Playing Catch Up

Or catsup.  Or ketchup.  Whatever you call it, my biggest canning project ever.

I began this morning with 24 pounds of ripe tomatoes.  Yes, I really weighed them as that was required by the recipe.  Add 3 pounds of onions, a big handful of spices, about a pint of vinegar, six hours of my time and Voila! 

I am the proud owner of seven pints of catsup.  Or ketchup.  Or whatever.

Have to admit, I'm not sure that this is going to be an every canning season project.  Probably only the years when I lose my mind and plant 12 tomato plants.  I am glad, however, that I've done it once.  Now I will be properly appreciative when friends tell me that they've made catsup. 

As to the way it tastes, I've so far been limited to licking the spoon after I finished filling the jars as the recipe made exactly seven pints.  It was pretty darn yummy.  The real test will be when I use it to top a meatloaf.  I have a dark, secret addiction to the caramelized loveliness that is catsup baked into meatloaf topping.  Mmmmm.