Courts Italian Tomato Appie Recipes

SPAGHETTI IN TOMATO-APPLE SAUCE

Steps:

• Pour the canned tomatoes into the food processor or blender, and purée until smooth.
• Pour 4 tablespoons of the olive oil into the skillet, set it over medium heat, and strew the chopped celery and onion in the pan. Cook and stir the vegetables for about 5 minutes, until they wilt and start to caramelize.
• Stir in the puréed tomatoes, season with the salt, and heat to a bubbling simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes or so. As the tomatoes perk, peel and core the apples, and remove the seeds. Shred them, using the coarse holes of a shredder or grater.
• When the tomatoes have cooked about 5 minutes, stir the apples into the sauce. Heat again to a simmer, and cook the sauce, uncovered, for about 15 minutes, stirring now and then, until it has reduced and thickened and the apple shreds are cooked and tender.
• Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, drop in the spaghetti, and cook it until barely al dente. Lift the spaghetti from the water, let drain for a moment, and drop it into the warm sauce. (Reheat, if necessary.)
• Toss pasta with sauce for a minute or two, until all the strands are coated and perfectly al dente. Turn off the heat, sprinkle the grated cheese over the pasta, and toss well. Drizzle over it the remaining olive oil, toss once again, and heap the pasta in warm bowls. Serve immediately, passing more cheese at the table.

ITALIAN-STYLE CANNED TOMATOES

Steps:

• Place a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet or line it with a clean towel. Set aside.
• Wash the tomatoes. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Prepare an ice bath in a large bowl. Cut a small "X" in the blossom end, or bottom, of each tomato with a paring knife. Dip the tomatoes in the boiling water for 30 to 60 seconds, then immediately plunge them into the ice bath. Slip off the skins and remove the cores.
• Heat the tomato juice in a small non-reactive pot until simmering. Place the canning rack in the canner and fill the pot with water; bring to a boil over high heat.
• Place a still-hot, clean quart canning jar (see Cook's Notes) on the prepared baking sheet. (This will help contain any dribbles or spills and prevent the jars from directly touching the metal.) Place the lemon juice and salt in the jar. Add the basil leaves. Pack the tomatoes into the jar one at a time, pressing firmly to remove any air pockets and leaving at least 1/2 inch of headroom. Cover the tomatoes in the jar with the hot tomato juice, leaving 1/2 inch of headroom.
• Using tongs, place the jars on the rack in the canner. The water should cover the jars by at least 1 inch. Cover the canner. Return the water to a boil and boil gently for 85 minutes (at altitudes less than 1,000 feet elevation; see Cook's Note). Using tongs, transfer the jars to a towel to cool. If the seal works and fits properly, the metal lid will be slightly concave within 24 hours of processing. Store in a cool dark place for up to 1 year.