What to do with ALL these TOMATOES?

I mean seriously? I wanted the garden to do well, but this is crazy! I dare to say I have had enough! I can't even think about a tomato sandwich at the moment! So, I am getting creative and am making things. I took the white bowl of cherry tomatoes and made TOMATO JAM! Yes, it sounds odd, I know but it is really quit savory almost like something that would be an awesome addition to a cheese platter or served with crusty bread and roasted chicken. I have been OBSESSED with finding a recipe for this after hearing it mentioned and finally found a starting point when I found http://www.whiteonricecouple.com/ . Thank-you for getting me started.

Tomato Jam

1 lb tomatoes
1/2 c brown sugar

4 cloves

1 cinnamon stick

3 tsp balsamic vinegar

1/2 lime, squeezed

1 Tb fresh thyme

Place all ing in a non-stick pot and bring to a boil reduce down to a simmer and let go for about a hour. It will thicken. I had enough to taste yum-eeeee and to fill to small jelly jars. I think this will be a wonderful addition to my Holiday Food Baskets!!

Tomato Stew/Soup Starter

This is a really easy way to use your extra tomatoes without the hassle or confusion as to where to store all those jars! I use quart size freezer bags and each bag is a wonderful start to my Homemade Veggie Soup (Tori Darlin's Recipe will share later!)

6-8 tomatoes, peeled, cored & seeds removed

2 stalks celery, diced

1 green pepper, diced

1 med onion, diced

1 bayleaf

3 Tb sugar

2 Tb red wine vinegar

1 cup chicken broth (or whatever you have on hand)

Toss everything in your good ole crockpot and let simmer on low for about 8hrs.

Tweetsie

Tweetsie! What a fantabulous place!!! I had not been in 30yrs and wonder why? It is awesome. We had so much fun! Jack man LOVED every minute. The train, the rides (at least a half dozen that you must be UNDER 48in!!) the chair lift WOW. I highly advise taking this trip with your kids, I do recommend personally I think 2 and up is the PERFECT age, I also advise taking a picnic lunch the food is over-priced (as always at a place like this) and the lines are VERY long! You can carry in a cooler, picnic basket, whatever & it is worth it! Can't wait to go again!!

Barnyard Birthday Party

The Barnyard Birthday was a huge success. Fun was had by all. The tractor cake turned out quit well. Thanks to all our friends & family for spending such a special day with us!! Here are a few pics

All things toddler....

Wow how time does fly! My mini is turning 2 and I am freaking out a little, maybe alot! I can not believe I have a full blown toddler on my hands. He walks, talks back, is so independent and my how carefree! I wish I could just let it all go. I can't wait to take him to Tweetsie www.tweetsie.com tomorrow! He is going to gasp when he sees that train! The wonder & amazement in his eyes will be priceless. I hope that I can capture that moment on film.
I have tons of cleaning to do as we have friends coming in to help celebrate J's birthday- good grief I am so OCD/ADD that I can't even figure out where to start! Wish me Luck!!