Green Tomato Preserves

Description
In Romanian: Dulceata de patlagele verzi (gogonele)

Ingredients

 * 40 green tomatoes the size of plums,
 * 2 lbs/1 kg sugar,
 * 1/2 vanilla stick,
 * juice from 1 lemon,
 * 3/4 qt/3/4 l water

Directions

 * 1) Remove the core of each green tomato making a conical indentation.
 * 2) Remove all seeds through this opening.
 * 3) Prepare three pots with boiling water.
 * 4) Place the green tomatoes in the first one and let boil for 4-5 minutes.
 * 5) Remove from this water and place into the second pot, letting them boil for 10 minutes.
 * 6) Remove from this water and place them in the third pot, letting them boil for 10 minutes.
 * 7) Then briefly place in cold water and quickly peel them. Leave them on a clean cloth to dry.
 * 8) In the meantime, make the syrup with 3/4 qt/3/4 l water, remove foam and add vanilla.
 * 9) When the syrup starts to thicken, add the green tomatoes and lemon juice.
 * 10) Simmer, removing the foam periodically, until the preserve is done.
 * 11) Remove from heat, cover with a wet cloth and place in jars when cold.