Sunday, October 17, 2010

Tomato Jam - India Here We Come



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...As you read this, I'll be on the first leg of a journey that will take me to India, Nepal and Tibet, and as you might suspect, I am euphoric. Because I travel lightly and will be gone for such a long time, I've pre-scheduled new posts for each day that I'm away. Think of them as a bribe to keep you returning to my table. Preparation of the thirty odd recipes I'll be featuring has kept me very busy and I've been a poor correspondent for the last week or so. I hope you understand and forgive my radio silence. While I'm not traveling with a computer, I'll have about 30 minutes each morning when I'll have one at my disposal, so I'll at least be able to read your comments and, hopefully, reply to a few of them. I can't promise much more than that. I can promise regular visits once I'm home. Right now, I'm much like a child on Christmas Eve. Despite miles already traveled and place already seen, I find it difficult to curb my enthusiasm at the beginning of a journey. I'm not a blasé traveler and I approach each new adventure with an open heart and mind, and, the Silver Fox, cynic that he is, would add, an open wallet. I once knew a child who had a runaway imagination and even larger dreams. She was fascinated by the Himalayas and a place called Kathmandu, a spot she had found on the dogeared map she'd study for amusement. The strangeness of its name stayed with her and she knew she find and visit it someday. That day - her day - has come. Wish her Godspeed, please. Hugs and blessings...Mary




While getting the house ready for our departure, I came across several pounds of tomatoes that had to be used. I normally would have sent them down the hill to a neighbor, but that wouldn't work this time as that neighbor had sent them up the hill to me earlier in the week. I'm sure you get the picture. Fortunately, I'd been holding onto Mark Bittman's recipe for tomato jam and this was a perfect time to try it. There, literally, is nothing to this recipe and I found it make a wonderful condiment. I sent the tomatoes back down the hill in a jam jar. This may become our fruitcake thing. Here's the recipe.

Tomato Jam...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite courtesy of Mark Bittman


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
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoons red pepper flakes

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. Yield: About 1 pint.

You might also enjoy these recipes:
Peach Melba Jam - Bunky Cooks
Black Mission Fig Jam - Coconut and Lime
Freezer Berry Jam - Real Mom Kitchen
Brandied Fig Jam - Talk of Tomatoes
Texas Three Pepper Jam - SwEEts
Late Summer Plum Jam - Piece of Cake

71 comments :

Keeley said...

Have a fantastic journey! I would love to see India someday. Please take lots of pictures and share with us!

Faith said...

Mary! I am so excited for you! I hope you soak up all the goodness that each place has to offer!

The Words Crafter said...

Whoa, congratulations!!! I hope you have a fabulous time and be safe!

Kalyn Denny said...

Wow, that's so exciting. I've done some traveling but haven't been to any of those places. Look forward to hearing about it when you get back.

kath said...

Wow! Have a wonderful trip! I look forward to hearing all about it.

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

What a journey you have planned . . . it is easy picturing you enjoying every moment. It will be fun to see how it will influence your cooking when you return. You are in an area of the world with great spices.

You are too sweet to prewrite all those posts. . . we would have been here when you return, anyway!

Blessings on your trip,

Glenda

Linda Starr said...

have a great trip, jam look wonderful.

Melinda said...

Have a safe trip!
Sounds exciting!

Melinda

Spoon and Chopsticks said...

Have a wonderful trip, Mary. Don't forget to post some of the photos from the trip :)

Have fun.

Ginny Hartzler said...

You've surprised me again with something I've never heard of, tomato jam. How very exciting for you, and after reading your story, I am even more excited for you. I hope your trip is everything you hoped and more! And I hope you eat and laugh and love your way through it the whole time!! I will also pray for safety while you are there and safe travel.

Lyndas recipe box said...

It's been ages since I've had tomato jam-itlooks wonderful!
Have a wonderful trip Mary - can't wait to here all about it and see some pictures.

The Food Hound said...

Have a fabulous trip!! Post about all your amazing meals when you return!!

kitchen flavours said...

Wow, this is so exciting! Wish you a safe, fun and fantastic journey! The tomato jam looks lovely. Thanks for posting this recipe! Look forward to your other posts!

Sushma Mallya said...

Yummy jam...love the colour....and have a lovely journey..take care mary...

asadisae said...

after seeing this I became hungry ...
please visit my blog too ... greetings

Couscous & Consciousness said...

Mary, I am so excited for you - I hope you have a wonderful trip. I have been to India a few times, but not Nepal.

This tomato jam looks wonderful, and I look forward to seeing what else you have coming up for us over the next 30 days.

Safe & happy travels
Sue :-)

My Little Space said...

Have a safe trip, Mary & Bob! Looking forward to all the photos after the trip. Have lots of fun!
Blessings, Kristy

Katerina said...

May God be with you and have a safe travel to all these unique places. When you get back I am sure you will be loaded with so many pictures and experiences.

Alessandra said...

Happy Travel Mary!

XX
A.

Umm Mymoonah said...

Wow! You are in India, hope you have a nice time over there. Tomato jam looks very delicious.

Allie and Pattie said...

Mary, I'm finally home after some complications and Allie is helping me type. I am so very thrilled for you my friend- you are living this little girl's dream. Godspeed and I wish you many wonderful adventures and safe travels
xoxo Pattie (and Allie)

From the Kitchen said...

I am right along with you--window seat please--and can't wait to hear about what I would have seen if I were actually there. I'll look forward to all your posts. Don't even concern yourself with leaving me a comment because you couldn't shake me loose with a ten foot pole!!

Best,
Bonnie

Angie's Recipes said...

Mary, have a pleasant and adventurous holiday!
The tomato jam looks divine!

mr. pineapple man said...

Hope you have a safe flight!

nancy at good food matters said...

congratulations for realizing a life-long dream and we all look forward to reading about your special journey. I am certain that it will be filled with wonder and mystery, and life-changing experiences. All best thoughts, Nancy

Bittman's tomato jam Rocks!

Lucie said...

Mary, you always have the best and easiest recipes! Have a wonderful, enchanting trip--I can only imagine how awe-inspiring it will be!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

I know you will have an amazing sojourn Marty. Travel with an open heart, taste many new things and bring us back lots of memories.

Priya Suresh said...

Wow thats great, have a fabulous journey..Beautiful looking tomato jam..

Big Dude said...

I've never wanted to visit India, but have a long time yen to go to Napal and Tibet - can't wait to hear about it when you get back.

Tasha said...

Mary, I hope you have an absolutely wonderful and safe trip. I look forward to hearing about it upon your return! This jam sounds delightful, too.

FOODESSA said...

Mary...have yourself one very great relaxing and fun vacation!!!

Buon viaggio,
Claudia

Unknown said...

have a safe journey and a enjoyable stay in india

What's next said...

That journey sounds fabulous! hope it is safe and wonderful!!!

momgateway said...

How exciting! Can't wait for you to share the exotic flavors you'll taste there!

Haden News said...

Mary have a wonderful trip! How exciting....can't wait to see pictures and hear what you are eating :)

Kath said...

Hugs and blessings to you and the "Silver Fox" on your journey, Mary! I would love to take that trip some day. I'll look forward to your posts about it.

PeggyR said...

The jam sounds yummy! I hope you have a great trip!

Pondside said...

What a dream trip, Mary. I wish you a wonderful time and look forward to hearing all sorts of stories when you return. I hope you'll capture some of what you do in pictures to share with us. I read way too many pre-union stories of hill camps and mountain passes when I was a girl - India has long been on my wish list too.

Susi's Kochen und Backen said...

Mary, wishing you and your husband safe travels! I'm excited for you and hope your journey will be everything and more you hoped for! Can't wait to hear all about it :o)

Jeannie said...

Have a wonderful holiday Mary, so good of you to worry about us even when you are travelling:D Don't worry, we'll be waiting to see your wonderful photos on your travels.

Faith said...

That is so exciting, Mary!! I hope you have a wonderful trip. The tomato jam sounds fantastic!

Marguerite said...

Bon voyage and have a wonderful time! Sounds like an incredible trip! Thanks for the tomato jam recipe, I still have lots of tomatoes.

Unknown said...

i hope you love it.my trip to india changed everything for me. safe jorney

Nisha said...

Wow , Have a wonderful and safe trip.

Ana Powell said...

Have a fantastic time.
The jam looks fabulous ♥

StephenC said...

Here's hoping your journey remains exciting a stimulating. About 2 years ago I invented a recipe I called Tomatoes Xanadu. I keep meaning to get around to it again so that I can put it on the blog. Essentially it's a tomato jam with the addition of some xanthan gum as a thickener (xanthan gum is a natural product). It was huge fun. "See" you when you get back.

Anonymous said...

Wow, how very exciting!!!! Have a wonderful trip Mary!!! Can't wait to hear all about your adventures.

Mickey said...

Have a wonderful trip, be safe and enjoy every minute.
mickey

Adelina said...

Wish you a safe and wonderful journey- the places you are visiting are indeed on the wish list of millions! Bring back some culinary notes....am sure you will!

Foodiewife said...

I'm amazed at several things. First, that you have taken the time to write a month's worth of posts for us? Wow! That's dedication. Second, that you are making such a far and wonderful journey to places I marvel ate. India. Tibet. Wow! May the Good Lord bless your journey, keep you safe, and bring people into your lives that will bless you. I look forward to hearing about your trip when you return.

Julie said...

What a fabulous journey! Safe travels! Look forward to hearing all about it!!

T.W. Barritt at Culinary Types said...

How exciting! Have a wonderful and safe trip, Mary.

Unknown said...

Best Wishes for a wonderful trip!

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Mary, how exciting!

Of course we wish you Godspeed on your journey. Be safe and have fun!

xoxoxo,

Sheila... who thinks your jam looks delicious!

We Are Not Martha said...

Yum yum!! I'd eat this with a spoon :) :)

Sues

Unknown said...

Have a safe journey. Take lots of pictures. I look forward to reading all the stories. Michael

June said...

Happy trails Mary. Hope you have a fantastic adventure!

Lemon Verbena Lady said...

Congratulations Mary! Hope you have a wonderful and safe visit! I'm afraid I would end up in hospital! Would love to go, just would have to take your delicious food with me! Ha! Safe travels!

Megan said...

Bet the neighbors loved the jam!Have a great trip Mary.

James said...

Safe travels! Hope you have a great time, and from a selfish standpoint, hope you come back with some fabulous recipes ;)

D said...

Godspeed Mary! I'm sure you will have a wonderfully adventurous time.

Mary | Deep South Dish said...

Have a wonderful time Mary! I'm sure it will be over before you know it, so soak it all in.

Rita said...

WOW! What a journey; I am so happy for you. I will still be here to check on your recipes. How smart of you to have organized all your posts before leaving.
Enjoy!
Rita

Chats the Comfy Cook said...

Have a wonderful trip. Come home with recipes with a new flair to them.

Jen_from_NJ said...

Enjoy your trip Mary! I can't wait to hear about your travels when you return home. Stay safe and I hope that you have a fabulous time!

Olive said...

I can feel your excitement Mary, and I can't help but feel happy for you...have a safe journey! God Bless! :)

Beverly said...

Mary, I've always wanted to try Tomato Jam, and this sounds delicious - and easy. I'll give it a go.

Bakericious said...

Mary, enjoy and have a safe trip!

RamblingTart said...

I'm so SO excited for you, Mary!! HOORAY!! What a marvelous adventure. :-) Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home safe and sound. :-)

Historical sites with charmine said...

Wow!Mary,hope you enjoy your travels.I just returned from my Europe trip,a trip to the south of France and Italy (Tuscany) is something I really wished for and my dream came true,I went there and had a splendid time.I too am like you,I visit each place with an open mind.I also visited some other places while in Europe.

Enjoy!Don't miss the Delhi Haat,a craft village in New Delhi...if you have time that is.

bunkycooks said...

Wow! That is a fabulous trip! Have a great time and a safe journey. BTW, thank you so much for linking to my Peach Melba Jam recipe. :)

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