Amish Tomato Ketchup for Canning

I love making my own ketchup. It's so much better than store-bought ketchup, and it's a great way to use up all those fresh tomatoes from the garden. This recipe is a classic Amish recipe that has been passed down for generations. It's simple to make, and it's full of flavor.

Ingredients:

• 6 pounds ripe tomatoes, cored and quartered

• 1 onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1 cup sugar

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions:

1. In a large pot, combine the tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the tomatoes are soft and mushy.

2. Puree the tomato mixture in a blender or food processor until smooth.

3. Return the puree to the pot and add the vinegar, sugar, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and allspice. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour, or until the ketchup has thickened.

4. Ladle the ketchup into hot, sterilized jars. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth. Place lids and rings on the jars and screw on tightly.

5. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes, or according to the instructions on your canning jar lid manufacturer's instructions.

6. Remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely. Once the jars are cool, store them in a cool, dark place.

Tips:

• For a smoother ketchup, strain the puree through a fine-mesh sieve after it has been cooked.

• You can adjust the amount of sugar to your taste. I like my ketchup to be a little sweet, but you may prefer it to be less sweet.

• You can add other spices to your ketchup, such as cayenne pepper, ginger, or black pepper.

• Amish tomato ketchup can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Enjoy!

Here are some additional thoughts and stories about Amish tomato ketchup:

• I first learned about Amish tomato ketchup from my grandmother. She was a great cook, and she always made her own ketchup from scratch. I loved the way her ketchup tasted, and I always looked forward to helping her make it.

• Amish tomato ketchup is a traditional Amish food. It's been made by Amish families for generations. Amish ketchup is made with simple ingredients, and it's full of flavor.

• Amish tomato ketchup is a great way to use up all those fresh tomatoes from the garden. It's also a great way to preserve your tomatoes for the winter.

• Amish tomato ketchup is a versatile condiment. It can be used on hot dogs, hamburgers, french fries, and more. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for vegetables or chips.

• I hope you enjoy this recipe for Amish tomato ketchup. It's a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of summer all year long.