Tomato Preserves

Directions

1. 1
   Wash and drain tomatoes.
2. 2
   Do not core tomatoes.
3. 3
   Tie spices and gingerroot in a spice bag.
4. 4
   Combine spice bag, sugar, lemon and water in a large saucepot.
5. 5
   Simmer 15 minutes.
6. 6
   Add tomatoes; cook gently until tomatoes become transparent, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
7. 7
   Remove from heat.
8. 8
   Cover and let stand 12 to 18 hours in a cool place.
9. 9
   Remove spice bag.
10. 10
    Remove tomatoes and lemon from syrup.
11. 11
    Boil syrup 2 to 3 minutes or longer to thicken.
12. 12
    Return tomatoes and lemon to syrup; boil 1 minute.
13. 13
    Remove from heat.
14. 14
    Skim foam if necessary.
15. 15
    Ladle hot preserves into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace.
16. 16
    Adjust two-piece caps.
17. 17
    Process 20 minutes in a boiling-water canner.
18. 18
    Yield: about 6 half-pints.