A Southern Grace: tnt, tomato-style

October 26, 2009

tnt, tomato-style

Yum

Never in a million years would I have expected the sweet, subtle flavor of tomatoes to morph into something with such a wallop-packing punch after just a few hours of cooking down.


Explosive, I tell you. Dy-no-mite.

I returned from Pennsylvania with a load of tomatoes from my grandpa's garden, and although I tried my hardest to eat them before they turned to the dark side, I eventually accepted that it would never happen. When I began searching for ways to use them, I focused mainly on things other than your typical tomato soup, gazpacho, salsa, and the like. My interest immediately drifted toward condiments. I considered making some spicy ketchup or tangy chutney, but I ultimately couldn't get past the notion of a sweet tomato jam.


Sweet and spicy, to be exact. There's brown sugar and cinnamon on one hand, and diced serrano pepper and dried red chile flakes on the other. This stuff cooked and cooked and cooked, and FINALLY after about two hours, the liquid had vanished and left me with a thick, full-o-flavor spread.

Punch-Packin' To-mah-to Jam
(based on this recipe from one awesomely dynamic duo)
1 lb tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and roughly chopped
3/4 c brown sugar
1 hot pepper, seeded and finely diced
1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons red wine vinegar (more or less to taste)
1/2 cup fresh lime juice

Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and gently. Cook about two hours or until the mixture thickens to a jam-like consistency. This all depends on how juicy your tomatoes are and the amounts of liquids added.
Spoon the tomato jam into sterilized jars. For longer storage, can in a water bath (cover with water about 1″ above jars and simmer for about 15 minutes) or just store in the fridge a couple of weeks.

62 comments:

Robin said...

I love tomato jam but have never made it. I never thought there would be cinnamon in it- great ingredient-Yum!

♥peachkins♥ said...

I make sweetened tomatoes but I haven't thought of making tomato jam...

kat said...

A great use of those tomatoes!

Kate Morgan Jackson said...

Well now, this looks AWESOME! What do you use it on or with?

Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella said...

I looove tomato jam! Yes it's as good as you proclaim :D

Rosa's Yummy Yums said...

Delicious looking!

Cheers,

Rosa

Susan @ SGCC said...

What a great idea! My old college roommate's mother used to make a tomato jam like this. It was wonderful! We used to pour it over cream cheese and spread it on crackers.

pam said...

Yum! What do you use this on?

Melanie said...

I know, I know, where have I been? But I've never heard of anything like tomato jam. Sounds wildly interesting.

shaz said...

Oh you had me at brown sugar and cinnamon. Can't wait to try this one out, it looks like it would create a bit of a bang :)

Marjie said...

Looks like a great idea. How are those baby kitties of yours?

lisa is cooking said...

That looks like a fantastic tomato jam! The sweet and spicy combo sounds great.

vanillasugarblog said...

gracie, I have a curry scone that needs, no begs, for this jam. love love love this!!!!!!

foodhoe said...

It sounds delicious... do you use it as a sandwich spread?

Barbara said...

My aunt used to make this- I cannot believe I had completely forgotten that. Yours is spicier than hers, but that's to the good. I used to love it on a cheddar cheese open-faced sandwich, melted and hot from the broiler. If I get a move on, I can have it for lunch tomorrow! Or maybe even dinner!
(Delcious photos too. The red is perfect.)

Ingrid_3Bs said...

I don't like tomatoes but it does sound intriguing. Does it taste really tomato-y?
~ingrid

Maria said...

I love this jam!

Anonymous said...

I've never heard of tomato jam before, but this has definitely got me intrigued!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This would pack a flavourful punch.

Hungry Dog said...

Stunning! What a great idea. This would be awesome on sandwiches, or with grilled meat or fish...so many possibilities. I love the photos.

Palidor said...

Oh yum! What a wonderful tomato jam! I think sweet and spicy is the best.

La Bella Cooks said...

What a brilliant use of tomatoes! Looks delicious.

Lisa-Marie said...

I am going to make this tomorrow. And then I am going to have it on toast with some cranberry cheese. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM.

Lyndas recipe box said...

Oh, I haven't had this in years, since my Grandmother used to make it when I was much younger. I remember it being rather amazing and addictive, whether it was spread on toast or her homemade biscuits. Yours looks perfectly delicious Grace!

Jennifer said...

Oohhh Dang it! Tomatoes are gone for the season round these parts, but I will keep this for next year, we would love it!

Emily said...

Oooh tomato jam. Very creative. I want. Extra spicy, please.

Mimi said...

I haven't thought of tomato jam in years. Your looks so delicious.
Mimi

Cucinista said...

I just wrote about tomatoes too, but I am so going to try this when I next get my hands on some.

George Gaston said...

Sounds awesome!

Juliana said...

Wow, how interesting...never thought in adding sugar to tomatoes...tomato jam...looks very yummie!

Mini Baker said...

wow this looks awesome. I love tomatoes... mostly because of their health benefits!

Gloria Baker said...

Grace, what lovely really look!! I love the colour! I know some people make tomatos jam but I never made, look awesome! gloria

Heather said...

my taste buds are exploding!!! this looks soooo good!

Jennifer said...

Oh my gosh I can think of a million ways to use this!! I cant wait to make!

Lori said...

I did a jam exchange and that is how I discovered the most amazing tomato jam. I have made a ton of it. Squirreling it away for the winter. I LOVE the stuff.

I love your addition of cinnamon. Have you considered renaming your blog "cinnamon girl"?

Anonymous said...

This jam sounds fantastic with sweet & spicy flavors, excellent!

Faith said...

The only way I can describe this is BRILLIANT! I'll share a secret...I'm a huge ketchup fan...but this looks infinitely better! I can honestly think of about 100 uses for it off the top of my head. Thanks for sharing!

Chef Jeena said...

This is so tasty I would pay good money for a jar of this!!! I love the flavours it is just to my taste mmmmmmmmmmmmm!

Penny said...

Wow. This looks so good. It will be so good during the Winter months ahead. Wish I could taste it.

Albany Jane said...

While I'm not sure I'm up to making something like this myself, I love seeing you make these sauces, chutneys, and the like. One of these days I'll try BBQ sauce. Just 'cause of you!

Lindsey@pickyeatings said...

Tomatoes in jam? I've never heard of such a thing! Who knew?

kimberleyblue said...

Oh, this sounds so good! Tomatoes are pretty much out of season where I am now...wish I had seen this a few weeks earlier!

Sounds like it would be great on sandwiches. Or scrambled eggs! What are you using it with?

pigpigscorner said...

The texture looks amazing!

Lisa said...

Oh yum, sweet and spicy, perfect for fall! I love the daring flavor combination here. It's just brimming with powerful possibilities!

Jessica@Foodmayhem said...

Yum. I wish I had a large basket of garden tomatoes. =( NY tomatoes are sad now...

nora@ffr said...

never tried this before!! this looks and sounds totally delectable :)

kellypea said...

OMG I have never had tomato jam (shhhh...) but if I could find some tomatoes other than those I get at the market, I'd be all over this. How is it with cream cheese? A cheese cake? Omelets? My oh my.

Donna-FFW said...

Gorgeous tomato jam.. love the way you typed Dy-No-Mite.. reminded me of the show Good Times with I beleive JJ saying it, was that his name.. dont know its only 6 am here and my 1st cuppa coffee forgive my rambling. Great idea to add cinnamon.

Elle said...

Oh my gosh, how easy is that? I've never thought of using the tomatoes up that way--great idea!

noble pig said...

I want this on a burger!

The Blonde Duck said...

I could lap this up!

Anonymous said...

This looks amazing... and my brain's already in overdrive thinking about the many, many great ways to use this. YUM!

Foodie with Little Thyme! said...

Tomato jam?? Who knew? Looks wonderful!

Lele said...

That is one of the most GORGEOUS condiments I have ever seen! And, I'm sure, delish!

Dewi said...

Have a spooktacular Halloween!

Y said...

Ah of course, and they were homegrown tomatoes too. Is that part of the key to their deliciousness? :)

Laura said...

I love tomato jam and completely agree it is the best use for an excess of tomatoes. Yours looks wonderful.

Nic said...

I'll have to wait until next year to make some more jam, the recipe looks stunning!

natural selection said...

Ok imagine this ketchup jam on a slice of hot crusty meatpie? I'm going to make this on the weekend!

We're jammin',jammin',And I hope you like jammin',too!Ain't no rules, ain't no vow, we can do it anyhow!

stef said...

Every year, instead of buying gifts for my extended family, I can. Usually jellies, mustards, sauces of varying types. But this year, I'm going all vegan - no gelatins, no egg and butter substitutes either. So, this recipe is going to be perfect addition to the kimchi and other stuff I plan to send!! Thank you so much!

stef said...

PS - I made a small batch as a tester with canned stewed tomatoes and it was fantastic! No, probably not as good as fresh tomatoes, but a good substitute since they are pretty much out of season now.

Anonymous said...

Perfect, I love all kinds of sauces.