Homemade Tomato Jam

Tomato Jam is a sweet and savory spread that can be enjoyed at any time of the day. It can be added to your breakfast with any kind of eggs sunny side up or an omelet. You can add a dollop to enjoy with a grilled cheese, some creamy soup, a burger, your hot dog, and it even goes well with some fish and pork! 

1. You will need a three-quart saucepan (non-stick preferably)
2. A cutting board
3. A sharpened knife
4. A measuring cup
5. A measuring spoon
6. A rubber spatula or wooden spoon
7. Lastly, the use of a stove top or an equivalent adjustable heat source.   

You will need:

1. 2 pounds of Roma tomatoes
2. 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme
3. 1 tablespoon of fresh garlic
4. 1 tablespoon of fresh ginger
5. 1/2 cup of white balsamic vinegar
6. 1-2 cups of granulated sugar (depends on how sweet you like it)
7. olive oil
8. salt & pepper to taste

Dice your tomatoes (medium dice), garlic, ginger, and thyme. Then place to the side.

Place your saucepan on the stove top adjusted to medium heat. Add your olive oil and allow the pan to heat up. Once the pan is hot add your garlic, ginger, thyme, and tomatoes. Cook until you see a nice translucent (smaller and softer looking) texture.

Once you’ve reached a translucent texture add your vinegar and sugar and turn your heat down to low and reduce your jam for about an hour with an occasional stir with your spoon or spatula. 

A helpful hint for knowing when you think your jam has reduced long enough to the right thickness, test it by a plate plate in your freezer. Once the plate is cold put a dap of your jam on in and then put it back in the freezer for a minute or two, and then pull it out and check it with your finger, once it feels sturdy enough then it should be about done. Place in the fridge for about an hour to cool fully.

Once fully cooled, place it on a tray like in this photo and you can have the perfect appetizer for your guests!