Bip's Ripe Tomato Relish

My Mississippi grandmother, Bip, would be well over 120 years old if still alive today. Yet she is still living in our thoughts, often because we still enjoy so many of her recipes. This is one that my family has enjoyed for many, many years and always gets passed down to the next generation. Its tart but sweet taste adds to any dish. We use it as a condiment for meats, salads, eggs, or as a spread with cream cheese and fancy crackers. I've even stuffed jalapenos with it. Its uses are limited only by one's imagination. It's a deliciously wonderful relish to have on hand.

• Preparation Time: 60 mins
• Cooking Time: 2 hr
• Total Time: 3 hr
• Calories: 26 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons ground cloves
• 2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 4 large apples - peeled, cored and chopped
• 3 cups apple cider vinegar
• 12 large tomatoes, peeled and chopped
• 4 large yellow onions, chopped
• 7 (1 pint) canning jars with lids and rings, or as needed

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.n

Step 2

Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 15 minutes.n

Step 3

Combine tomatoes, onions, apple cider vinegar, salt, cloves, ginger, and cinnamon in a large stock pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, and simmer until tomatoes have broken down and liquid has reduced by 1/3, about 2 hours. Stir apples into the relish and simmer, stirring occasionally, until apple pieces have started to break down but are still small pieces, about 30 more minutes.n

Step 4

Sterilize jars, lids, and rings in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack the tomato relish into the hot, sterilized jars, filling the jars to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or a thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids, and screw on rings.n