Canning Chili Base

Our first year of raised bed gardening we had a bumper crop of tomatoes.  We also had a bumper crop of cucumbers that we wanted to pickle.  We researched recipes and websites about pickling. We read that Mrs. Wages makes the best pickling packet to buy.  Unfortunately we did not buy Mrs. Wages brand the first year the pickles were not so great, however we did buy Mrs. Wages Chili Base for some of our tomatoes and we fell in love with this chili base.  Yes, we found recipes to make our own seasoning, but if you can purchase the packets at the end of the season when they go on sale, this way is a much better buy and the fact that we love the taste of it, why would we try anything different?

Ingredients:

18 medium tomatoes or 6 lbs.

2 Tablespoons of sugar

1 packet of Mrs. Wages Chili Base

Wash fresh tomatoes. Scald 3 minutes in boiling water. Dip into cold water. Cut out cores, remove skins and puree to smooth consistency in blender or food processor. If using canned tomatoes, drain liquid. Combine puree, sugar, and Chili Base Mix in a large pot and bring to a boil. Stir occasionally. Reduce heat and simmer 25 minutes. Stir occasionally. Chili Base is ready!

Freeze it! Pour into freezer containers and let cool. Store in freezer up to one year.

Can it! 1.) Pour hot sauce into clean, sterilized pint canning jars, leaving 1/2-inch head space. Cap each jar when filled. 2.) Process 40 minutes in boiling water bath. 3.) Test jars for airtight seals according to manufacturer''s directions. Store up to 1 year. If jars do not completely seal, refrigerate and consume within one week.

Serving suggestion: Brown and drain fat from 1/2 to 1lb of ground beef. Add 1 pint of prepared Mrs. Wages Chili Base. Add 1 (16 oz) can of pinto or kidney beans with liquid. Diced tomatoes can be added as well. Simmer for 20 minutes and serve chili. 

The package states it makes 5 pints.  I have never been able to make 5 pints with only 18 medium tomatoes. This year I made 3 packets worth and I ended up with 14 pints of Chili Base.

9 pints will stay with us while the other 5 pints will go into baskets for a Christmas gift.  I am so excited that I will be able to make this wonderful basket gift this year for Christmas.  We are having a good year with or tomatoes.