How to Make Green Tomato Jam and Old Fashion Tomato Gravy

Tomatoes are such versatile staples for salads, slicing, sandwiches, sauces, soups, etc. And they are probably one of the most home-grown garden vegetables. If you have an overabundance of tomatoes or you would just like to try something new, try these old-fashion recipes from my vintage recipe collection. The Green Tomato Jam uses pureed green tomatoes and is flavored with raspberry gelatin. Confuse family and friends with this jam. For some fun, have them guessing as to what the main ingredient is. The Old-Fashion Tomato Gravy is served over hot biscuits.

GREEN TOMATO JAM

2 1/2 cups pureed green tomatoes (this takes about 3 medium tomatoes)
2 cups sugar
1 pkg (3 oz) raspberry gelatin

In a large saucepan, bring tomatoes and sugar to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Remove from the heat; stir in gelatin until dissolved. Skim off any foam. Pour into jars or freezer containers, leaving 1/2-inch head-space. Cool before covering with lids. Refrigerate or freeze.

Yield: approximately 3 cups

OLD-FASHION TOMATO GRAVY

1/2 lb sliced bacon, diced
1 small onion, chopped
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/8 tsp salt
dash of pepper
1 can (14 1/2 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
3 cups tomato juice
6 to 8 hot biscuits, split

In a skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove bacon to drain on paper towels. Discard drippings except for 2 tablespoons. Cook onion in drippings until tender. Stir in flour, salt and pepper; cook and stir over low heat until mixture is golden brown. Gradually add tomatoes and tomato juice; stir well. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Cook and stir for two minutes. reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 10 to 15 minutes or until thickened, stirring occasionally. Stir in bacon and serve over hot biscuits.

Enjoy!