Homemade Spicy Hot V8 - Substitute / Copycat / Clone

Aroostook's Note:

Found this on the net. My tomatoes aren't ready so haven't tried it yet... I think I would reduce the amount of vinegar though when I do.

• Total Time: 3 hrs 20 mins
• Prep Time: 20 mins
• Cook Time: 3 hrs

Ingredients:

Yield: 3 quarts

• 8 quarts water
• 4 lbs homegrown tomatoes
• 1 bunch celery, finely chopped
• 8 green jalapeno peppers, chopped
• 1 cup vinegar
• 3 bay leaves
• 2 tablespoons oregano
• 1 large onion, chopped
• 1 head garlic, pressed
• 4 tablespoons salt
• 4 tablespoons sugar

Directions:

1. In a large pot, combine all ingredients except the sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, and cook at a steady boil for 2 hours.
3. Remove from heat and strain through a relatively fine mesh, making sure to express all the liquid you can.
4. Discard the pulp.
5. Return the liquid to the pot, and refrigerate overnight.
6. Skip off clear liquid in the AM and then boil until the liquid is reduced to roughly three quarts.
7. Add four tablespoons of sugar.
8. Remove from heat, stir, and let cool.