Following the final big tomato harvest, we prepare a large batch of spaghetti sauce and salsa! First ingredient is tomatoes, of course!

Loads of fresh crisp red onions!

Rinse tomatoes to prepare for hot water bath

Boil tomatoes for approximately five minutes

Next, immediately drop tomatoes into ice water, remove peel, and cut away unwanted portions

Puree tomatoes in food processor and pour into stainless steel bowls

Wash, chop, and add onions, garlic, peppers, parsley, etc… depending on sauce

Have plenty of bowls, cooking pots, and processing bath ready!

Sterilize glass jars in boiling water for at least 15-30 minutes, while sauce is cooking

Boil sauce until desired thickness is reached, evaporating much of the liquid

The processing pot we use holds nine quarts

Be prepared with clean/sterile lids and rings! Pour sauce into hot glass jars, using ladle and funnel. Wipe edge of glass with damp hot wet cloth before placing lid on top of jar.  Place back in water bath and boil heavily for at least 30 minutes.  Remove from pot and let cool.  Lids will seal themselves.

Two batches of tomato sauce…spaghetti sauce and salsa!!!

We prepared a total of 18 quarts of spaghetti sauce, 18 quarts of tomatillo salsa, and 12 quarts of red tomato salsa!!!