My Tomatoes Are In A Jam

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With today’s post another short one, I thought I’d share a bit more about my Grandpa. When we last left him, he had just finished painting the trim on the two-flat’s peak and had invited the neighbors to come into the backyard to “see my tomatoes” …

(Those interested can read the painting story by clicking HERE.)

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Tomato Jam 2

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Grandpa was well-known throughout our neighborhood and he could often be seen strolling about, his hands behind his back, with his right hand holding the index and middle fingers of his left hand. The little boy across the street took note and would often mimic Grandpa as they walked together or on opposite sides of the street. For Grandpa, this was the highest form of flattery.

He did more than just stroll about, however. If he heard the rumble of heavy equipment or the whir of power tools, he would be at the job site or backyard within minutes. Having once owned a contracting company, Grandpa knew and understood quite a bit about building and repair work. It wouldn’t be long before he’d be advising the worker(s) and oftentimes he’d pitch in, showing them how whatever it was should be done. His opinion was respected and very often sought out by our neighbors and the parish.

For example, the front of our church was a massive, floor-to-ceiling mosaic depicting a number of Grandpa & Cookiesaints and religious symbols. As the church settled, a large crack began to appear in the center of the mosaic at its base, stretching upward like some leafless tree. Grandpa was called in to repair the crack and to replace the tiny colored tiles. Not long after that, following a lightning strike, Grandpa’s knowledge of masonry was required to help with the repairs to the school. As I said, Grandpa was well-known and respected.

Well, once the heavier garden work — the tilling, fertilizing, and planting — was done for the season and with no repair projects to tackle, Grandpa had time to relax. You could often find him sipping a beer while resting in his hammock under the grape arbor, listening to George Kell announce the play-by-play for the games of his beloved baseball team, the Detroit Tigers. Sometimes he watered the garden from the hammock, using a sprinkler to get those places beyond his reach. Eventually the game would end and that was cause for concern for some of the wives in the neighborhood, for Grandpa would go for a walk.

It didn’t matter who you were — neighbor, passer-by, parish priest, mail carrier, etc. — if Grandpa saw you, he would strike up a conversation and, at just the right moment, invite you to “see my tomatoes.” Within minutes, there you were, looking at his 2 dozen tomato plants, tied to their hockey sticks in neat little rows. He’d show you the brick barbecue, his very much prized Chinese pheasants, the lettuce patch, the grape vines, the potted lemon tree, and his latest attempt at growing a fig tree. Within minutes you’d be invited into the patio and he’d have a cold one in front of you before your rear end settled into your chair. What’s this? You don’t like beer? Not to worry. There was a jug of red wine under the table. Oh? You prefer white wine? There just so happened to be a jug of white wine next to the red. Well, that first beer or glass of wine led to another and another and then another. Somewhere along the line, shot glasses would appear and whiskey was introduced into the conversation. Although the length of these backyard tours varied, they usually ended in the same way, with his guest leaving the yard, though quite a bit more wobbly than when the tour first began. In fact, there were a few times when one of us kids was asked to walk his guest home.

These visits did not go unnoticed by the wives in the neighborhood and a few men refused Grandpa’s subsequent invitations. Others would accept but leave abruptly after Come Into My Parlor ...the first beer. Of course, there were a couple who, for whatever reason, accepted the invitation with no apparent qualms at all. It was after one such visit that a neighbor approached Mom, angry because her husband had ignored her wishes and had returned home moments before, more wobbly than usual. I don’t recall whether she wanted Mom to control Grandpa, her husband, or both but Mom, recognizing a no win situation, did nothing of the kind, The husband, perhaps wisely, kept his distance and I don’t recall ever seeing him in the backyard again.

That’s too bad because he missed one of the greatest parties held in our yard. It was Grandpa’s birthday, though neither Zia nor I can remember the exact one. As was the case for each of his birthdays, all 13 of us ate dinner together in the patio, with a couple of family friends seated at the table as well.  Once the dinner was finished, neighbors and friends joined the party just in time for cake and liquid refreshments. As I said, Grandpa was well-known and you never really knew who’d show up. This year, even the parish Pastor stopped by. The poor man didn’t stand a chance, for the wine, beer, and whiskey flowed freely. I’ve no idea how much time had transpired but I do know that my Dad was seated on our front porch as Grandpa walked the priest back to the rectory. (You may recall the rectory was located at the opposite end of our block.) Dad was still on the porch when the two returned a while later. Apparently, when they finally reached the rectory, the priest kindly offered to walk Grandpa home, he accepted, and so they returned. Realizing that this could go on for hours, Dad offered to walk the good priest home and sent Grandpa to bed. Oddly enough, although he was invited, our Pastor was a no-show at Grandpa’s next birthday party. That was OK, however, for another priest, a recent transfer from Wisconsin, unknowingly took his place …

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I first became aware of tomato jam last year through my blogging friend, Marie, when she posted a link to a recipe for tomato jam that used Sungold cherry tomatoes. When I mentioned it to Zia, she remembered that Grandma had made tomato jam when both she and Mom were little girls. The way I saw it, I had little choice but to make a batch, which I enjoyed very much.

This year, my tomato plants did much better than they have in recent years but the weather was far from cooperative. Though Summer started quite warmly, the sun and high temperatures soon departed, not to return until late August. Up until that time, my tomatoes grew but never got the sun and heat needed to ripen. Then, as September started, so did the ripening and soon I had more tomatoes than I could handle. That’s when I decided to revisit tomato jam, making two batches within days of each other.

Unlike last year, however, my tomatoes weren’t Sungolds. In the first batch, I used only heirloom plum tomatoes. In the second, I used an even mix of tiny cherry tomatoes and more heirloom plum tomatoes. Since my tomatoes weren’t as sweet as Sungolds, I referenced Mark Bittman’s recipe for tomato jam, as well as the one suggested by Marie.

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Tomato Jam Recipe

Ingredients

  • 3.5 lbs (1590 g) tomatoes, cored, and roughly chopped (peeling optional)
  • 2 1/3 cups sugar
  • 3 green Thai chiles chopped, seeds and veins removed (see Notes)
  • juice and zest of 2 limes
  • 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tsp cumin, ground
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1/4 tsp cloves, ground
  • 2 tsp salt

Directions

  1. Place sugar, chiles, and tomatoes in a thick bottomed, non-reactive pot. Stir and allow to sit for 1/2 hour.
  2. Using medium heat, add the remaining ingredients, and bring to a boil, before reducing to a simmer. Stir often to prevent scorching.
  3. Continue to simmer until the mixture resembles jam. This could take as little as 90 minutes or as long as 3 hours, maybe longer. If unsure whether your jam is ready, perform a plate test. (See Notes.)
  4. Once your tomatoes are jammin’, fill sterilized jars to 1/4 inch of the rim. Place the lid on each jar and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes. Remove from the boiling water, place on a towel lined baking sheet, and place them all in a draft-free area where they will remain undisturbed for at least 12 to 24 hours.
  5. Check to make sure each jar is properly sealed and store them in a cool, dark place. Those not sealed should be refrigerated and eaten within two weeks.

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Before
After

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Notes

When researching the amount of time required to process these jars in a hot water bath, I came across 3 different time requirements; 5, 10, and 15 minutes. Preferring to err on the side of caution, I processed my jam for 15 minutes in a boiling water bath.

Although I peeled the tomatoes in the first batch, it was virtually impossible to peel the dozens of cherry tomatoes, so, I didn’t. I was surprised to find there was no detectable difference in texture between the two batches and I won’t be peeling tomatoes for jam in the future.

After cooking for an hour or so, I used a potato masher to crush any of the cherry tomatoes that remained whole. This released their liquid into the pot and, I believe, shortened the cooking process.

In the first batch, I used 3 green Thai chiles, removing both seeds and veins, thinking they would be too hot if used whole. Well, I could not detect them at all. In the second batch, I used one green Thai chile, leaving seeds and veins intact as I chopped it. It’s heat was barely detectable. I’ve yet to figure out what I’ll do next time but I’ve a feeling there’s one batch of very spicy tomato jam in my future.

There are a few ways to test whether your jam will set. I use the plate test. While your jam is boiling on your stove top, place a dish in your freezer. When you think your jam is ready, take about a half-teaspoon of jam and place it on the now chilled plate. Allow the jam to rest a few minutes before using another spoon or your fingertip to see if the jam has set or is still too runny. If the latter, continue to simmer the jam while returning the plate to the freezer to await the next test.

The cherry tomatoes that I used are an heirloom variety called “Mexican Midget”. One plant will produce a great deal of fruit, though smaller than “normal” cherry or grape tomatoes. The largest of these tomatoes are no bigger than my thumbnail, with many as small as the nail of my little finger. Up until I used them to make jam, I tossed a handful of them into each of my dinner salads — and still dozens remained on the plant.

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Tomato Jam 3

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It’s déjà vu all over again …

Black FigsSince this is a jammin’ post, we might as well be consistent. Today’s blast from the past is a recipe that I shared last year, Fig Preserves with Balsamic Vinegar and Black Pepper. Not only is this jam great when served with toast and, say, goat cheese, but it works beautifully when used to stuff a pork roast. WIth figs now filling our markets, this is one jam you won’t want to miss. Just click HERE for the details.

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Coming soon to a monitor near you …

Braised Goat over RIce

Goat in the Moorish Style

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199 thoughts on “My Tomatoes Are In A Jam”

  1. Love the story about your grandfather. Too bad most people don’t know their neighbors anymore. The jam looks great. I made lots of jars of tomato jam last year with my yellow pear tomatoes. I had more than I could ever use. This year though my tomatoes didn’t do so well…..I am missing them dearly.

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  2. upon readng your recipe I now realise why my tomato jam went to the pigs! This is SO MUCH BETTER! I will begin a batch tomorrow, the september challenge does not apply to preserving thank goodness. The more I hear about your grandfather the more i understand you. Gregarious is the word that springs to mind for you both. Wonderful is another. Generous for sure. Coffee time for me now, then out to finish the chores! c

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    • By now, I hope you’ve made and are enjoying your jam. Well, I hope it’s good enough that at least you won’t throw it to the pigs. Comparing me to Grandpa is quite the compliment, Celi. Thank you.

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  3. What a wonderful family story… yet again, John! Your Grandpa must really have been quite a Man: I would have loved being invited over to see his tomatoes! 😉 Also, thank you for a lovely tomato jam recipe!

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    • You would have gotten along just fine with Grandpa, Stefano. You wold have passed the time swapping stories about the Old Country. He would not have let you leave until you were fed, too. 🙂

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  5. Endearing man, your grandpa. So funny though, men getting into trouble with their other halves, hahaha! I would have love to be a fly on the wall to watch the fun. Such heart warming memories to carry. Thank you so much for giving us a glimpse of that life.

    This is totally my kind of jam. Thai green chilies and tomatoes, totally sold!

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    • Thanks, Minnie. Why be a fly when you could have joined in on the fun? You would have been welcomed with open arms. He was really something and that was a very special time.
      I would love to see what spices you put into your tomato jam and how you’d serve it. Why not make a batch? 🙂

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  6. Never in my life have I heard of tomato jam which is too bad, because it looks really tasty. My mother has Big Plans for her tomatoes next year and I’m going to try to talk her into trying this jam.

    Also, wanted to say what a beautiful portrait of your grandfather you’ve presented. It’s so vivid – I can just see him walking down the street. He would make a great character for a novel, or memoirs, if one were so inclined…

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    • This jam is surprisingly good, You Mother won’t be disappointed if a few pounds are diverted to the jam pot. You’ll see.
      Grandpa was a character, all right. When the family gets together, it isn’t long before he’s mentioned in one way or another. A book, eh? I’d never really considered it. Hmmm…

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  7. Very funny story about your grandpa and the priest! I’m very excited to try this jam. I just need to wait for more of my tomatoes to ripen first. It’s been cold and rainy here lately, so I may have to make a trip to the market instead!

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  9. What a lovely tribute to your grandfather. In your words of him, I sense great self dignity and pride in one’s profession.

    Your jam recipe too seems to be do-able so let me think of doing it one of these days.

    Shakti

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    • My Grandpa was a real character, Shakti, and I’m fortunate to have had him in my life as a boy. I hope yo do try this jam and come back to tell us whet you think of it.
      Thank you for visiting my blog and taking the time to comment.
      John

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  10. What a great story 🙂 I still have plenty of tomatoes ripening in the backyard…I would love to give your jam recipe a try and try my hand at canning. It’s something that I must admit that I have never tried!

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    • Thank you. I’m glad that you enjoyed the story. If you do not wish to can, you can make the jam and freeze it. Frozen jam will last up to a year. I have jam in my freezer right now. Good luck!

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  11. I see tomato jam here from time to time (and eggplant jam, come to think of it…) but have never thought if making it. I might give it a whirl! I love your stories about your grandfather. Watering from the hammock – he obviously knew how to live life!

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    • Thank you! What I didn’t mention is that Grandpa also kept a bottle of whiskey hidden by the hammock. You know, for when the watering was done and he needed something more than a beer. 🙂
      Eggplant jam? I’ve never heard of it but now I want to try it. We all love eggplant and making a jam with it would be wonderful. Thanks for the tip. I really do intend to search for it.

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  12. This is a great way to still enjoy your garden tomatoes long after the warm weather has departed.
    Loved the story of your grandad. I can imagine all those angry wives when their husbands arrived home after a visit to your yard 🙂

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    • Thanks, Colline, and you’re right. Nothing like a bit of tomato jam on a cold Winter’s morning. It’s such a nice reminder of Summer.
      The wives didn’t stay angry for long. Soon they, too, would be in the yard with Grandpa and their husbands, admiring the tomatoes — a glass of wine in hand. 🙂

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  13. Thanks for sharing another grandpa story! What a great man! I would have love to have met him on the street and been invited to share a glass or 2 or 3 of wine. 🙂 What a great man! Definitely canning season! I made a spicy tomato jam yesterday. I love tomato jam and make it whenever I have some tomatoes that have set too long. Love the Thai chilies and the great spices in your recipe! I’ll have to try this one next time.

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    • MJ, no doubt you two would have gotten along just fine. Of course, now I’ve ruined the surprise of that first chance to “see my tomatoes.” 🙂
      If you do try this recipe, especially since you already make a spicy jam, you may want to increase the amount of the other spices. i didn’t use much because I already make a ketchup that is pretty spicy and didn’t want the two to be too similar. This jam is more sweet, the ketchup savory. And I love ’em both! 🙂

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  14. Using Thai Chilies for the Jam was a gutsy move 🙂
    P.S. I find your Grandpa insanely charming 🙂
    Please visit me whenever you can with some of your homegrown midget tomatoes; as you said that tiny plant isn’t stopping producing tomatoes!

    Lovey, enjoyable post; as always 🙂

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    • Thanks, Nusrat. I was surprised at how mild those chiles were. I expected quite a bit more kick than they gave. Maybe these were just uncharacteristically mid? I’m afraid to add more to the next batch because I could en up with fire jam! 🙂
      I’m glad you enjoyed the post but I’m sorry the tiny plant has run out. It has stopped producing. I guess I should be happy it did so well and I’ve got some wonderful jam from it. 🙂

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  15. I enjoyed reading this entire post John… the beautiful stories about your grandfather (such a character, I love it!) and the rich, glossy tomato jam. But then I got to that photo of the glossy, succulent Moorish goat… and, argh! My mind is completely consumed by it! Cannot wait for the recipe. But for now, I’m going to track me down some tomatoes to make this spiced up jam!

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    • Thanks, Laura. Grandpa was a card, all right. This jam is a good one but I’ve given much of mine away. When I return from Michigan, I think I’ll make another batch and not tell anyone. 🙂

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  16. I just loved reading this story John. He reminds me a lot of my grandpa and his friends. And in a way it reminds me of our neighborhood now. Fortunately the wives get to join in the fun too though. 😉 My favorite part was your grandpa and the pastor walking back and forth. How funny is that!
    Your tomato jam sounds delicious. I could think of several ways I would enjoy this – especially with all those spices in there. It would be a great flavor fest. It has me hungry again now. Mmm!

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    • Sounds like you’ve got a great neighborhood, Kristy. They’re so rare these days. I pride myself in knowing my neighbors and still don’t know any of the people across the street. It’s a shame, really. There’s just no substitute for that sense of community.
      Yeah, Grandpa and the Pastor walking to-and-fro is always sure to crack Zia up. She loves that story. 🙂
      This jam is surprisingly good. I made it for the first time last year and really enjoyed it. These batches are an evolution from that first attempt. Who knows what next year’s will taste like?

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  17. To be honest with you, I have never tasted tomato jam. Such an intriguing concept! I guess at this point I have no choice but give it a try. 🙂
    I looooove your grandpa’s pictures. They remind me my grandparents’ pictures…

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    • Thanks, Francesca. I’m glad you enjoyed the post and that the photos remind you of your Grandfather. I bet you’ve got stories of him to share, too. 🙂
      I think you’ll find tomato jam surprisingly good. It goes so well with a number of cheeses, too.

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  18. So you have inherited your “tomato-growng” skills and enthusiasm from your grandpa, reading about whom seemed like he is a very interesting person and someone i would have loved to meet! Well, your tomato harvest is only making me jealous, as we do not even have a blacony for growing any plant here in the densely populated city of Mumbai. But I loved these healthy-looking tomatoes. Your jam sounds great! Wonderful post, John!

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    • I’m sure that Grandpa would have enjoyed meeting you, as well. He loved meeting people and talking with them. I have lived in apartments, too, Purabi, and know what it is like to go without even an herb garden. One of the reason’s I bought this building and not a flat was so that I could have a yard and a garden. I bet there’s a garden in your future, at least I hope so. 🙂

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  19. I enjoy your grandpa stories my friend. He reminds me of my dad. He is passionate about talking to people and sharing his knowledge about animals and plants. He studied livestock and agriculture in college. A shock to my grandma learning after when she taught he was studying for medicine. Surprise, surprise! Who can argue with fate , right? Another award winning recipe.

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    • Thanks you, my Friend, and I’m glad you enjoyed the post and that it reminds your of your own Grandpa. There’s something really special about Grandparents and I feel lucky that I was able to spend so much time with him. I’m glad your Grandfather was smart enough to follow his heart. I’m sure he was much happier doing what he loved. That’s a lesson for all of us. 🙂

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  20. Buono Sera John! It sounds like your local pastor learned his lesson when invited for what seemed like an innocent little B-day party with the Bartolini Family with some cake and candles and ended up stumbling back and forth.. LOL Great story about your grandfather and glad you found some photos from the archives to share with us. Tomato jam sounds delightful and I bet with your fresh tomatoes and all of the lovely spices, herbs and Thai chilis, it just has to be good. I am sure once the snow is about chest deep you will be happy to have a few jars in your pantry. Take Care, BAM

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    • Buona notte, BAM! You would have loved Grandpa, BAM. Once you mentioned that you knew how to make pasta, he would have been putty in your hands. 🙂
      This is a really good jam and I do hope I can keep a few jars until Winter. It’s going fast, I’m afraid. 🙂

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    • Thank you, Maria. Glad to see you’re back. You’ve been missed. Grandpa was quite a character, all right. It was wonderful having him in my life for much of my youth. 🙂

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  24. Your Grandpa’s stories are always a pleasure to read. The part I loved most was: how he watered the garden from the hammock, using a sprinkler to get those places beyond his reach” I can even visualize this scene. The other funny bit is the beer and red and white wine being whisked mysteriously from under the table. I bet in those days women were not invited for a drink and men happily drunk and wobbled home only to be lectured and grounded. That jam sounds like some special and spicy tomato sauce. It has all the ingredients I love to use so I know it must taste very nice. Thanks John for sharing another hilarious story and a great recipe. Life in Ontario is very busy and hectic, I wish I was queuing for some special honey too. Maybe I should be queuing for some maple syrup instead. Enjoy your trip and best wishes to Zia and hugs to Max.

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    • Thanks, Liz, I’m glad you enjoy my Grandpa stories. He was a real character and our lives much richer because of it. Women were offered drinks but only when their husbands were present. Grandpa was too much a gentleman to have it any other way. Too bad you live so far away. I’d gladly trade you some honey for maple syrup. Maybe next year we can meet at the Sarnia-Port Huron bridge and make an exchange. 🙂

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  26. Oh man tomato jam! I tried to make some with my tomatoes but I burned em. So sad. I’ve meant to try again, but I haven’t gotten around to it. It looks amazing. My mouth is watering!

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    • Gosh! I hate when that happens. A perfectly good pot of sweet goodness can go from jam to burnt in seconds. I hope you can get more tomatoes to make more jam. It really is a great treat, perfect for some toast on a cold January morning. 🙂

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    • Yours wasn’t the only one, I’m afraid. I just pulled the last of mine this afternoon. It was a disappointing year for me, too, though still better than last. Next year will be better. (The gardeners’ refrain.)

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