Zesty Stewed Tomatoes

• 6 -8 medium tomatoes
• 1 -2 stalk celery, ends cut,finely chopped
• 1/3 cup yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon season salt
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)
• 3 cups water

1. Cross cut tomatoes on top and bottom.
2. In a large pot, boil for 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove tomatoes and place in a colander (make sure colander is inside a bowl to catch any juices).
4. Cool tomatoes until they can be handled (tomatoes should still be warm).
5. Using your thumb and a small knife, peel and core tomatoes over colander.
6. Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients to pot.
7. Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes while stirring.
8. Allow to cool to room temperature if you are going to store in freezer.

tomatoes, celery, yellow bell pepper, onion, season salt, sugar, italian seasoning, garlic, salt, pepper, water

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/zesty-stewed-tomatoes-95563 (may not work)