8 lbs tomatoes
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
1 cup sugar
1 cup white vinegar
1 1/2 inches stick cinnamon, broken
1 1/2 teaspoons whole cloves
1 teaspoon celery seed
1 tablespoon salt
Core and quarter tomatoes, drain. In an 8 or 10 quart pot combine tomatoes, onion and red pepper. Bring to a boil and continue cooking for 15 minutes, stirring often. Press through a food mill or sieve. Discard seeds and skins. Return to pot, add sugar. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 1 1/2 - 2 hours or til reduced by half, stirring occasionally.
In a saucepan bring vinegar, cinnamon, cloves and celery seed to a boil. Remove from heat.
Strain vinegar mixture into tomato mixture, discard spices. Add 1 tablespoon of salt. Simmer for 30 minutes or to desired consistency, stirring often.
Makes ~ 4 half-pints
Ladle hot catsup into hot, clean half-pint jars leaving 1/8 inch headroom. Wipe jar rims and adjust lids. Boil closed jars in a pot with at least 1 inch of water covering top of jar for 15 minutes.
