One of my favorite cooking tools

I am a big fan of grilling. This past summer we added a smoker grill to the family.  The Big Green Egg Smoker Grill is a dream when it comes to grilling.  The BGE is basically a giant ceramic oven.  It uses lump charcoal and comes up to perfect grilling temp in about 20 minutes.   The result is even grilling, smoky flavor and moist, perfectly cooked tri tip. 

Sweet Tomato Jam

Tomatoes are sweet and abundant right now.  I have been waiting to try this recipe that I found in a new book Gathering of Friends.  It is simple.  Melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet, add 4-5 (or more) sliced tomatoes.  I used Roma's.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper and 1/8 cup sugar.  Cook until the tomatoes begin to melt. Flip and repeat.  I cook mine until they are really close to jam.  Serve on a sliced baguette with a shmear of cream cheese.  Delicious.