Catsup Recipe

My son loves catsup. We are trying to avoid HFCS and that makes it difficult to make everyone happy.

So, I make my own. This is for a small quantity, since this has no preservative additives.

Spiced Catsup

• 2 tbsp Cider Vinegar
• One 12 ounce can Tomato Paste
• 1 cup brown sugar or other granulated sugar.
• 1/2 cup strong coffee or black tea
• 1 tbsp mustard or 1 tsp dry mustard and 1 additional tsp vinegar
• A dash (to taste) of each:
• salt
• pepper
• garam masala (optional)
  
• coriander
• allspice
• cloves (less of this than the others!)

Mix all ingredients thoroughly (in a food processor if desired), add more vinegar or spice to taste. Put in a clean, sterile jar and refrigerate.

Molasses can be substituted for sugar, but you need to set half of both the vinegar and coffee/tea aside, add molasses, and then thin with equal parts vinegar and coffee/tea until it reaches a consistency you like.
All seasonings are to taste, of course. Feel free to remove some and add others. If you start with fresh tomatoes, drain off some of the juice and omit the coffee/tea.