MOM'S HOMEMADE KETCHUP

Now before you all start  grabbing things, realize, I do not like to eat alot of chemicals that I do not know, prefer the less sugar the better, as I have lost a ton of weight and do not want it to go back on. Please do not go and post this recipe as your own, it is mine- from scratch learning to make healthier choices in life.

Not responsible if you discover the real taste of ketchup and get addicted and then again not responsible if you discover you like  processed ketchup.  This makes about 4 cups of ketchup.  It is also fun to teach the kids how to make ketchup.

You need
5 lbs fresh tomatoes
2 lb onions- chopped- use sweet onions- yellow onions
4 tablespoons evoo extra virgin olive oil
4 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup apple cider vinegar
dash of paprika
1/3 cup splenda brown sugar- - have also used 1/8 cup  pure honey instead-can also use agave sugar- I am still learning measurements with that (one time I used maple syrup- improvise)
clove of garlic is also optional too

several dashes -dash of salt to taste
if you want it spicy a jalepeno pepper or tabasco sauce
can also add garlic and a - see its all what I have in the kitchen

chop up the onion and stick in skillet- brown it on up..meanwhile take the tomatoes and blend em up and make em a soup- now some will use canned tomatoes if you do reserve the juice to make it thicker. blend in all the other ingredients and add the onions- smoothing it out-   If you want it spicy -now is when you add the tabasco or the pepper and blend more. Pour back into onion pan- bring to a boil until its all and simmer for about an hour- now you can also do it in a crockpot but takes a few hours to let it soften and simmer. 
Pour into a sealed container or containers and let chill overnight to get tasty. Should last at least 1  month- have had larger batches last up to 2 months- is freezeable too if you want to use as sauce for sloppy joes, etc.  I am not an expert, I just cook and eat and feed my kids healthy choices.
Some say its not salty enough, I like it so my kids get their vegies and its alot healthier and cheaper  then bottled ketchup.

Make sure you use real olive oil and sweet onions- vidalia onions make it sweeter. yes the recipe can be halved. Yes I have used this recipe for  almost  20 years in one form or another..if its not sweet enough for you- use more splenda brown sugar or whatever sweetener you are using- splenda brown sugar makes it taste the best.  I hope I did not forget anything as I keep it in my brain and have not written it out in many years.

I add more spices when I need a bbq, I add peppers, hot, or tabsaco- have even added maple syrup, and other things.   I used a huge gallon drinking jug for the ketchup that pours and refill a jar as it empties out.


ENJOY!

Please as I said do not post this as your own, this is mine and has been for years. I do not care if you post it giving me credit but do not steal it. Please ask me before you post.