I recently heard that gardening is the number one hobby in America. Well, I think that is just great. Of course, I think they included lawn care in "gardening" but that is OK with me!
My garden has been vey odd this year. I planted 52 tomato plants this spring and up until last week I had only picked about 36 tomatoes! Things weren't looking good to say the least. However, late last week something happened. . . I walked out to the garden after being away a few days and my garden was blessing me! I stopped counting after I had picked over 650 tomatoes!
I made salsa, froze some, gave some away and then made my favorite, homemade tomato sauce to freeze for the winter. It takes quite a few tomatoes to make a container of sauce, but it is well worth it. I'm sure you all have your own sauce recipe, but thought I would share mine.
If you have found yourself with an abundance of tomatoes, give it a try!
Making Fresh Tomato Sauce
5 pounds tomatoes, core out the stem end and peel
1 small onion, chopped
1 green pepper. chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
2 teaspoons dried basil
2 teaspoons kosher salt
Place all of the ingredients in a large Dutch oven or heavy pot. Cover and bake at 250 for 4-6 hours. Just have it work into your schedule!
Take out of the oven and mash the tomatoes with a potato masher.
I usually skim off a good 2 to 3 cups of clear juice. It could be more or less depending on your tomatoes. Then, simmer the tomatoes on top of stove without the lid so some of the liquid can cook off. I usually let it do that for 1 to 2 hours, stirring every so often.
I then put in freezer containers and smile knowing I have food for the winter. I like to put 3 cups of sauce in a ziplock back and then lay flat in the freezer.
Cook Note: To peel your tomatoes, cut an X in the bottom of the tomato. Drop into boiling water for about 30 seconds. Remove with a slotted spoon and place into an ice bath. Take a sharp paring knife and peel the skin beginning on the bottom where you cut. It should slip right off. If not, just place back in the boiling water for another 10 seconds or so.
Enjoy!
Julie
Linked to these great parties:
Food Done Light Thursdays Treasures
Walking on Sunshine Foodie Friends Friday
Addicted to Recipes Scrumptious Sunday
3 comments:
There is nothing better than fresh tomato sauce!! And what a wonderful way to preserve the season.
I love this and can just smell it simmering. Thank you for sharing on Thursday's Treasures. I am featuring it on Week 105. Feel free to stop by and grab my buttons!
I am trying to learn how to make tomato sauces this season. I love how you do this in the oven. As soon as my wonderful neighbors pass along more tomatoes, I will be trying this!
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