Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Tomato Jam





From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...It's hard to believe, but today marks the first birthday of my last child, One Perfect Bite. It's been a year of highs and lows, but you've been with me every step of the way. I'm grateful for your company and thank every one of you. I hope I'll be able to spend another year in the company of such good friends.

Today's recipe may seem a strange choice for a special day, but it's one of my favorites. Tomato jam is not wildly popular. As a matter of fact, most folks have never heard of it, much less tasted it. I hope the pictures will convince you to give it a try. While you'll need an hour or so to make it, much of that is wait time and the jam is really easy to make. Years ago, I made this in large batches and processed it for winter storage. These days, decent tomatoes are available throughout the year so I don't bother making large quantities. Why bother at all? It's not commercially available and the jam makes one of the best quick appetizers around. Thin slices of good bread, spread with goat cheese and topped with a dollop of this hot, sweet and spicy jam may not be Lucullian, but it's PDG and a boon for the busy host or hostess. Once made, the jam will keep for 3 weeks under refrigeration. I almost always have a jar of it on hand. I really hope you'll try this one. This version comes from the New York Times. It's really, really nice
.

Tomato Jam
...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:
1-1/2 pounds good ripe tomatoes (Roma are best), cored and coarsely chopped
1 cup sugar
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lime juice
1 tablespoon fresh grated or minced ginger
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
1 jalapeño or other hot pepper, stemmed, seeded and minced, or red pepper flakes or cayenne to taste

Directions:
1) Combine all ingredients in a heavy medium saucepan, Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.
2) Reduce heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until mixture has consistency of thick jam, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then cool and refrigerate until ready to use; this will keep at least a week. Mine keeps up to 3 weeks. Yield: 1 pint.

A recipe for tomato jam can also be found at Planet Green.

42 comments :

Pauline said...

Happy birthday, One Perfect Bite! Aww, your last baby is growing up. I really have to give you kudos/thumbs up/applause/etc etc. for such a wonderful blog.

Thanks for sharing tomato jam with us! I've never thought of tomato being used as a jam before.

Boo-Bah AKA Iris said...

I haven't thought of Tomato Jam in years. My mama used to make Tomato Perserves, I guess that would be the same. I loved it as a kid who really loved tomatoes any which way.
I really would like to try this one.

Iris

Historical sites with charmine said...

Happy birthday to your kiddo,hope the day is filled with merriment.Tomato Jam!Yes,we make that at home and it's simple n tasty.

Anonymous said...

Very nice, Mary - thanks for sharing.

KathyB. said...

I will most definitely be making this! This week. I was just wondering what creative things I could do with all the tomatoes we have in our garden ,so this is timely. Plus, your yummy idea of goat cheese topped with this sold me completely. We have a lot of "foodie" friends who will love this as a gift. thank-you very much!!!!

My Little Space said...

Happy Birthday, One Perfect Bite!And this awesome tomato jam makes the day...I love it too! Thank you very much for sharing.

Jamie said...

Have never seen tomato jam but boy does it look scrumptious! And I can just imagine it spread on bread with tangy goat cheese. Yum! I think this would go over big with me and husband! And your photographs are gorgeous! And happy birthday to baby. (once mom's baby, always mom's baby)

Anonymous said...

Scrumptious blog.

tracieMoo said...

Wow, tomato jam. I'm really curious of how it would taste like. I've got to try this!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

Happy birthday Mary. I love One Perfect Bite and look forward to more. I've never made tomato jam but it looks wonderful. I adore tomatoes so I know I would like it. Thanks for sharing.
Sam

Debbie said...

I've never had tomato jam but it does look delicious. And a Happy Birthday to One Perfect Bite!

SnoWhite said...

Looks great! My dad loves this on toasted egg sandwiches.

SnoWhite said...

oh, and happy birthday too!

Martha said...

Happy Birthday to OPB!

I can't believe that it is a year!

I've not made tomato jam although I've dabbled in others -- some even considered a bit odd. But I'll have to try this one!

Heather S-G said...

One year of amazing posts...and looking forward to more...Happy Blogoversary/BlogBirthday! This tomato jam is intriguing...I'd love to give it a try :D

Unknown said...

happy birthday, one perfect bite, you are more than perfect

Gaby said...

Happy Birthday to your blog Mary!!! That is so exciting! Have a fabulous day with your tomato jam... it looks fantastic!

Cathy said...

I can think of so many ways to use the wonderful jam. You've inspired me to get some more tomatoes.

Wow, a whole year. Doesn't seem possible, does it?

Soma said...

Happy Birthday to One Perfect Bite! This is such a wonderful place.. I do not always leave a comment, but i read every post of yours & the recipes are such an inspiration.

Love the jam. I have done so many jams this year & i always add spice to my jams. This is exactly my kind, with ginger, & spices. I thought i was done with jam making, but i need to do a tomato now.

La Bella Cooks said...

My goodness, just look at that color! This is one of those recipes that has to be tried.

Jersey Girl Cooks said...

Happy birthday to One Perfect Bite. I am bookmarking this as I would love to try it with my jersey tomatoes. Itlooks like it could be the perfect bite:)

The Blonde Duck said...

Happy birthday! And what a special treat!

Schnitzel and the Trout said...

Happy Birthday, One Perfect Bite! You have one terrific mom who has guided you to be very successful. Mary, I will bet it has been 50 years since I tasted tomato jam! Thanks for the memories.

Pam said...

I love tomato jam on a baguette with a nice blue cheese on top. Your jam looks and sounds delicious.

Ann said...

Happy Birthday Marry! I love this jam :) Will try it soon :P

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Happy Blog Birthday!

Your Tomato Jam looks amazing.

Hootin Anni said...

Happy Birthday dear Mary!! That's One Perfect Bite...now we'll can say we've bitten and we certainly have chewed this all....and swallowed some terrific foods.

As this one....looks scrumptious!

Anonymous said...

This some really good. Is it possible to put the jam in freezer bags and freeze?

Mary Bergfeld said...

Anon...I've never tried to freeze it.
Next time I make a batch I'll give it a try.

Marta said...

Happy birthday! Congrats on running a successful blog for this long, you clearly have made a mark in the blogosphere and so many people love you. Good job!
This jam seems perfectly celebratory to me :)

recipes2share said...

HAppy Birthday and I'm sure you are having a fab time with One Perfect Bite!

NKP said...

Happy birthday One Perfect Bite!
What a great way to use your tomatoes. I have hears of tomato jam but not tried it. I bookmarked the recipe as I have a few tomatoes..
Such a great colour!

Lori said...

I just love the tomato jam I received and subsequently made twice, one for the canning jars and one for my refrigerator. I think it is a perfect way to celebrate One Peerfect Bite. And truly Mary there are lots of perfect little bites on your blog. I look forward to reading your blog as long as you keep this baby of yours rolling. God Bless yah Mary.

theUngourmet said...

My grandma used to make tomato jam. She used a different recipe though without the hot peppers. I will have to ask my mom if she has a copy.

This recipe is just terrific and I have everything I need to make it, including a counter top covered with fresh tomatoes!

Happy birthday to you bloggy child! ;0) Many happy more.

L'Chicken said...

Yeah Birthday Blog! I'm about to get some tomatoes in my CSA box, and if I can stop myself from eating them, standing up over the sink, you can bet I am making this. YUM!

TwirlandTaste said...

Cheers! Never made the jam but made tomato marmelade and it was served on baguette with pit roasted country ham by a Master Chef.
Happy Twirls

Megan said...

Happy birthday to you! Here's to many more! Love the tomatoe jam. I like things that aren't quite the usual. This would make a great gift. I always think that when I see a jar of homemade preserves.

Katy ~ said...

I had my first taste of tomato jam while at a writers' colony many many years ago, grins, and have longed for a good recipe since that time.

This looks superb and I will certainly give it a try. What a delightful little gift it would make at Christmastime with its ruby red color!

Happy Birthday to One Perfect Bite. You make a difference.

Farmer Jo said...

Happy Birthday! I love this blog, I hope you keep going. I adore tomato jam. I have a version of roasted tomato jam on my site that I love to make this time of year. I am going to try yours - the kick of spice looks delicious.
Cheers!

Ashley @ AshleysBusy said...

I've never heard of this. Looks fabulous, especially on top of goat cheese. Love that stuff. :)

Deb in Hawaii said...

Happy Blog Birthday! So nice to be able to read your blog and see all the delicious things you make and your lovely photos. I look forward to more!

Susan said...

I feel like I’ve had Make Tomato Jam on my summer bucket list for FOREVER. Need to turn that into a reality.

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