Sweet and Spicy Tuscan Tomato Jam with Tasti-Lee Tomatoes!

Tasti-Lee Premium Vine-Ripened Tomatoes

Tomatoes.  They're a staple in our house.  I remember it was one of Bodhi's first foods, and by far his first FAVORITE.  They come in all shapes, sizes, types and brands, but I've found my new favorite...here's why:

Tasti-Lee Tomatoes® (www.Tasti-Lee.com) have the highest levels of lycopene in any tomato variety in the United States. These GMO-free and sun-ripened tomatoes naturally have 50% more lycopene than traditional tomatoes!  Tasti-Lee® tomatoes proudly carry the Heart-Check Mark food certification from the American Heart Association that helps people identify foods in stores that meet the nutritional standards of the American Heart Association to promote heart-healthy eating habits.
 
The Tasti-Lee® variety of round crimson beefsteak tomatoes are also ultra flavorful, beautifully red, and perfectly juicy. he flavor and freshness of Tasti-Lee® is that of a just-picked backyard garden tomato, but without all the work.

Almost 20 years ago The American Heart Association designed the Heart-Check Mark that is placed on products that have been screened and certified to meet the proper nutritional criteria.  Tasti-Lee® tomatoes are proud to promote heart-healthy eating habits to people across America.
 
Grown nationally by leaders in the farming community, Tasti-Lee® tomatoes come in both Organic and Conventional . These tasti tomatoes were created as a premium, vine-ripened tomato picked when.  Tasti-Lee® Tomatoes are never artificially ripened or gassed with ethylene for color.  Tasti-Lee® tomatoes are available in leading natural supermarkets and mainstream grocery chains around the nation.
 
Now...what to make with all these wonderful, red beauties?!  Something I can put on EVERYTHING! 

Tomato jam is so delicious and can be used as a great condiment on hamburgers, hot dogs or anything else that would require ketchup.  It's also a GREAT topper for crostini, savory waffles and all kinds of appetizers!  I had mine for lunch today with some fresh, home made bread, a little Burrata cheese, some peppery baby arugula and sliced chicken sausage!

Sweet and Spicy Tuscan Tomato Jam

Sweet and Spicy Tuscan Tomato Jam
Served Here with Burrata Cheese, Baby Arugula and Sliced Chicken Sausage

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. Tasti-Lee Premium Vine-Ripened Tomatoes, chopped
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup finely chopped roasted red peppers
• 1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/2 tsp. dried lemon peel
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. corn starch, dissolved in 2 tbsp. cold water

Steps:

1. Combine all ingredients together in a medium saucepan.  Bring to a boil, reduce to a low simmer, and allow the sauce to reduce for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
2. Add the corn starch and stir until the sauce is thickened, about 2 minutes.  
3. Remove from heat and allow to cool.  Transfer the jam to mason jars, cover, and store in the refrigerator until ready to use.  Makes two 8 oz. mason jars.

Sweet and Spicy Tuscan Tomato Jam