Green Tomato Preserves

Description
In Romanian: Dulceata de patlagele verzi (gogonele)

Ingredients

 * 40 green tomatoes the size of plums
 * 2 lbs / 1 kg sugar
 * ½ vanilla stick
 * juice from 1 lemon
 * ¾ qt / ¾ 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.
 * 8) Leave them on a clean cloth to dry.
 * 9) In the meantime, make the syrup with ¾ qt / ¾ l water, remove foam and add vanilla.
 * 10) When the syrup starts to thicken, add the green tomatoes and lemon juice.
 * 11) Simmer, removing the foam periodically, until the preserve is done.
 * 12) Remove from heat, cover with a wet cloth and place in jars when cold.