Salsa (Or what to do with all those veggies...)

Can anyone really plant too many tomatoes?

I don't think so! I can always find friends and family to "help me" unload some of the bounty from our garden. Another fun thing to do with all those red beauties is make salsa.

Here is what you will need:
10c firm lg. tomatoes, peeled
3c chopped onions
2c chopped sweet peppers
1/4c finely chopped hot peppers


To peel the tomatoes: Cut the tops off the tomatoes. Drop into low boiling water for 30 seconds. Remove and place in cold water. Peel off skins.

I like to have the kids help me chop the veggies. We have had a lot of good laughs and it is more fun for them to eat something that they helped make.

Place everything that is chopped in a large pot. Add 1Tbsp red peppers, 3Tbsp salt, 2Tbsp sugar, 1Tbsp mustard seeds, 1Tbsp garlic powder, 1c of vinegar. Bring to a boil then reduce heat. Simmer 45 min to 1 hour.  After the salsa is cooked you might want to thicken it a little.  Mix a small amount of cornstarch with water and add to salsa.  Remember, it may thinken more as it cools.  It is better to be a little runny then too thick.

Prepare jars while the salsa is cooking. Make sure the jars are very clean (run them through the dishwasher with bleach). Heat your lids and jars in a hot water bath.

Once the salsa is cooked place in hot jars and seal. After an hour or two, check to make sure the jars have sealed by pushing on the top of the lid (It should not "pop" when pressed). It should last at least a year...maybe more if it is canned properly.

This is how your finished product should look. The salsa is ready to eat immediately. It is fast, easy and your friends will be amazed that it is "home-made". Have fun!