Recipe: Green Tomato Relish (freezer recipe)

GREEN TOMATO RELISH

" A concoction of green tomatoes, apples, dried fruit, plenty of sugar (and molasses) and spices, this is like mincemeat (sans the suet). It's perfect with cheese and crackers or served along side most any meat."

1/2 orange, quartered and seeded
1 pound raisins, divided use
1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
1 1/2 quarts green tomatoes, stemmed and chopped
1 1/2 quarts chopped, cored apples
1/2 pound brown sugar
1/2 pound pitted prunes, halved
1/4 cup dark (not blackstrap) molasses
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg, preferably freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt

Combine orange (including peel) with half the raisins and vinegar in a food processor. Process until a chunky, even-textured paste-puree is formed, scraping the sides of the bowl a few times. Transfer to a large, heavy, nonreactive pot with remaining raisins.

Add all remaining ingredients and bring to a boil over high heat, stirring often. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often (because of the sugar, the mixture will want to stick), 30 to 40 minutes or until thick. The mixture should be dark and very well combined, but the apples and tomatoes, though soft, should still be distinguishable. Cool completely.

Spoon the cooled relish into zip-top plastic bags or jars and freeze.

Yield: about 4 quarts.
Recipe by Crescent Dragonwagon
Adapted from source: Salsas, Sambals, Chutneys and Chowchows by Chris Schlesinger and John Willoughby