uncle d's sweet piccalilli (green tomato relish)

Ingredients

• Servings: 48
• 3 cups apple vinegar
• 3 cups white sugar
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon mustard seed
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 6 cups seeded and finely chopped green tomatoes
• 2 cups finely chopped red bell peppers
• 2 cups finely chopped red onion
• 2 cups finely chopped granny smith apples
• 8 4-ounce canning jars with lids and rings

Recipe

Preparation Time: 40 mins Cook Time: 20 mins Ready Time: 1 hr


• combine vinegar, sugar, salt, mustard seed, and basil in a large pot; bring to a boil. reduce heat and simmer until sugar is dissolved, about 5 minutes. stir green tomatoes, red bell peppers, red onion, and granny smith apples into vinegar mixture; boil vigorously, stirring occasionally, until vegetables have softened and relish flavors have blended, 15 to 20 minutes.
• sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. pack relish into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air . wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. top with lids and screw on rings.
• place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. leave a 2-inch space between the jars. pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for about 10 minutes.
• remove the jars from the stockpot and place a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). store in a cool, dark area.