Green Tomato Relish

This recipe belonged to my grandmother and I think it is by far the best of it's type.

Now that so many of us have green tomatoes...mix up a batch and see for yourself!

You eat this with bean dishes,roasted meat or a sandwich spread.Use your imagination.

Dimitri,I'll send you the spices required when I send your tomato seeds. Anyone else international out there and want to try it,we'll work out a trade.

MAMA HALL'S GREEN TOMATO RELISH
1 gallon of green tomatoes cut in quarters
4-6 medium onions
4-6 tart red apples
4 bell peppers(red or green..or mix)
hot pepper to taste (optional)
1/2 cup canning salt
3 cups vinegar
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon pickling spice,tied in cloth

chop the vegetables like you would to make a fine coleslaw.
(I use my food processor)Core the apples before chopping,but do not peel.The color looks pretty in the jars. In a non metal bowl combine vegetables and canning salt.Cover and let stand overnight.

The next day,drain off liquid.
In a stockpot,combine vegetables,vinegar,sugar,water and the pickling spices tied in a cloth.Bring to a boil and simmer for 30 minutes.Stir every now and then to keep from sticking. If you wish to can the relish,pack in sterile ,hot jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.Otherwise,just refrigerate.This keeps almost indefinitely.

This is an authentic Southern recipe.Versions of this are eaten at many tables across the South.It is almost required if you serve Southern Ham and Beans!