Adventures in Canning-zesty salsa

So we finally did it! We got our supplies and picked produce from our gardens and came together to can for the 1st time. Although it was not the smoothest first experience, we did our best and figured out what we need to make it easier next time. For our next attempt I bought a wide-mouthed canning funnel and a magnetic wand. If you are wanting to try canning but are scared it is actually quite easy. I took a class at Whole Foods a couple of weeks ago and was shocked it was so simple. So as our economy continues to go down, canning is a great way to stretch a buck and fill up your pantry! This is the recipe I got from Whole Foods and what we used for the salsa we canned.

Zesty Salsa (makes about 6 pints)

• 10 cups chopped, seeded, peeled and cored tomatoes (about 6 pounds)
• 5 cups seeded and chopped long, mild green chilies, such as Anaheim (about 2 pounds)
• 2 1/2 cups seeded and chopped hot chilies, such as Serrano or Jalapeno (about 1 pound)
• 5 cups chopped onions (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 4 minced garlic cloves
• 1 1/4 cider vinegar
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh cilantro
• 3 tablespoons salt

1. Wash 6 pint jars and fill with hot water until needed. Prepare lids as manufacturer directs.
2. In a large saucepan, combine tomatoes, chilies, onions, garlic, vinegar, cilantro, and salt. Bring mixture to a boil over medium high heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring frequently, for ten minutes or until slightly thickened.
3. Ladle hot salsa into jars one hot jar at a time, leaving 1/2 inch head space. Remove air bubbles, and adjust head space, if necessary, by adding more salsa. Wipe rim with a clean, damp cloth. Attach lid. Fill and close remaining jars. Process in boiling water canner for 15 minutes.

Notes

• To get skin off tomatoes, cut a slit across the skin and then drop the tomatoes into boiling water until skin starts to peel back.
• We did not have a water canner so we just used a normal stock pot. When you can you have to make sure the cans are totally covered by the boiling water. So you need to use a very deep pot.