It's a good thing I like jam because Nathan barely makes a dent our stock of jam/jellies/pickles. I was horrified to discover he had gone to the grocery store and bought a jar of Smuckers Strawberry Jam for his PB+J. Apparently I jam I make is "too fancy for PB+J". I transformed into the hulk, "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?!?! I SLAVE OVER A HOT STOVE TO MAKE HOMEMADE JAM AND YOU BUY THIS CRAP!" Let's just say I made my point and there is no sign of that garbage anywhere in the apartment. On a positive note, when Nate does like something he will gobble it all up. I made some of Marisa McClellan's tomato jam last summer and have been slathering it on toast with cheese, sneaking it on burgers, basically using it anywhere you would stick ketchup. He was a bit resistant but eventually tried some and thankfully liked it. YAY!!! Since I knew it was a hit I added it to my list things to put up this summer. I got some great looking tomatoes for 1.50 a pound and made quick work of this jam. What I like most about it is how easy it is and you don't have to peel or seed these 'maters. Just chop everything up and let it cook down into a sticky, jammy mess.
Tomato Jam with Smoked Paprika
from Food in Jars
Ingredients
- 12 cups chopped orange tomatoes (I use red)
- 2 1/2 cups sugar (I only used 1 3/4)
- 1/2 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon red chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- Combine all ingredients in a large, non-reactive pot. Bring to a boil and then reduce temperature to a simmer. Stirring regularly, gently boil the jam until it reduces to a sticky, jammy mess. Cooking at a fairly rapid pace, it should take about an hour of cooking.
- When the jam has cooked down sufficiently, remove from heat and fill jars, leaving 1/4 inch of head space. Wipe rims, apply lids and twist on rings. Process in a boiling water canner for 20 minutes.
- When time is up, remove jars from water bath and allow them to cool. When jars are cool enough to handle, test seals. Store jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year.