Results Are In...

...the flu that took us down one by one was the H1N1 virus. It left each of us detached from life & dwarfed of ambition for over a week now. I appreciate all of your sweet comments. My hubby is last man standing and I really hope he doesn't get it. Yesterday it seemed that all were well and we had a big family birthday dinner party. It was a collaborative effort & everything was so delicious. My oldest son, whom by the way is missing his calling by not pursuing a culinary career, made huge meatballs just like his Gramma Joan used to make. So good. His cooking abilities make me proud. The party full of laughter which is just a good for you as chicken soup.

I finished the paper bag scrapbook of my grandson which I started in August for his Mommie's birthday. From ultrasound to his 1st birthday. I was relieved when she liked it. Scrapbooking is a messy undertaking for me & drives my neat freak hubby nuts. I know he will be glad that project is over & we have our coffee table back. I'm so visual that I have to spread everything all out so that I can see it all. If I had worked on it in my studio instead of the living room I would have been just a ghost around here. Luckily we didn't have any unexpected guests because I would not have been able to get all the mess under the couch cushion fast enough! hahhaha JUST KIDDING!!! hahaha

For the party one of the things I made was Tomato Jam. You may be thinking "Gross!" but no no my friend, it's so good & simple too! If you love tomatoes, salsas & sauces like I do this is a must try. On cornbread it's eye-rolling! I could put it on anything & like it. I made several batches playing with the recipe, so I'm going to share my favorite with you so you can run to your kitchen & make it. It would make a great gift too.

Campbell Jane's Tomato Jam

1 large can of Diced Tomatoes - do not drain

3/4 C onion chopped

4 cloves garlic chopped

1 C sugar

3/4 C cider vinegar

1 Tbsp finely minced ginger 1 pinch of salt, nutmeg, red pepper flakes & cinnamon

1 tsp dry mustard

1 bay leaf

Put all ingredients in medium size sauce pot, stir thoroughly. Bring to boil then reduce heat to medium low heat, slow bubbles, stirring occasionally until it is reduced to a jam consistency & tomatoes are ruby in color. Approx 2 hours. Put in clean jars. It will thicken further when refrigerated. (I buy ginger fresh, cut it into walnut size chunks then put in freezer to use when I need it. A walnut size piece minces down to 1 tbsp)

Enjoy!