PLEASE PASS THE KETCHUP

I have a childhood memory of my sister Nina explaining to her boyfriend that everyone says “ketchup,” but the word is really “catsup.” I’m not sure she was quite right, but catsup and ketchup are essentially the same product.

Hallie commented that maybe Ina made ketchup with her tomatoes, and in fact, I found a recipe for “Jiffy Ketchup” in her recipe box.

1 cup tomato juice or puree

1 medium onion chopped

Vinegar, salt, sugar and spices to taste

I don’t think I’ll try it. I’ll let the folks at Heinz or Hunt’s make mine.

In my research, I discovered that ketchup can be made from other ingredients. Here’s another variation from Ina’s recipe box:

Cucumber Catsup

Grate about 3 dozen large cucumbers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. Allow one small onion for each bottle. Heat enough cider vinegar to pour over and seal jars.

On the other hand, maybe Ina did have a lot of tomatoes. Read on:

Tomato Pickles

Take about 8 quarts (1 peck) tomatoes. Slice and sprinkle with salt. Let stand overnight. Next morning, drain. Add ½ dozen large onions sliced.

Mix:

1 ½ scant cups sugar

1 tbsp mustard

1 tbsp cinnamon

1 tbsp allspice

1 tsp cloves

A little cayenne

Sprinkle over tomatoes and onions. Add sufficient vinegar to cover. Let simmer on back of stove till tender or pack into two quart jars, bring to a boil, and let boil for about 15 minutes.

Yes, well – I had never heard of tomato pickles, but you can find recipes online. Interesting. KW