Vibrant green tomato jam made by Trappist nuns.

Just north of Rome, on the outskirts of Viterbo, is a community of about 40 Cistercian nuns who follow the Benedictine rule of Ora et Labora, Pray and Work. Their work, growing fruit and making jam, supports an AIDS clinic the nuns opened in Africa several years ago. It is truly a labor of love, and Paul Ferrari was most impressed by the simple joy with which the nuns make and present their products. He was also impressed with how good their fruit preserves were. Ripe, locally grown fruit is cooked down in small batches in the monastery kitchen. We were lucky enough to get a decent quantity of their small production, including this trademark green tomato jam.

Don't knock it until you've tried it; this green tomato jam will surprise you. It's smooth, it's sweet (yes, sweet), and it makes a great sandwich spread. This jam is the nuns' specialty. Try it instead of cranberry sauce the next time you have turkey.