I have been looking for green tomatoes for several weeks.  I like to make green tomato chutney in the autumn for my friend.  He mentioned our search to a neighbour and within the hour he dropped off a large box of green tomatoes to our door  with some hot hot peppers thrown in for a little variety. 

So after chopping and slicing tomatoes and onions, I now  sit in my kitchen as two pots of chutney simmer on the stove.  The house smells wonderful.  

There is a knock on my door.  I answer it and it is two girls with their mother. They are selling cookies.  Since they are only four dollars a box, I manage to scrape the money together and buy one.  It is only after they leave that I check to see what kind of cookies they are.  Chocolate mint cookies.  My favourite.  

The chutney must simmer down to a thick consistency which will take most of the evening. Then it must be canned and stored away.  But my wait has been made more enjoyable.  I have a cup of tea and a box of cookies.  It is cold and dark outside.  I am in a warm kitchen surrounded by the sight and smell of winter provisions.  

Rico the Neurotic Cat  is eating his dinner. (again) Fred and Majic are outside hunting mice.  The only sound is that of the chutney chuckling on the stove.

Life is good.  

Green Tomato Chutney

5 lbs green tomatoes

2 large onions

1 tsp peppercorns

1 tsp salt

1 lb sugar

1 1/2 cup white vinegar

1/2 cups raisins

Slice tomatoes and chop the onions.  Mix together in a bowl with the peppercorns and salt.

Let this stand overnight. Does not need to be refrigerated.  

Next day boil the sugar and vinegar in a large pot.  Add the raisins.  Simmer for 5 minutes.

Add the tomato onion mixture.

Simmer until thick, about an hour.  

Pour into hot sterilized  Mason jars and seal.

Makes 5-6 500ML jars 

Enjoy.