CHOW CHOW Pennsylvania Dutch

The Pennsylvania Dutch are famous for their pickles, relishes and condiments, often served as part of the traditional 'sweets and sours' with a large meal. Chow-Chow, in my recollection, has always been one of the favorites. It is made up of a variety of vegetables that are in season near the end of the summer. I remember a church in Dryville, PA, used to make batches of chow-chow to sell for a fund-raiser. This is my grandmother's recipe. It is, without a doubt, the best chow-chow I have ever eaten. I have only tasted one store-bought variety that came close, and it was purchased at a farmers' market in Asheville, NC. The difference is primarily in the combination and size of the vegetables. In this recipe, the vegetables are cut into small pieces whereas, in most other varieties, they are processed or shredded. It takes some effort, but will reap the rewards for months. ................................................................................................................. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, this article is about the relish. Chow-chow (chowchow, chow chow) is a Nova Scotian and American pickled relish made from a combination of vegetables. Mainly green tomato, cabbage, chayote, red tomatoes, onions, carrots, beans, asparagus, cauliflower and peas are used. These ingredients are pickled in a canning jar and served cold. Chow-chow is regionally associated with the Southern United States, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, the Appalachian Mountains, and soul food. The recipes vary greatly; some varieties are sweeter than others. Chow-chow found its way to the Southern United States during the expulsion of the Acadian people from Nova Scotia and their settlement in Louisiana. It is eaten by itself or as a condiment on fish cakes, mashed potatoes, biscuits and gravy, pinto beans, hot dogs, hamburgers and other foods. The term "chow-chow" is reportedly based on the French word chou for cabbage. Food historian Luis W. Fernandez claims a connection with Chinese cuisine as an origin. A further possible source of the name is the ingredient chayote, which is itself known as chow chow in India.

• Ready In: 3 hrs
• Yields: 16 pints

Ingredients

• 1  lb dried navy beans
• 1  lb dried red kidney beans
• 1  quart lima beans (about 5 pounds unshelled)
• 2  lbs  string, beans (snap, combination of yellow and green)
• 1  large head cauliflower
• 1  bunch celery
• 4  large  sweet red peppers
• 4  large  sweet green peppers
• 2  lbs carrots
• 1 1⁄2 cups boiling onions (can used canned cocktail onions, rinsed and drained)
• 1 1⁄2 cups  sweet gherkins (can used canned, rinsed and drained)
• 1  gallon white vinegar
• 6  cups granulated sugar
• 1⁄4 cup canning salt (to taste)

Directions

1. Combine vinegar, sugar and salt in large stockpot or kettle large enough to hold all ingredients. Bring to a boil, being certain sugar and salt are completely dissolved. Add the cooked beans, vegetables, canned onions and gherkins. Bring back to boil, then reduce heat and keep at a simmer. Place in hot sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch head space, and process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes at an altitude up to 1,000 feet, 15 minutes at 1,000 to 6,000 feet. (Processing times are based on guidelines provided by the USDA National Food Safety Database.).
2. Notes: Recipe can be made in smaller amounts and, rather than processing, kept in the refrigerator for up to two months.
3. RATATOUILLE VERSION; diced eggplant, diced zucchini, tomatoes, tomato paste, onion, garlic, peppers, oregano, basil, wine, prepare, add to large pot and simmer until veggies done (fork test). Recipe ingredients from a shopper at Monroe Street Farmers Market. Fall 2017.