Vodka Sauce to Can
Servings
5pints approximately
Servings
5pints approximately
Ingredients
If planning to Can
To Serve
Instructions
  1. Blanch tomatoes , peel and discard the seeds.
  2. Chop tomatoes, placing in a colander to strain over a bowl until ready to use.
  3. Use strained juice for soup or to drink.
  4. Place (20 cups) chopped tomatoes in a large stock pot with remaining ingredients except lemon juice.
  5. Bring to a boil, reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered for 2 hours, stirring every now and then to thicken.
  6. If there is still a lot of juices, ladle some out to reduce cooking time if desired.
  7. Be careful not to burn.
  8. Discard the bay leaves.
  9. Adjust seasonings to taste.
  10. Use an immersion blender until blended through.
  11. Use immediately, freeze or can.
  12. To Can Vodka Sauce
  13. Place 1 tablespoon bottled lemon juice in the bottom of each sterilized pint-sized jar.
  14. Use 2 Tbl bottled lemon juice for quart jars.
  15. Ladle the hot sauce into jars, leaving 1/2 inch head space.
  16. Wipe the rims clean with a damp cloth.
  17. Screw on the new lids and clean rims.
  18. Place the jars in a boiling water canner and process 35 minutes for pints; 40 minutes for quarts.
  19. (Adjust time to altitude, double check for area if unsure.)
  20. Turn off heat and let jars sit for 5 minutes.
  21. Remove jars from canner and let sit undisturbed for 24 hours.
  22. Check the seals.
  23. Stored in a dark, cool place the jars will keep for at least a year but for best flavor use within six months.
Recipe Notes

To serve: Heat sauce through. It is good as is, or to make it even better, add 1/2-1 cup whipping cream. Do not let sauce boil once whipping cream is added.