Just a little reminder that now might be the perfect time to make some simple tomato sauce. This sauce is a great way to stock up on a little zero-waste helper that gets used in so many ways around here. With a freezer stocked full of jars of this treasure, we are able to make pasta sauce, salsa, soup, pizza sauce, and chili all winter long. I actually used my last jar right about the time we were able to pick our first tomatoes in the garden this summer. :)
Even if you don't have a garden, getting a big box of tomatoes from the farmers' market is a great option... plus you'll be all done with the sauce making in one go. (I might be a bit jealous about that.) :) Try going closer to closing time and see if you can get a bargain price for a box the farmer doesn't want to take back home. Dinged tomatoes are ok here too.
The tomato sauce I make is super simple... no tomato peeling. That would have been a no-go for me, personally. This works, because I freeze it instead of traditional canning.
I don't season this sauce before freezing, because I find that the flavors are just more flavorful when added later. This also makes it possible for me to choose any jar and flavor it into pizza sauce, salsa, soup starter, pasta sauce or any other number of uses I find for it.
Simple Tomato Sauce
Wash, destem, and cut large tomatoes in half. Blend lightly (I use the "chop" button). My goal is to break them up, but still have pieces. Bring to a boil and boil over medium heat, stirring as needed (I start by setting the timer for 8 minutes and slowly decrease the time between stirring down to about 4 minutes). Boil down to desired thickness (time needed will depend on the consistency and amount of tomatoes used). Pour into jars and let cool before storing in freezer.
I'm never sorry about the time I've spent making tomato sauce! :)
Love,
Jane
Even if you don't have a garden, getting a big box of tomatoes from the farmers' market is a great option... plus you'll be all done with the sauce making in one go. (I might be a bit jealous about that.) :) Try going closer to closing time and see if you can get a bargain price for a box the farmer doesn't want to take back home. Dinged tomatoes are ok here too.
The tomato sauce I make is super simple... no tomato peeling. That would have been a no-go for me, personally. This works, because I freeze it instead of traditional canning.
I don't season this sauce before freezing, because I find that the flavors are just more flavorful when added later. This also makes it possible for me to choose any jar and flavor it into pizza sauce, salsa, soup starter, pasta sauce or any other number of uses I find for it.
Simple Tomato Sauce
Wash, destem, and cut large tomatoes in half. Blend lightly (I use the "chop" button). My goal is to break them up, but still have pieces. Bring to a boil and boil over medium heat, stirring as needed (I start by setting the timer for 8 minutes and slowly decrease the time between stirring down to about 4 minutes). Boil down to desired thickness (time needed will depend on the consistency and amount of tomatoes used). Pour into jars and let cool before storing in freezer.
I'm never sorry about the time I've spent making tomato sauce! :)
Love,
Jane
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