Harry and David's Onion and Pepper Relish

This recipe was a blue ribbon winner at the 2011 Tillamook County Fair!

This relish is amazing! I first tried it last Christmas when visiting my in-laws. My mother-in-law has a friend (E.R.) who brought it over. I tried this and HAD to have the recipe! This is the first time making it and I thought it turned out awesome. I did double the recipe. I figured if I was going to make one batch - and take the time for that - might as well double it so there is plenty to go around! This is so good as a topper for cream cheese and used as a dip for crackers or chips. I will only put the amount for 1 batch. This does make a lot. For a double batch I ended up with 21 pints and 1 half -pint.

Harry and David's Onion and Pepper Relish
5 - 14 1/2 oz cans chopped tomatoes, drained (I used diced tomatoes)
6 bell peppers, seeds removed (I used 3 red and 3 green)
6 cups sugar
2 TBSP salt
1-2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (I used 1 1/2 tsp)
6 jalapeno peppers with seeds and ribs removed (a spoon works well for this.)
3 medium onions
2 cups white vinegar
2 boxes (1.75 oz each) powdered pectin

First chop all the vegetables. This is the most labor intensive. It goes together very easily once all the chopping is done. To make this quicker I used a food processor.

Mix everything together, except the pectin in a very large stockpot. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat and simmer about 1 hour. Add in the pectin and boil for 1 minute.

Pour relish into hot sterilized jars. Don't go any larger than a pint. Leave 1/2 inch headspace and process in a waterbath for 15 minutes.

For a great Christmas present - or anytime present attach a tag that reads "For an easy dip, mix jar contents with 2 (8 oz each) packages of cream cheese and serve with corn chip scoopers."

Chinese Plum Sauce

We have a plum tree. Or maybe it's an Italian Prune tree. Either way - the fruit looks pretty plummish to me. I was able to scavenge a whole big bowlful before the wasps and birds got to them this year. I was pretty proud of myself. I found this recipe online at recipezaar.

Chinese Plum Sauce
8 cups plums, pitted, halved
1 cup onions, chopped
1 cup water
1 tsp dried ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup rice OR cider vinegar
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp cloves

In large heavy saucepan, bring plums, onions, water, ginger and garlic to boil over medium heat; cover, reduce heat to low and simmer. Stir occasionally until plums and onions are very tender. About 30 minutes. Press through food mill or sieve and return to clean pan. Stir in sugar, vinegar, coriander, salt, cinnamon, pepper and cloves. Bring to a boil, stirring; reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture reaches consistency of applesauce. About 45 minutes. Fill and seal jars. Process in boiling water bath for 30 minutes. Makes about 4 cups.