Making homemade – looking for opportunity in the midst of a crisis
I bought a planner this year. In an attempt to try to keep track of my busy schedule I thought I would try an actual paper, beautifully spiral-bound planner. I hadn’t used one in years because I thought that I should be able to keep track of my life on a computer and/or mobile device. But sometimes you just need something more tangible. So I bought a 2020 planner and was using it and kind of loving it. And then life changed.
I was cleaning out my work/travel backpack last week in preparation for a “different” kind of travel. I had not looked in there for weeks. I pulled out my beautiful planner and began laughing hysterically! My husband has often said…”everytime you make a plan, God laughs.” Yeah, no kidding! Apparently God had a different plan for me. I never could have imagined how life would change in just a few weeks, for most of us. I have always adjusted well to change, but I think it is the unknown that has been the hardest part of this.
Since we don’t know what tomorrow, or the next day will hold, I suggest taking one day at a time. Sounds kind of cliche doesn’t it? For the most part we can control what happens today. I suggest making a “plan” for just today. Maybe start a new routine. Learn something new. Learn some new recipes! What a great time – while most of you are stuck at home – to fill up the freezer and pantry with make-ahead meals and staples. And – what staple is in every refrigerator? Ketchup!!
I started making homemade ketchup a few years ago when I began looking at the ingredients in traditional store-bought bottled ketchup – I call mine “Kat-Sup.” While I am not a huge fan, my husband LOVES it and can’t live without it. So – when I knew I was going to be away for an extended period of time, I had to make a double batch! You will be surprised how easy this is. I have tweaked the recipe over the years and have found what I consider to be the perfect combination of ingredients. As always – feel free to change it up a bit. Add some sweetener if you like sweet. Add some spices like chipotle or garlic or…whatever you like! If you try something let me know how it turned out.
This recipe makes enough to fit in 2 pint-size Mason jars. I buy reusable washable lids and use these and mark them with freezer tape.I usually keep one jar in the fridge and put one in the freezer. I can usually get good quality organic tomato paste for about $1 each. The rest of the ingredients are pretty nominal in cost so I figure you can make this Kat-Sup for $1 per jar. With the extra time most of us have, but not the extra money, why not give this a try?
Kat-Sup
Ingredients
- 2 6-oz cans tomato paste
- 3 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp allspice
- 1/2 tsp turmeric optional
- 1-3/4 cup water may add more/less depending on desired consistency
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan and cook on low heat, stirring constantly for 10 minutes.
- Let cool and pour into 2 pint-size mason jars.
- Keep in refrigerator or may freeze for use later.
