Cranberry Jam Toast Delight (Printable Version)
Tangy-sweet cranberry spread served on crispy golden toast for a quick breakfast or snack.
# What You Need:
→ Cranberry Jam
01 - 2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
02 - 3/4 cup granulated sugar
03 - 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
04 - Zest of 1 orange
05 - 1/4 cup water
06 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 - Pinch of salt
→ Toast
08 - 8 slices rustic bread (sourdough or country loaf recommended)
09 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional for spreading)
# How to Make It:
01 - In a medium saucepan, combine cranberries, sugar, orange juice, orange zest, water, vanilla extract, and salt.
02 - Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
03 - Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often, until cranberries burst and the jam thickens. Mash cranberries with a spoon for a smoother texture if preferred.
04 - Remove from heat and allow to cool to room temperature; the jam will thicken further as it cools.
05 - Toast bread slices until golden and crisp using a toaster or grill pan.
06 - Spread unsalted butter on warm toast if desired.
07 - Generously spoon cranberry jam over the toast and serve immediately.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- It comes together in under 40 minutes, no special equipment or fancy techniques required.
- The balance of tart and sweet tastes like someone actually knew what they were doing, even if you're making it for the first time.
- A single jar makes your kitchen smell like autumn, and leftovers last long enough to enjoy for weeks.
02 -
- Don't skip the orange juice or zest—they're not just flavor, they help the jam actually set and give it structure so it doesn't just become fruit soup.
- If your jam feels too loose after cooling, that's okay; it'll firm up in the fridge, and if it doesn't, you've still got something delicious to spoon over yogurt or ice cream.
03 -
- Store your finished jam in a clean glass jar in the fridge, where it'll last comfortably for two weeks and often longer.
- Cranberry jam is unexpectedly good with cream cheese or goat cheese on crackers, turning breakfast into something that could be served at a dinner party.