Mama's Sweet Salsa

When I went home to Illinois, I helped Mama cut up some of her garden vegetables and together we watched the pot of salsa boil down. Mama spared 2 of her fresh jars and gave them to us. On Monday, I took the jar of salsa into work. My coworkers couldn't get enough of it and suggested even that Mama sell the product in stores. I won't charge you for it- but know that it is darn good- I even had to gaurd the office fridge.

Mama's Sweet Salsa (Makes about 8-9 pints)
19-20 tomatoes (Medium sized)
10 Chili Peppers/Green Preppers 3 Jalepeno Peppers
2 c onions or 2 large onions
1/2 c cilantro
1/2 c vinegar (apple or white, apple makes it sweeter)
5 cloves of garlic
1/2-1 c sugar (you can put more in if your peppers aren't that sweet)
salt & pepper to taste
add 2-3 stocks of celery if you like some crunch

chop all ingredients, vary sizes: if you like it chunky go for it- some people peel the tomatoes- mama leaves the skin on.

boil the mixture down till liquid is gone (about 1- 1.5 hours on medium heat, continue stirring)

pour into jars while hot, boil lids for 1 minute then place lids & rings on jars. place jars into water bath with 1"-1.5" of water above the jars. Boil the water 20-35 minutes (depending upon size of jars) Remove jars from water bath, let jars cool. (they should seal up at this point)

enjoy with fresh chips, in a breakfast burrito with some ranchero cheese, or best sprinkle on grilled fish.