Sweet with a touch of tartness, this jam fills in for store bought versions for every day use. Slather on an traditional PBJ or dollop on top of goat cheese for an appetizer, cranberries are here to stay. Note... Cranberry Vanilla Chia Jam would also make a lovely hostess gift during the holidays!
1 package cranberries (8 or 10 oz)
1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
3 Tbs maple syrup
1/2 vanilla bean (or 1 tsp vanilla extract)
2 tsp freshly grated orange zest
2 Tbs water
2 Tbs chia seeds (we like Nutiva Organic Chia Seeds
)splash Grand Marnier (optional - about 1/2 Tbs)
Place washed cranberries into a medium-sized pot over medium heat and add the orange juice and maple syrup. Slice the vanilla bean in half and scrape the seeds into the cranberries. Bring to a simmer and reduce the heat a touch so jam doesn't burn, stir often until the berries pop and become tender. Mash the berries with a fork on the side of the pot and remove from heat. This all takes 5-10 minutes. I explained to Liv, remove pot from stove when berries are soft enough to mash with a fork and make a jam-like consistency.
Add the orange zest, water, chia seeds and Grand Marnier if using. Stir to combine and allow to cool. When cool place into a sealable jar and store in the refrigerator. Best used within 7-10 days.
Liv Life Note: if jam becomes thicker than you desire, simply as a tablespoon or so of water or orange juice to thin
