Italian Spice Blend For Canned Tomatoes Recipe 35

Steps:

• Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet or line it with a clean towel. Set aside.
• Wash the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Cut a small "X" in the blossom end, or bottom, of each tomato with a paring knife. Dip the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, then immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Slip off the skins and remove the cores.
• Heat the tomato juice in a small non-reactive pot until simmering. Place the canning rack in the canner and fill the pot with water; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Place a still-hot, clean quart canning jar (see Cook's Notes) on the prepared baking sheet. (This will help contain any dribbles or spills and prevent the jars from directly touching the metal.) Place the lemon juice and salt in the jar. Add the basil leaves. Pack the tomatoes into the jar one at a time, pressing firmly to remove any air pockets and leaving at least 1/2 inch of headroom. Cover the tomatoes in the jar with the hot tomato juice, leaving 1/2 inch of headroom.
• Using tongs, place the jars on the rack in the canner. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Cover the canner. Return the water to a boil and boil gently for 85 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using tongs, transfer the jars to a towel to cool. If the seal works and fits properly, the metal lid will be slightly concave within 24 hours of processing. Store in a cool dark place for up to 1 year.

Steps:

• Blanch, peel, core and quarter tomatoes.
• Heat olive oil in a large dutch oven.
• Add garlic and oregano, cook till garlic is tender and oregano is fragrant (about 2 minutes).
• Add chopped onion and peppers and cook until tender (about 5 min).
• Add tomatoes and sugar, simmer uncovered about 45 min or until desired consistency (you will need to cook longer if tomatoes are watery).
• Place in hot sterilized mason jars, and place in hot water bath, bring water back to the boil and boil for about 20 minutes longer, remove and let cool, re-bath any jars that don't seal.
• NOTE: Some people feel that the hot water bath method is not safe for this recipe, and that a pressure canning method should be used, however, I have always done these this way with no problem.
• I leave this up to your discretion.

Steps:

• Mix together and store in a tightly capped jar.
• Use: Sprinkle 1/4 teaspoon over each serving of chicken before baking or grilling.
• Can also be added to pasta sauce, or used to make a vinaigrette dressing by adding 1 teaspoon of mix to oil and vinegar.