Pear and Cranberry Jam with Port (Winter Jam Recipe)

Pear and cranberry jam with Port is a beautifully balanced winter preserve. Pears bring softness and sweetness, cranberries add brightness and structure, and a small measure of Port rounds everything out. This is a jam that works pairs beautifully with cheese or roast meats, particularly through the colder months. 


Ingredients

(makes about 5 jars)

500 g (1 lb 2 oz / about 3 cups) pears, peeled, cored, and chopped

500 g (1 lb 2 oz / about 4 cups) cranberries (fresh or frozen)

750 g (1 lb 10 oz / 3¾ cups) golden caster sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

100 ml (3½ fl oz / ⅓ cup) water

1 tbsp Port

½ tsp ground cinnamon

2 cloves, tied in muslin

How to Make Pear and Cranberry Jam with Port

• Combine the pears, cranberries, sugar, and lemon juice in a large bowl. Stir well, cover, and leave to macerate overnight (or for at least 8 hours). The fruit will release its juices and the sugar will begin to dissolve.
• The next day, transfer the mixture to a preserving pan. Add the ground cinnamon and the muslin bag of cloves. Warm gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar has completely dissolved.
• Add the water and simmer gently for about 10 minutes, until the cranberries begin to burst and the pears soften.
• Increase the heat and bring to a rolling boil. Cook until the confiture reaches 104°C / 220°F, or until a soft gel forms on a chilled plate.
• Remove from the heat and skim off any froth. Stir in the Port, then leave the confiture to settle for 10–15 minutes so the fruit distributes evenly.
• Ladle into warm, sterilised jars and seal immediately.
  
  

Serving suggestion

Perfect for the festive season — delicious alongside cheese, roast meats, or as a glaze for ham or venison.

What Pears Are Best for Jam?

Firm dessert pears such as Conference pears work particularly well.

If this felt like your kind of pace, you may enjoy Notes from the Jam Kitchen — seasonal notes and small observations, written in step with the year.

Joining includes The Five Principles of French Jam Making, a 10-page downloadable PDF.