Old-Fashioned Hamburger Relish

Ingredients

• 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
• 1 medium green pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
• 1 medium red pepper or yellow pepper, cored, seeded and chopped
• 1 stalk celery, chopped
• 2 tablespoons kosher salt or 1 tablespoon pickling salt or non-iodized salt
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
• 3 cups cold water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 12 whole cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
• 2 cups cider vinegar
• 4 medium ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded and chopped (about 2 cups)
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 teaspoons mustard seeds

Directions

1. 1

   In a large enamel or stainless steel bowl, mix the cucumbers, onion, peppers, celery, salt, turmeric and water.

2. 2

   Let stand for 12 hours or overnight, then drain in a strainer, lightly pressing out any excess liquid. Set aside.

3. 3

   Tie up cinnamon, cloves and allspice in a piece of cheesecloth.

4. 4

   In a large, heavy, enamel or stainless steel saucepan, bring the spices and vinegar to a boil over moderate heat.

5. 5

   Reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 15 minutes.

6. 6

   Add the tomatoes, increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, partially covered until the tomatoes resemble a puree- about 30 minutes.

7. 7

   Add the sugar and mustard seeds, cover and let stand overnight at room temperature.

8. 8

   Add the drained vegetables to the tomato mixture and bring to a boil over moderately high heat.

9. 9

   Then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered until most of the liquid has evaporated- 25 to 30 minutes.

10. 10

    Remove the spice bag.

11. 11

    Ladle into 4 hot, sterilized 1/2 pint preserving jars leaving 1/2 inch of head space.

12. 12

    Wipe the jar rims clean, seal and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.

13. 13

    Label, then let the relish mellow in a cool dry place for at least 3 weeks before using.

14. 14

    Refrigerate after opening.

15. 15

    Please Note: Takes 2 days prep time (approx) and 1 hour and 25 minutes cooking time to make.