All Natural Catsup

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 cups vine-ripened fresh tomatoes, diced
• 1 small sweet onion, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed garlic
• 1/2 sweet red bell pepper, diced
• 1 whole bay leaf
• 1/2 Granny Smith apple, peeled, cored, and diced
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mace
• 1/2 cinnamon stick
• 1 tablespoon black peppercorns
• 1/2 teaspoon celery seed
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. Into a 4-quart saucepan, place the tomatoes, onion, garlic, pepper, bay leaf, and apple. 
2. In a small cloth spice bag, put the allspice, mace, cinnamon stick, peppercorns, and celery seed, and place into the tomato mixture.
3. Bring to a boil, and cook until reduced by half, stirring frequently.
4. Remove spice bag and bay leaf.
5. Puree in a food processor until well blended.
6. Return to the saucepan and add lemon juice and cayenne pepper.
7. Continue cooking until catsup reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
8. Stir frequently, and watch for sticking and scorching as it thickens. 
9. Refrigerate or freeze in a well-sealed container.

Yields about 2 cups.

Recipe from The Paleo Diet For Athletes.