Sneaky Tomato Balsamic Sauce

“Mom! Mmmooommm! I don’t LIKE ____” (Insert offending vegetable here)

If you have had your fill of this tiresome conversation, try Sneaky Tomato Balsamic Sauce. The small people in your life will – completely unknowingly – devour tomatoes, onions, zucchini, and yams while enjoying spaghetti, pizza, or whatever else you work this mild, sweet sauce into. Try it warm with French bread for dipping, or as a healthy accompaniment with soft pretzels. Sneaky Tomato Balsamic Sauce is versatile… use your imagination, and have fun!

Ingredients (Makes 6 pints)

20 cups chopped tomatoes

1 1/2 cups chopped onion

1 1/2 cups chopped zucchini

1 cup chopped yam

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup dried oregano

2 tablespoons salt

Balsamic vinegar (2 tablespoons per pint)

Directions

Step 1) Combine tomatoes, onion, zucchini, and yam in a large pot. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently, then reduce to simmer. Simmer uncovered, stirring frequently, until the volume of the mixture reduces by half.

Step 2) Stir in brown sugar, oregano, and salt.

Step 3) Place 2 tablespoons of balsamic vinegar (at least 5% acidity… read the label!) in each of six sterilized, pint size jars. Fill jars with tomato mixture, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.

Step 4) Run a knife or canning tool along the inside of each jar to eliminate air bubbles. Place lids and bands on each jar, and process in a boiling water bath for 40 minutes. Be sure to review safe canning guidelines!