Lorraine D. Hebler

LBI Lighthouse & Tomato Jam Recipe

By Lorraine

Before summer is gone and fresh garden tomatoes are unavailable, I wanted to make a batch of this unique Tomato Jam using a vintage recipe from my husbands great-grandmother. I shared the recipe for Tomato Jam a couple years ago but thought I’d post again because it is a good way to use summer ripe tomatoes and it is delightful to enjoy the bright taste during winters sometimes dreary days.
 

Great-Grandmom Gaskill raised six children and kept a garden to help fill the tummies of her large family. Canning summers bounty was just one way she provided wonderful meals on a stretched budget. We like to serve it with crackers and cheese and it makes a nice addition to a cheese board.
 
 
 
 

Grandmom Gaskill’s Tomato Jam Recipe

  • 10 to 12 Large Ripe tomatoes enough to make 6 cups pulp
    6 cups Granulated sugar
    1 teaspoon lemon or lime juice

Wash ripened tomatoes (do not use cherry tomatoes) cut out stalks. Drop into Boiling water 1 minute; remove skins and discard them. Squeeze out some of the juice and seeds (discard or save for something else) Chop tomatoes into pieces or use processor for a few seconds.

 

Put Tomatoes into large pot. Boil for 15 minutes to reduce liquids Add sugar in the amount equal to the tomatoes; stir and blend.  Bring Mixture to a full boil. Stir frequently, until it thickens about 1/2 hr.

 

Just before taking jam off heat add lemon or lime juice. This keeps the sugar from separating from the fruit later on. If you like the taste of cinnamon, add a dash at the same time as the lemon juice. stir in.

 

Cool and pour into clean pint jars leaving 1″ head-space; cap and seal jars. Place in large pot. Pour in enough boiling water to cover the jar tops and bring to a boil. When water is boiling briskly cover pot and set timer for 15 minutes (Remember the water has to cover the jars for 15 minutes)

 

Carefully remove hot jars and set to cool on folded kitchen towels.
One by one, in rapid succession they’ll make a popping sound. Jam will thicken as it cools Remember to label and date the jars. Makes 4 pints

 
Click Grandmom Gaskill’s Tomato Jam to go to my post with canning how-to photos.
 
 
 
 

LBI Lighthouse after Hip Replacement

Our Drive to Long Beach Island State Park

 

 

Saturday was a beautiful day and our grandson, Jared, went with John and I to LBI.  After eating a packed lunch at a picnic table, watching the boats in the bay and scaling the rocks (John and Jared), we walked to Barnegat Lighthouse.
 
 
 
 I’ve walked up the 217 steps of Ol Barney before but that was prior to my hip surgery. After a little deliberation, I decided I was up to the challenge using my new hip. Of course, I held tightly to the hand rails and proceeded with great caution, stopping at different levels to rest briefly. Honestly, I used more arm strength than leg but I made it. I even splurged to purchase the one dollar certificate to prove my ascent.
 
 
 
 
 We have taken other grandchildren to this lovely state park but this was Jared’s first visit. The view from the top is quite exciting.
 
 
 
 
 After descending the lighthouse, we drove to a public beach on the south end of the island. One of us was more excited to go onto the beach than the other two. Can you guess who?
 
 
 
 
 

My sweetheart and I

 
Hip replacement update:
Last week I had my 6-week post-op appointment with my surgeon.  All restrictions are removed except bending too far with both arms to the side of the replacement and also running and jogging as the pounding of these activities are too harsh and will shorten the life of the prosthesis.
 
The doctor moved my leg in many positions and was very happy with the results. I was terrified that it would dislocate but he assured me all is good. A few more months and he said I will be great 🙂
 
I am still working on walking without limping but getting much better. And, I have a ways to go bending, squatting and other movements that I haven’t done all of my adult years. I am retraining muscles that worked a certain way for a long time. I think it is called muscle memory. So, I would still appreciate your prayers for continued recovery. 
 
Here are a few other posts chronicling hip replacement surgery: 

 

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Comments

  1. Gail Rogers says

    So glad I found this recipe. My grandmother would make this every year and we all enjoyed it. It is cooking on the stove as I type.

    Reply

    • Lorraine says

      Hi Gail,

      I am so happy you found this vintage recipe. How sweet that you took the time to stop by and leave your comment while the jam cooks on your stove 🙂
      Enjoy!

      Kindly, Lorraine

      Reply

  3. Lea says

    I've never heard of Tomato Jam and I do not eat tomatoes but that jam sure looks delicious! Can't believe you made it to the top of the lighthouse. Impressive! Happy weekend!

    Reply

  4. Carrie @ Cottage Cozy says

    Good job on your recovery – sounds like you will be even better than your old self soon! Can't wait to make the jam! Going to snag the recipe now.

    Reply

  5. annie says

    Sounds good!
    Your photos are lovely!
    So glad for you that you have healed so well
    And are able to get out and enjoy yourself!
    Blessings!

    Reply

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