Relishing

I've just finished making a wee batch of tomato relish with the gorgeous tomatoes I picked yesterday. Every year I make a batch to give away to my special friends. I like to make this first, before I make any for myself. It's my little tradition.

I think they look very sweet!

I just adore making preserves! This weekend we will make tomato sauce too. The kids absolutely love it! Hopefully we can make enough to last the whole year. Then next week I shall make green tomato chutney from my remaining unripe tomatoes. It was pretty frosty this morning, so I think their days are numbered!

Here is my recipe for Spicy Tomato Relish in case you feel inspired :)

• 1.5 kg ripe tomatoes, chopped
• 4 onions, chopped roughly
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 2 cups brown sugar
• 3 red chillies (I use cayenne)
• 2 1/4 cups malt vinegar
• 2 tbsp plain flour
• 1 tbsp curry powder
• 1 tbsp dry mustard
• 1 tbsp salt
• 1 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 cup malt vinegar

Method:
Put tomatoes and onions in a non-metallic bowl and sprinkle over the salt. Leave for 12 hours. Drain the liquid that has formed. Put vegetables in a preserving pan or large saucepan and add the sugar, chillies and first measure of vinegar. Bring to the boil and simmer, stirring frequently for about 1hr 20 minutes or until mixture is reduced and thickens slightly.
Combine remaining ingredients to make a thick paste.
Stir paste into the tomato mixture and simmer, stirring for 2-3 minutes until mixture thickens.
Pack into sterilised jars and seal.
Makes about 4 x 350ml jars.

Yummy x x