Chow Chow

It's the end of the farmers market season...and my tomato guy Farmer Lemley is bringing in green tomatoes. So it's time for me to put up some chow chow.  This sweet/sour relish is great on hot dogs, of course.  But even better on any kind of cooled beans or peas, from pinto to Crowder.

Chow Chow

Makes 5 1/2 pints.

5 green bell peppers
5 red bell peppers
2 large green tomatoes
2 large onions
2 poblano peppers, halved and seeded
1/2 small cabbage
1/4 cup pickling salt
3 cups sugar
2 cups white vinegar (5% acidity)
1 cup water
1 tablespoon mustard seeds
1 1/2 teaspoons celery seeds
3/4 teaspoon turmeric

Chop first 5 ingredients.

Stir together chopped vegetables and salt in a large Dutch oven. Cover and chill 8 hours. Rinse and drain; return mixture to Dutch oven. Stir in sugar and remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil; reduce heat, and simmer 3 minutes.

Pack hot mixture into hot jars, filling to 1/2 inch from top. Remove air bubbles; wipe jar rims.

Cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands.

Process in boiling-water bath 15 minutes.