Tomato Catsup

* Exported from MasterCook II *

TOMATO CATSUP

Recipe By : Homemade in the Kitchen
Serving Size : 1 Preparation Time :0:00
Categories : Condiments

Amount Measure Ingredient -- Preparation Method
-------- ------------ --------------------------------
3 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cored and cut into large chunks
(about 8 chunks per tomato)
1 medium onion -- chopped
1/4 cup dark brown sugar -- firmly packed
1 cup cider vinegar
3 cinnamon sticks
1/2 tablespoon whole cloves

Put the tomatoes and onion into a large, nonreactive pot. Bring to a boil
over medium heat and continue to boil for about 35 minutes, stirring
occasionally, until the tomatoes have fallen apart and they are soft enough
to mash. Remove the pot from the heat. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the
tomatoes in batches into a food mill placed over a large bowl. Work the
tomatoes through the food mill until all are pureed, periodically discarding
the skin and seeds that accumulate in the mill. Empty and rinse the pot.
Return the puree to the pot and stir in the brown sugar and vinegar. Wrap
the cinnamon sticks and cloves in a double thickness of cheesecloth. Tie the
cheesecloth in a knot and add the bundle to the pot. Cook, uncovered, over
medium heat for 1 1/2 hours, maintaining a gentle boil, or until thick
enough to coat the back of a spoon. After the catsup has cooked for about 1
hour, fill another large pot with enough water to cover an inch or 2 over
the top of 1-pint Mason jars and bring it to a boil. Submerge 2 jars into
the water, using tongs, and boil for 5 to 6 minutes, adding the seals toward
the end. Keep at a boil. Carefully remove a jar from the boiling water, fit
it with a canning funnel, and ladle in hot catsup to within 1/4 inch of the
top. Wipe the mouth of the jar clean, remove a seal and place it on top, and
screw on the ring. Repeat the process for the remaining jar. If you are
going to ship the jars, put them through a 10-minute hot-water bath. Flip
the jars upside down onto a dish towel placed on the counter and let sit for
2 hours. Check the seals. The jelly should be ready to use immediately, with
a shelf life of at least 1 year. It will keep for up to 6 months in the
refrigerator after opening.

YIELD: 4 cups

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