Best Tomato Catsup Recipe

Ingredients

Directions

1. Measure spices into small saucepan; add vinegar.
2. Cover; heat to a boil.
3. Remove from heat; let stand while preparing tomato mixture. (Spices steep in vinegar just like tea.
4. It's this separate brewing for spicy flavor that keeps the catsup a rich red color. ) Wash tomatoes.
5. Mash in a large pan.
6. Add onion and red pepper.
7. Heat to a boil; cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
8. Put tomatoes through a food mill or a coarse sieve or colander.
9. Add sugar to the tomato juice.
10. Heat to a boil; then simmer briskly.
11. Cook till you have only half the amount you began with.
12. This should take 45 to 60 minutes.
13. Strain spiced vinegar mixture into tomato mixture; discard spices.
14. Add salt.
15. Simmer about 30 minutes or until desired consistency.
16. Stir often.
17. Fill hot, sterilized jars; seal at once.
18. Makes 2 pints.