Honey-Sweetened Ketchup

In an effort to reduce the refined sugars in our diet, I searched online and elsewhere for ketchup using natural sweeteners. The results were a disappointment. What good is a healthy recipe that your kids won't eat? I started with a Heinz clone recipe and adjusted it until I finally had something with a good balanced flavor that tasted like real ketchup.

• Ready In: 25 mins
• Yields: 1 1/2 cups

Ingredients

• 6  ounces tomato paste
• 1⁄4 cup  mild honey (clover or alfalfa)
• 6  tablespoons white vinegar
• 6  tablespoons water
• 1  teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• 1  teaspoon salt
• 1⁄4 teaspoon onion powder
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1  pinch ground cloves, powder

Directions

1. Combine all ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk until smooth.
2. When mixture comes to a boil, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
3. Remove pan from heat and allow to cool. Store in refrigerator. This has good keeping qualities.
4. ** The small addition of lemon juice helps to disguise any residual honey taste.
5. *** The clove powder adds a depth of flavor.