Tomato Preserves

Yield: 9 1/2 Pints. Core, peel, and crush the tomatoes; measure 3 cups into a large kettle. Add the basil and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered over medium low heat for 10 minutes; discard the basil. Add the rest of the ingredients except the pectin and bring to a hard boil. Boil hard for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from the heat, add the pectin, then quickly skim off the foam. Ladle at once into hot sterilized half-pint jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the jar rims and adjust the lids. Process in a boiling hot-water bath for 15 minutes after the water returns to a boil. Store in a dark place; the jam may take several weeks to thicken.