Sunday Recipes w/ Margi Kyle: Special Recipe: Margi’s Tomato Jam

Margi’s Tomato Jam

Have you ever been to North Harbor Café and had their grown-up grilled cheese with tomato jam? It’s unforgettable. After years of searching, here’s a version that comes very close—sweet, savory, and absolutely addictive.

Ingredients

For the Tomato Jam:

• 4 cups diced beefsteak tomatoes (about 2–3 large tomatoes)
• 1 ½ cups chopped strawberries
• 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar (or substitute if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon Crazy Jane Salt (or kosher salt)
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon Crazy Jane Pepper (or black pepper)

For the Crostini:

• 1 baguette, sliced (or pre-toasted crostini)
• ½ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
• Garlic (to taste, minced or pressed)
• Pinch of salt

For Topping:

• 6 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh mint or basil leaves (for garnish)

Instructions

Make the Tomato Jam

1. Place diced tomatoes in a saucepan over medium heat and bring to a boil.
2. Reduce heat to medium and add strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, and pepper.
3. Let simmer for about 40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
4. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
5. Transfer to a bowl and blend briefly with a hand mixer for a smoother consistency (optional).
6. Let cool completely and store in a glass container in the refrigerator.

Prepare the Crostini

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and garlic.
3. Brush both sides of baguette slices with the mixture and lightly sprinkle with salt.
4. Place on a baking sheet and bake for about 5 minutes, or until golden brown (watch closely—don’t overcook).

Assemble

1. Spread about a teaspoon of tomato jam on each crostini.
2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
3. Garnish with mint or basil leaves.
4. Serve and enjoy!

Serving Suggestions

Pair with:

• Grilled cheese sandwiches
• Butternut squash soup
• A fresh salad

You’ve got a simple, delicious meal.

Storage

• Store jam in the refrigerator for several weeks
• Can likely be frozen (worth testing!)

PHOTO COURTESY OF DEBORAH YOUNG STUDIO

Margi is Host of LKNConnect’s People in the Know, Recipe Source Extraordinaire and Co-Host on WSIC Radio Show. with Debbie O’Handley, on Comm(unity) Centered! A new business, an influential person, a new product or ideas that you would like the area to know about? This is the place to share your new and exciting recipes & ventures. Together we are making Lake Norman the most sought-after place to live

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