Novel Reference: Left Behind, Chapter 1
Herbed Tomato Jam might just become your new favorite way to capture the essence of a summer harvest in a jar! Tomatoes have a fascinating history—did you know they were once called “love apples” and thought to be poisonous in the 18th century? But this jam is far from dangerous; it’s brimming with sweet and savory delight. Imagine the burst of juicy tomatoes, elevated by fresh herbs like basil, oregano, lemon peel, and garlic, creating a symphony of flavors on your taste buds. Whether spread on toast or paired with your favorite cheese, this Herbed Tomato Jam offers a playful twist on traditional preserves, perfect for foodies and anyone who likes to add a touch of elegance to their pantry!
Ingredients:
- 3 cups peeled, seeded, chopped tomatoes
- 4 ½ cups sugar
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 6 tbsp pectin
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp lemon peel
- 1 tsp basil
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp butter
Equipment Preparation:
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Prepare your jars by making sure they are clean and hot.
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Place a small saucepan on the stove on simmer and insert your lids to soften the seals.
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Fill your water bath canner half full with water and place it on the stove on low to begin heating. Do not let it get too hot, just warm it up.
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Gather your ladle, jar lifter, lid lifter, chopsticks, clean cloth, and any other needed supplies for canning.
Making the Herbed Tomato Jam:
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Place all ingredients except sugar in a large pot. Bring to a boil.
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Add sugar. Return to a rolling boil.
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Boil for 1 minute.
Fill Jars with the Herbed Tomato Jam:
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Ladle hot jam into a prepared jar, leaving ¼ inch headspace.
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Remove air bubbles and clean the jar rim.
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Center the lid on the jar and adjust the band to finger-tip tight.
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Repeat this process until all of your jars are full.
Process the Jars of Herbed Tomato Jam:
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Process for 10 minutes in a boiling water bath at sea level (adjust time for your elevation).
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Remove the jars from the water bath.
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Allow them to sit on the counter for 24 hours, then check if they sealed properly. Determine if they sealed properly by checking if the lid center is indented down. If not, place any unsealed jars in the refrigerator and use them right away.
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Place the sealed jars in a cool, dry area and use them within the next 3 years. After that, the nutritional value decreases.
