Spicy Tomato Jam

Directions

1. 1
   Bring a medium size pan of water to a boil.
2. 2
   Plunge washed tomatoes into boiling water for 30 seconds or until skin slips easily when placed in cold water.
3. 3
   Remove tomatoes from hot water with a slotted spoon and plunge immediately into cold water.
4. 4
   Cut off tops, remove skin and core (It is not necessary to remove all the seeds but I would recommend removing the core.).
5. 5
   Cut the tomatoes into fourths, place in container of food processor along with metal blade and pulse 2 to 3 times to chop being careful not to over process.
6. 6
   Place the tomatoes in a large non-reactive pot or Dutch oven; simmer 10 minutes.
7. 7
   Add the chili and sugar, stirring to blend; add lemon juice, cilantro and tomato juice stirring to blend.
8. 8
   Bring to a boil over high heat and stir until sugar dissolves; approximately 1 minute.
9. 9
   Boil gently for 10 minutes skimming off and discarding any scum that may come to the surface.
10. 10
    Remove from heat, cover and allow to sit at room temperature for a minimum of 8 hours; overnight is fine.
11. 11
    Return the tomatoes to heat, bring to a simmer and allow to cook until thick and temperature on candy/jelly thermometer reaches 220 degrees; approximately 20 to 30 minutes.
12. 12
    Skim off any foam, ladle into hot, clean, half-pint canning jars, and leaving 1-inch of head space.
13. 13
    Wipe the rim of the jars with clean cloth, place on the lids and rings; put the jars into a water bath canner with boiling water and process for 5 to 10 minutes or as recommended for your altitude.
14. 14
    Carefully remove the jars from the water and place on countertop on top of a towel.
15. 15
    Allow jars to cool and check seal; label and store in cool place. Enjoy!
16. 16
    Note: If you don't have a candy/jelly thermometer; you can use the plate test. Place a small plate in the freezer and allow to chill. Remove plate a drop a small amount of hot jam onto plate, return to freezer for 1 minute. The mixture should hold its shape when touched and not have watery edges.