Homemade Green Tomato Relish

Makes 4 to 5 pints

I really like relish on my hot dogs. This is a great recipe that is delicious on hot dogs or brats, but useful in other preparations. It incorporates green tomatoes and apples, but it is difficult to recognize the taste of either of those ingredients. For a different relish made with cucumbers see my Homemade Sweet Pickle Relish that is in the similar and related recipes. It is a little less sweet and is great, not only on sandwiches, but in homemade tartar sauce. I found both many years ago in a book called 'Home Canning and Preserving - The Safe Way' and made a few changes to suit my tastes. As with all canning recipes, be certain to pick or purchase the freshest produce possible.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds green tomatoes, washed, stem ends removed, cut into quarters
• 4 red apples, washed, cut into quarters, core removed but not peeled
• 3 red bell peppers, washed, cut into quarters, seeds removed
• 4 onions
• 1-1/2 tablespoons coarse salt, such as kosher
• 1-1/2 teaspoons pepper
• 1-1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 3/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2-1/2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups white vinegar, at least 5% acidity

Place the tomatoes, apples and peppers in a processor and process until very finely chopped. You might have to do this in batches. Combine the remaining ingredients in a large pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Add the chopped tomatoes and apples and bring back to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, until thick, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste for seasoning and adjust. Place into hot sterilized jars leaving 1/2-inch headspace, cover with hot lids and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes at an altitude up to 1,000 feet, 15 minutes at 1,000 to 6,000 feet. (Processing times are based on guidelines provided by the USDA National Food Safety Database.)