Cooking from scratch really is simple. Don’t believe me? Try this!  I can whip this up in less time that it takes me to go to store (one way). This is just ONE example; I’ve found it really is easier to cook from scratch when we’re prepared with the neccessary ingredients to do so! Start building up your pantry reserves- (even if it is one staple at a time!)-you’ll have everything you need to not only this recipe, but lots of ‘from scratch goodies’ for your family!

If you’ve checked out the label on your favorite ketchup recently, you’ve seen some things on the label other than tomatoes! I whipped up this homemade ketchup, and even my toughest critic LOVED it! I love recipes that I can literally just dump in my crockpot, set a timer and walk away– does it get any easier!?  I can also dump it all in a pot and simmer on the wood cook stove, if I’ll be working in the kitchen anyway; saving electricity 🙂  Give it a try– it is delicious AND you can pronounce all the ingredients names! wooHOO!

6 ounce can tomato paste (home canned is great– but you can use store bought too!*)

8 ounce can tomato sauce*

1/4 cup plus 3 tablespoons organic apple cider vinegar

1/4 cup water, or enough to get the right consistency

1/4 cup sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/8 teaspoon allspice

1/8 teaspoon cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Mix all of the ingredients well. Cover and simmer for 1 hour in the CrockPot, or on the cook stove. Cool then chill before serving. Keep refrigerated.

Makes 2 cups or about 32 tablespoons.  You could multiply the recipe and can it up too!

Enjoy!

Lisa