Tomato Sauce

• 5 lbs of heirloom tomatoes or Roma
• 1/2 c chopped onion
• 1 cloves garlic
• 1/2 c chopped green pepper 
• 1/4 lb sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1/2 tsp salt [note: if you're going to cut the salt, increase the sugar]
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• 1 tbsp minced parsley
• 3/4 tbsp black pepper
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (do not use substitute!)
• 3 tbsp EVOO

1. Wash tomatoes and dip them in boiling water until the skins split
2. Dip in cold water and slip off skins
3. Remove cores and quarter the tomatoes.
4. Place in a deep pot and boil for 20 minutes, uncovered
5. Remove and press through a sieve to remove the seeds
6. Sauté the other veggies in oil until tender
7. Combine tomatoes, remaining spices, salt, and sugar.

NOW, if you plan to can the sauce, you will want to make a bunch!

This is one heckuva large recipe! If you don't have 30 lbs of heirloom tomatoes growing in your backyard, you need to hit the farmers' market fairly early in the morning because you're going to need to!

Also, get older tomatoes. Not rotten ones but overripe ones. How can you tell?  By touch. Fresh tomatoes will feel smooth, supple, and heavier than they look. But overripe, wrinkled, and a little mushy. DON'T BUY unless you're ready to begin canning THAT DAY!

• 30 lbs of heirloom tomatoes or Roma
• 1 c chopped onion
• 5 cloves garlic
• 1 c chopped green pepper 
• 1 lb sliced fresh mushrooms
• 4 1/2 tsp salt [note: if you're going to cut the salt, increase the sugar]
• 2 Tbsp oregano
• 4 tbsp minced parsley
• 2 tbsp black pepper
• 1/2 c brown sugar
• 1/4 c EVOO

1. Wash the tomatoes and dip them in boiling water until the skins split.
2. Dip in cold water and slip off skins.
3. Remove the cores and quarter the tomatoes.
4. Place in a deep pot and boil for 20 minutes, uncovered
5. Remove and press through a sieve to remove the seeds.
6. Sauté the other veggies in oil until tender.
7. Combine tomatoes, remaining spices, salt, and sugar.
8. Bring to a boil, then simmer, uncovered, until thick enough to serve over pasta, stirring frequently.
9. Fill jars, leaving 1" headspace, and process for canning for 25 minutes per quart.

NOTE: Make this a party for friends, with everyone sharing the product later!