Leona's Chili Sauce

Mothers....they are the root of a family...the first heartbeat you hear is your Mother's....the first touch you feel is your Mother's.   They teach us so much while we grow and even after we leave the 'nest'.  They continue to guide us even when their address changes to 'Heaven'.

My tomatoes are ripening very nicely and I was looking for something just a little different to use them in.  This recipe was shared with me by my friend Kathy....thank you.

It was given to Kathy by her Mother ...Leona.....who's address is now 'Heaven'.
We never really lose our Mothers because they are always with us, guiding us through each day....in our daily routines. I find my Mother's presence while in my kitchen, working in my gardens and even when I walk along the beach.....honour your Mother, take time to sit and just listen to her stories....her quirks and forgetfulness is all part of 'life experiences' .... it is all filled with LOVE.

Chili Sauce

The ingredients you will need.

The tomatoes, all chopped and ready.

The tomatoes added to the rest of the ingredients ready to simmer for a few hours.

The rest of the ingredients that will be added.

Chili Sauce after everything has been added, simmered until thick.

The spice bag has been removed.

Chili Sauce served over some cheese filled pastry we had for dinner.

Serve it over potatoes, rice anything you want. It is great served on it's own

as an appetizer with cheese and crackers. Spice it up or down....it is your choice.

The sealed jars are stored in my pantry .....opened when needed!

CHILI SAUCE RECIPE

4 quarts tomatoes, peeled and chopped (approx. 16 cups/8 lbs)

2 hot red peppers, chopped fine (I used 1 jalapeño/1hot red pepper)

6-8 onions, chopped fine

3 sweet red peppers, chopped fine

5 - 6 stalked celery, chopped fine

3 sweet green peppers, chopped fine

½ cup pickling spice, in a bag

Put above in dutch oven and cook until almost dry, about 2 1/2-3 hours of simmering.

Add:

2 cups vinegar

2 cups water

4 cups sugar (can use half the amount)

1 Tablespoon each,  salt and pepper

1/2 Tablespoon  small chilies or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne.

4 Tablespoons tomato paste ( optional) I like a thicker sauce.

Let simmer until thick enough to bottle.

Pour into sterilized jars, seal and process in a water bath, 12-15 minutes

Enjoy!

'Most people are like you and me,

or the people across the street or around the world from you and me,

their hearts tell them that somewhere, somehow,

they can make a positive difference in the world.'