Described is a method for making a composition comprising alkanes. The composition is suitable for use as a liquid transportation fuel in general, and jet fuel in particular. The method includes dehydrating a feedstock solution comprising a carbohydrate, in the presence of an acid catalyst, to yield at least one furan derivative compound, in a reaction vessel containing a biphasic reaction medium: an aqueous reaction solution and a substantially immiscible organic extraction solution. The furan derivative compound is then subjected to a self-aldol condensation reaction or a crossed-aldol condensation reaction with another carbonyl compound to yield a beta-hydroxy carbonyl compound and/or an alpha-beta unsaturated carbonyl compound. The beta-hydroxy carbonyl and/or alpha-beta unsaturated compounds are then hydrogenated to yield a saturated or partially saturated compound, followed by hydrodeoxygenation (e.g., dehydrating and hydrogenating) of the saturated or partially saturated compound to yield a composition of matter comprising alkanes.