Absolutely! Let’s dive into the delightful world of making Tomato Preserves, a recipe that’ll have your taste buds dancing with joy! π β¨
Tomato Preserves
- Preparation Time: 14 hours
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 14 hours 30 minutes
- Servings: About 6 half-pints
Description
Looking for a delicious way to make the most of those juicy tomatoes? Look no further than this recipe straight from the Ball Blue Book of Canning! With a delightful blend of flavors, this recipe for Tomato Preserves is perfect for weeknight meals or as a homemade gift for friends and family. The prep time includes a marinating period, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs green tomatoes
- 1 lb ripe tomatoes
- 1/2 inch gingerroot, sliced
- 4 cups sugar
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
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Wash and Drain Tomatoes: Start by giving your tomatoes a good wash and drain them thoroughly.
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Prepare Spice Bag: No need to core the tomatoes for this recipe! Instead, tie the spices and gingerroot in a spice bag.
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Create Syrup: In a large saucepot, combine the spice bag, sugar, lemon slices, and water. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 15 minutes, letting those fragrant aromas fill your kitchen.
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Cook Tomatoes: Add in the tomatoes and cook them gently until they become beautifully transparent. Make sure to stir frequently to prevent any sticking.
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Let it Rest: Once the tomatoes are cooked to perfection, remove the pot from the heat. Cover it and let the mixture stand for 12 to 18 hours in a cool place, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
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Remove Spice Bag: After the marinating time, take out the spice bag from the mixture. You’ll find that it has infused the preserve with incredible flavors.
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Prepare Syrup: Now, it’s time to work on that luscious syrup! Boil the syrup for 2 to 3 minutes or until it starts to thicken to your liking.
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Add Tomatoes and Lemon: Return the tomatoes and lemon slices to the syrup. Let them simmer together for about 1 minute, allowing all those flavors to blend harmoniously.
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Skim Off Foam: If you notice any foam forming on the surface, simply skim it off gently.
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Prepare Jars: It’s canning time! Ladle the hot preserves into hot jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace at the top.
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Cap it Off: Adjust the two-piece caps on your jars to ensure a proper seal.
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Process in Canner: Time to give those preserves a nice warm bath! Process the jars in a boiling-water canner for 20 minutes, ensuring they’re fully sealed and preserved.
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Cool and Enjoy: Once done, remove the jars from the canner and allow them to cool. You’ll hear the satisfying “pop” of the lids as they seal. Store your Tomato Preserves in a cool, dark place and enjoy the taste of summer all year round!
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 536.9
- Total Fat: 0.4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 32.6mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 137.4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 133.2g
- Protein: 1.4g
This delightful recipe for Tomato Preserves is a labor of love, allowing you to savor the flavors of fresh tomatoes year-round. Whether you enjoy it on toast, as a condiment for meats and cheeses, or as a thoughtful homemade gift, these preserves are sure to become a favorite in your pantry. π π So roll up your sleeves, gather those tomatoes, and let’s get preserving! πΏ
