Good thing you can easily make your own ketchup from scratch. It's a lot simpler than it sounds and you can skip the BPA, corn syrup and other nasty ingredients found in store-bought varieties. Don't expect something identical to Heinz.... but a few tastes and you will revive your love of new flavors and delicious possibilities.

This recipe is spicy! If you want it more mild, omit the peppers and cayenne. Makes the perfect gift, too!

Ingredients:

1 teaspoon extra virgin olive olive oil

1 small onion, finely minced

1 small jalapeno or poblano pepper finely minced

1 large garlic clove, finely minced

1⁄4 cup turbinado sugar

1⁄2 teaspoon ground mustard

1⁄2 teaspoon ground ginger

1⁄4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (more if you want it hotter)

1⁄2 teaspoon paprika 
pinch of ground cinnamon

1⁄4 cup Bragg's apple cider vinegar

2 tablespoons tomato paste

16 oz crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce (best if homemade!)

salt and fresh ground pepper to taste

Method:

In a saucepan over medium-low heat, sauté onion and garlic in olive oil, stirring often and cooking until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Add fresh peppers, sugar and spices, stirring occasionally until the sugar melts. Add vinegar and tomato paste and cook for 3 to 4 minutes or until it starts to thicken. Stir in tomato sauce and simmer for approximately 15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick. Once cooked, transfer to a blender or food processor and puree until smooth. Let cool to room temperature before serving. Store in your refrigerator, and enjoy!

Keep in touch with Jill on Twitter @jillettinger

Photo: overthinkingme