Spicy Mustard Relish II

I wanted to make "The Original Spicy Mustard Relish"  recipe using Red Roma tomatoes to see if it would still carry the same taste the original recipe uses green tomatoes.  This does! It's magnificent. That being said, plan on extra time in the kitchen with a watchful eye (aka stirring the pot often) as this took a good 2 hours to fully cook down.  It's so worth the time and effort too!!  Just make sure you have some nice grilled hot dogs or brats ready for when this is done because the wonderful French's Mustard smell mixed with all those peppers will definitely make you HUNGRY!   Keep in mind that since red tomatoes are less acidic then green tomatoes - this recipe has the added component of 'acidifying the jars' before canning.
Enjoy ~ Diane 

Spicy Mustard Relish II

1 QT Hot Peppers, chopped (4 Cups) 
1 QT Onions, chopped (4 Cups)
1 QT Red Roma Tomatoes, chopped (4 Cups)**
1 Pint Sugar (2 Cups) 
1 Pint Vinegar (2 Cups) 
1 Pint French's Mustard (2 Cups) 
**Citric Acid

Cook all together in a large stock pot or dutch oven.  You can roast your tomatoes first which will speed up the "cook down" time considerably.  (Wash, Core and Slice Tomatoes lengthwise, roast in a roasting pan at 425F for 40 minutes, stirring twice while roasting to prevent scorching.  Once cooled, the tomato skins slips off.  
Cook on medium for 1 hour, stirring often, then reduce heat to low and cook another hour while stirring often - you are looking for the liquid to cook down and thicken. 
When water-bath canning, leave 1/4' headspace. Process for 15 minutes in a boiling water-bath adjusting for altitude. 
Make sure to add Citric Acid to each jar to raise the level of acidity for safety when canning. (see below) 

**Acidification:  To ensure safe acidity in tomatoes, for half-pints use 1/8 teaspoon citric acid; for pints, use 1/4 teaspoon citric acid.  Acid can be added directly to the jars before filling with product. Add sugar to offset acid taste, if desired. 

**the juicier your red tomatoes are the longer the cooking time (to cook down the liquids) 
**Always wear thin kitchen gloves when handling hot peppers!  

Makes Approx. 7 half pints or a little over 3 pints 
Recipe From: M. Slentz  "Original Spicy Green Tomato Relish" 
Photos by: Diane Baker for Canning and Cooking at Home

Fresh Produce - washed and ready to cut

Cutting & Measuring

French's Mustard added to the mix!

Letting it all cook down ...