For my friend Angie I did two quick recipes while she was visiting. First was putting on some ketchup to cook. I know you're wondering why make your own when it's so easy to pick up a bottle at the store. Many different reasons come to mind.
First of all we should not be dependent upon the grocery stores. Right now in Southern California there was talk of a strike that would have closed down maybe 350 stores. They believe it will be better for them economically, and for the safety of all, to just close their doors rather than to try to remain open during the strike. No matter which side you are on, we are all impacted.
Second, you get to control what is in your ketchup. If you don't want fructose corn syrup, salt or "natural flavorings" then make your own! It is so quick an simple.
courtsey of ThriveSisters
1/2 Cup Thrive Tomato Powder
1 Cup Water
1/4 sm Onion
1/2 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar
1 tsp Salt (optional)
1 Tbs Brown Sugar (optional)
1 Cinnamon Stick (optional)
Mix all in a small sauce pan and bring up to a simmer. Let mixture simmer for 10-15 minutes. Remove the onion pieces and cinnamon stick. This can be refrigerated up to a week or so.
You can always choose to flavor and season your ketchup however it seems best to you. Sometimes I'll use a good splash of Worcestershire. Other times I will use garlic cloves and whole pepper corns. This ketchup also freezes well. You can make plops on parchment or waxed paper, ice cubes or containers and keep frozen for several months.
For lunch I made us One Pot Pasta, Meat & Sauce. NOT like a hamburger helper meal and not jarred sauce. I didn't take any pictures as we were talking too much and having too much fun before I realized this would make a nice posting. Later I will do a proper posting with pictures.
If that one didn't get you intrigued how about the idea of Tomato Caviar?
 |
| BLT ala Francesca |
The more we can save money, feed our families nutritious food, prepare ourselves and our friends and neighbors the better off we ALL are.
Tomato powder was the first Thrive food I purchased several years ago. Recently my mom was looking for a tomato paste squeeze tube, so I got a pantry-sized can for her. I am so excited to try Francesca's tomato caviar recipe for one of my Thanksgiving garnishes.
ReplyDeleteRe the ketchup and controlling what is in your food. She is spot on! Go see the movie "Contagion." You will definitely want to know where your food comes from as well has have plenty of it in your pantries.