Labor Day Garden

It is time to pick all the summer veggies from the garden, turn the soil and plant the cold crops. Most of what is in our garden now will go into my Green Tomato Relish.

Green Tomato Relish
Ingredients


24 large green tomatoes

3 red bell peppers, halved and seeded

3 green bell peppers, halved and seeded

12 large onions

3 tablespoons celery seed

3 tablespoons mustard seed

1 tablespoon salt5 cups white sugar2 cups cider vinegar

Directions

1.In a grinder or food processor,(I use the food grinder of my Kitchen Aid) coarsely grind tomatoes, red bell peppers, green bell peppers, and onions. (You may need to do this in batches.) Line a large colander with cheesecloth, place in sink or in a large bowl, and pour in tomato mixture to drain for 1 hour.

2.In a large, non-aluminum stockpot, combine tomato mixture, celery seed, mustard seed, salt, sugar, and vinegar. Bring to a boil and simmer over low heat 5 minutes, stirring frequently.

3.Sterilize enough jars and lids to hold relish (12 one-pint jars, or 6 one-quart jars). Pack relish into sterilized jars, making sure there are no spaces or air pockets. Fill jars all the way to top. Screw on lids.

4.Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with boiling water. Carefully lower jars into pot using a holder. Leave a 2 inch space between jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary, until tops of jars are covered by 2 inches of water. Bring water to a full boil, then cover and process for 30 minutes.

5.Remove jars from pot and place on cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press top of each lid with finger, ensuring that seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Relish can be stored for up to a year.