Chow-Chow.....A Family Favorite

Chow-Chow is a condiment made of end-of-season chopped garden vegetables blended with vinegar, spices and then canned. Each family has their own tried and true recipe passed down from generations utilizing garden vegetables remaining at the end of the garden season or fresh vegetables purchased at Farmer’s Market or other sources. The result of mixing these vegetables is a sweet, tangy mixture that can be used as a topping on hot dogs, BBQ, beans, salad ingredient or served as a stand-alone salad. Everyone has their own way of making it, this is my family’s way of making it:
Chow-Chow
8 cups chopped Cabbage (1 small head)
6 cups chopped Green Tomatoes ( about 4 medium)-I used canned (bought at store)
4 cups chopped Onions (about 2 medium)
2 cups chopped Sweet Green Peppers (about 4 small)
1 cup chopped Sweet Red Peppers (about 2 small)
4 small jalapeno Peppers, chopped
4 garlic cloves
¼ cup Salt ( canning and pickling salt)
3 cups Granulated Sugar
4 teaspoons Celery Seed
4 teaspoons Dry Mustard
2 teaspoon Mustard Seed
2 teaspoon Turmeric
1 teaspoon Ginger
1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon Ground Cloves
1 teaspoon Crushed Pepper Flakes
5 cups White Vinegar
Chop and dice all vegetables.
Place in non-reactive container (glass, stainless, ceramic)
Sprinkle with salt. Gently mix well.
Let stand 4 to 6 hours, or overnight if possible.
Drain well.
Rinse and drain again.
Combine Sugar, Spices and Vinegar in a large saucepot.
Simmer for 10 minutes.
Add vegetables, simmer for 10 minutes.
Bring to a boil, cook until veggies are tender.
Pack hot relish into hot jars, leaving 1/4inch headspace.
Remove air bubbles.
Wipe jar rims.
Adjust two-piece caps.
Process 10 minutes in a boiling water canner.