Fruity Tamale Relish

I found this recipe in the newspaper 25 years ago, and modified it to suit my family's tastes. I make it every year when the ripe tomatoes and fruit come in. My family loves it with both roast beef and as a condiment with tamales. You can vary the amount and types of fruit. I have sometimes added chopped plums.

• Preparation Time: 35 mins
• Cooking Time: 55 mins
• Total Time: 1 hr 30 mins
• Calories: 40 Calories

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ cups finely chopped onion
• 1 cup finely chopped celery
• 8 large medium-ripe tomatoes, peeled and chopped into 3/4 inch chunks
• 2 cups chopped firm apples
• 1 ½ cups chopped peeled fresh peaches
• 1 ½ cups chopped peeled pears
• 3 tablespoons whole pickling spices
• 2 ½ cups lightly packed brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons pickling salt

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Place the tomatoes, apples, peaches, pears, onion, and celery into a heavy pot. Stir in the pickling spices, brown sugar, pickling salt, and vinegar. Bring to a boil, while continuing to stir. Reduce heat to medium, and simmer until thick, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, or about 45 minutes.

Step 2

Pour the fruit relish into hot jars, leaving 1/4 inch head space. Adjust caps. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling-water bath. Cool jars, and store in a cool, dry place.