Salsa

The salsa is done.

Canning season is coming to an end for me.

We did 42 pints, and I think I want to do at least one more batch.

I figured out it costs about 50 cents a jar compared to the $3-4 dollars when you buy salsa in the store.  (Of course, that all depends on if you already have your jars, canning equipment, and have tomatoes from your garden.)  But even if you add one item a canning season and get your tomatoes at the local grocery, it becomes very economical.

Grandma Duffy's Salsa Recipe
Yield:  21 pints, 10-11 quarts

Ingredients:
28 cups peeled, cut tomatoes (approximately 40-45 medium sized) [28 cups = 7 quarts]***
3 onions, diced
5 green bell peppers, diced small
3 yellow bell peppers, diced small
3 jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced small****
1 Anaheim chili pepper,seeded and diced small
2 cloves garlic, chopped (you can also use a jarred garlic.  It equals 2 teaspoons.)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes****
3 1/2 Tablespoons salt
2 Tablespoons garlic salt
2 Tablespoons sugar
2 cups vinegar
1 large can tomato sauce (2 cups)
1 large can tomato paste (12 oz.size) [add one 6 oz. can if salsa is too runny]

Prepare tomatoes and vegetables.  Put in large kettle or turkey roaster and add all of the spices and tomato paste.  Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.  (I like to cover mine while simmering).

Prepare canning jars, lids, and seals.  Fill bottles and process for 30 minutes.  Remove from canner/water-bath and let cool on a towel on your counter.  When cool, wipe down and label.

Be careful--This is addicting.  The good news is that it is all natural and has no preservatives that you can't pronounce!

***I have also made this with canned, petite diced tomatoes from the store in place of the fresh tomatoes.  In all honesty, you cannot tell the difference and it saves a big step in peeling and cutting the tomatoes.  28 cups = 8,  28 ounce cans.  There are roughly 4 large tomatoes in a 14 oz. can.  These are always on sale, so pick a few up here and there.

****This makes a mild salsa.  My family likes a little more kick to ours, so I add 1 more jalapeno pepper and 1 more teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (for a total of 2 teaspoons).  It's not a lot hotter, but has a bit more 'punch'.