist. I once added a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle kick, and it was surprisingly delicious!
What is the StirringI like to stir the jam frequently, especially towards the end of the cooking process, to prevent scorching. Use a silicone spatula to scrape the bottom of the saucepan to ensure that the jam is cooking. I always do this when I’m making jam, because burnt jam is the worst!
Doneness Test:How do you determine if a jam is ready? Is it safe to overcook a tomato? If you don’t have a cold plate, you can also test it by dipping your spoon into the jam and seeing if it works. If not, then you will be fine. It coats the back of the spoon.
Jar SterilizationHow do you sterilize a jar of jam? Can you do this by boiling them in water for 10 minutes or by baking in the oven at 250°F for 5 minutes? If you plan to store jam for more than a few days, this step is crucial.
Patience is the key to victoryHow do you make Eggnog Jam? Don’t rush the cooking process, and don’t be tempted to increase the heat to speed things up. Slow and steady wins the race when it comes to jam making!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
How do I keep my Eggnog Jam fresh?
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t recommend storing this jam at room temperature for more than a few hours, as it contains dairy and can spoil easily.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the jam in sterilized jars in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Make sure the jars are tightly sealed to prevent the jam from drying out. I always label my jars with the date so I know when I made it.
Freezer Instructions: You can freeze Eggnog Jam for up to 2 months. To freeze, transfer the jam to freezer-safe containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using. The texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will still be delicious.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you plan to use the jam as a glaze for cakes or cookies, it’s best to apply it fresh. If you’re storing the jam for later use, wait until just before serving to apply the glaze. This will prevent the glaze from becoming sticky or runny.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This Eggnog Jam is more than just a recipe – it’s a taste of holiday magic! It’s incredibly easy to make, bursting with flavor, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it to fill cookies, or gifting it to friends and family, it’s sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other holiday treats, like my Gingerbread Loaf or my Peppermint Bark. They’re all guaranteed to spread some holiday cheer! Happy jam-making, friends! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Let me know in the comments if you make this Eggnog Jam, and don’t forget to rate the recipe. Sharing your variations is highly encouraged!
Eggnog Jam Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups Eggnog
- 3 cups Sugar
- 1 box Powdered Pectin
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- In a large saucepan, combine eggnog, sugar, and powdered pectin. Stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly. Once boiling, reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat and stir in ground nutmeg. Let cool slightly.
- Pour into sterilized jars and seal. Process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
