Ingredients with Measurements:
- 4 cups chopped tomatoes
- 2 cups chopped apples
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Pinch of salt
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Canning jars with lids and bands
- Canning funnel
- Jar lifter
- Magnetic lid lifter
- Bubble remover tool
- Water bath canner
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine the chopped tomatoes, chopped apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, ground cinnamon, ground ginger, ground cloves, and pinch of salt.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring frequently.
3. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the jam, stirring occasionally, for 1 hour or until the mixture has thickened and the fruit is soft.
4. Remove the pot from the heat and let it cool for 5 minutes.
5. Using an immersion blender or a food processor, puree the jam until it is smooth.
6. Return the pot to the stove and bring the jam back to a boil over medium-high heat.
7. Reduce the heat to low and simmer the jam, stirring occasionally, for another 10-15 minutes or until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
8. While the jam is cooking, prepare your canning jars and lids according to the manufacturer's instructions.
9. Once the jam has thickened, use a canning funnel to ladle the hot jam into the prepared jars, leaving 1/4 inch of headspace.
10. Use a bubble remover tool to remove any air bubbles from the jars.
11. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth and place the lids and bands on top.
12. Use a jar lifter to place the jars in a water bath canner and process them for 10 minutes.
13. Remove the jars from the canner and let them cool on a wire rack for 24 hours.
14. Check the seals on the jars and store them in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat for boiling and low heat for simmering
Serving size:
This recipe makes about 4-5 half-pint jars of jam.
Nutritional information:
Serving size: 1 tablespoon
Calories: 40
Total fat: 0g
Sodium: 0mg
Total carbohydrates: 10g
Dietary fiber: 0g
Sugars: 10g
Protein: 0g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of tomato for this recipe, but Roma tomatoes work best because they have less water content.
- You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but Granny Smith apples work best because they are tart and hold their shape well when cooked.
- You can use lime juice instead of lemon juice.
- You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Variations:
- Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
- Add a tablespoon of balsamic vinegar for a tangy flavor.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a sweet and aromatic flavor.
Tips and Tricks:
- Use a large pot to prevent the jam from boiling over.
- Stir the jam frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the jam reaches the proper temperature for canning.
- Use a jar lifter to remove the hot jars from the canner to prevent burns.
Storage Instructions:
Store the jars in a cool, dry place for up to 1 year.
Reheating Instructions:
To reheat the jam, simply microwave it for 30 seconds or until it is warm.
Presentation Ideas:
Serve the jam in a small bowl with crackers or toast.
Garnishes:
Garnish the jam with a sprig of fresh mint or a slice of apple.
Pairings:
Serve the jam with cheese and crackers, or use it as a glaze for roasted chicken or pork.
Suggested Side Dishes:
Serve the jam with a side of roasted vegetables or a green salad.
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the jam is too thin, return it to the stove and simmer it for another 10-15 minutes.
- If the jam is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
Food Safety Advice:
- Follow the manufacturer's instructions for canning jars and lids.
- Use a water bath canner to ensure that the jars are properly sealed.
- Discard any jars that do not seal properly.
Food History:
Tomato and apple jam is a traditional British condiment that dates back to the 17th century.
Flavor Profiles:
This jam has a sweet and tangy flavor with a hint of warm spices.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the jam as a condiment for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
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