Chow Chow Relish- Makes about 12 half pints
Ingredients:
2 lbs cabbage, chopped
12 medium onions, chopped
12 green bell peppers, chopped
12 red bell peppers, chopped
8 cups green tomatoes, peeled and chopped
1/2 cup salt
5 cups sugar
3 tablespoons celery seed
1 package Mrs. Wages sweet pickle mix
3 cups white vinegar
7 cups water
Directions:
Combine the vegetables and salt in a large bowl. Soak the mixture overnight in the refrigerator and drain. Prepare jars, rings, and lids by heating them in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Once vegetable mix is drained, pack tightly into half-pint jars, leaving around 1/2in space at the top.
Keep jars in a bath of hot water. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar, Mrs. Wages sweet pickle mix, vinegar, and water. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat. Fill jars with seasoning mix. leaving 1/2-inch of space at the top of each jar. Wipe jar rims with a clean, damp cloth, place lids onto jars, and screw on rings.
Place filled jars in a hot water bath. Return water to a simmer, adding more water if needed to cover the jars by at least 1/2 inch. Bring water to a boil. Cook at a steady boil to process the jars until fully sealed, about 10 minutes. Turn off heat and let jars rest 5 minutes before removing and cooling on a clean, dry towel placed on kitchen counter or table. Check that the lids have sealed, and store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
(For hot chow chow, add 2-4 thinly sliced jalapeno peppers, including the seeds. Add more or less depending on desired heat.)
