As summer draws to a close, my sungold tomato plants are producing fewer and fewer tomatoes. They are so sweet and juicy, and we want to savor the last of our harvest as much as we can. Luckily, we’ll have tons of sungold preserves to take us through the winter!
My favorite way to eat these preserves is on a grilled cheese sandwich. Especially one made with a sharp cheddar and fresh sourdough. In fact, that may be my favorite sandwich of all time.
Sungold Tomato Preserves
Yields 3 half-pints
4 lb sungold tomatoes
3/4 c lemon juice
2 T cider vinegar
3/4 c brown sugar
2 c sugar
2 tsp cinnamon
2 tsp nutmeg
In a food processor or blender, blend the tomatoes until mostly smooth. Mix the tomato puree with the rest of the ingredients in a large stockpot. Heat over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and allow to simmer for about an hour, or until the preserves will mound on the back of a spoon without sliding off. Use an immersion blender to smooth out the preserves.
Savvy Tip: If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can process the preserves in batches in a food processor or blender. Alternatively, don’t blend the preserves any further, and enjoy the more chunky preserves.
While the preserves cook, prepare for canning. Wash the jars and flat lids with hot, soapy water. Put the jars in the canning pot and fill the pot with hot water. Heat over medium-high heat to keep the jars hot. Place the lids in a heat-proof bowl.
When the preserves are almost done, move some of the boiling water from the canning pot into the heat-proof bowl containing the lids. Line the hot jars up on a folded towel, then pour the water out of the heat-proof bowl and off the lids.
Fill the jars with preserves up to ¼” below the rim. Use a clean towel to wipe any preserves off the rims, then top each jar with a lid and a tightened ring. Place the jars back in the canning pot and make sure they are covered by at least 1 inch of water. Bring to a boil and process for 15 minutes. Place the jars on a folded towel and allow to sit, undisturbed, for 24 hours. Check the seals of the lids after 1 hour. If a seal has not formed, refrigerate the jar immediately.
To read more on this topic:
Extending the Seasons: Canning. Why I can, what you need to start canning, and finding safe recipes for canning.
Brain Food 101: The Science of Canning. How the canning process insures that your preserved food is safe.
Foodbuzz 24×24: Preserving the Seasons. I host a canning party.
More canning recipes on the Food Preservation page.
Check out USA Today’s article about home canning…your’s truly is quoted!
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