Special Stewed Tomatoes

Ingredients

• 8-10 ripe tomatoes (blanched, peeled & cut in eighths)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 1/2 tablespoons butter
• 2 stalks celery, chopped
• 1 small yellow onion, chopped
• 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper (or to taste)
• basil and oregano (optional, but I use them, to taste)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or beer)
• 2-4 teaspoons brown sugar (again, to taste)

Directions

1. 1

   Blanche the tomatoes in boiling water for 60-90 seconds, then douse with cold water, and peel. Remove cores, and cut into eighths (save the juice for the pan!).

2. 2

   In a large saucepan, melt butter, and add olive oil, on medium heat.

3. 3

   Add onion and celery, and saute on medium until soft (about 10 minutes).

4. 4

   Add green pepper, salt, pepper, basil and/or oregano, and saute another 5-10 minutes.

5. 5

   Add tomatoes, and stir well. Cook on medium for about 5 minutes.

6. 6

   Mix white wine with brown sugar, then stir into mixture. Cook for 15 minutes on medium-low heat before tasting -- add more brown sugar if needed.

7. 7

   Continue simmering on med-low heat (I use 3, electric) for 45-60 minutes (depending on how thick you like it) stirring occasionally.

8. 8

   Enjoy!