Spicy Green Tomato Chow Chow

For the Veggie Mix

• 4 cups water
• 1/4 cup non-iodized salt
• 1 cup green tomatoes, cored and quartered
• 1 cup green cabbage, shredded
• 1 cup carrots, shredded
• 1 cup celery stalk, minced
• 1 cup bell peppers (red or green), diced
• 1 jalapeño chili, sliced thin
• 1 cup white or yellow onions, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced

For the Cooking Liquid

• 2 cups white or red wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons ground turmeric
• 1 tablespoon celery seed
• 2 tablespoons yellow mustard seed
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

1. In a large, non-reactive mixing bowl, dissolve the salt in the 4 cups of water to make a brine. Soak the green tomatoes, cabbage, carrots, celery, bell pepper, chili and onions in this brine overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Drain off the brine and place the vegetable mix in a heavy-bottomed non-reactive pot with the Cooking Liquid ingredients (vinegar, 1 cup water, sugar, turmeric, celery seed, mustard seed, cinnamon, ground cloves and allspice).
3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender (about 30-40 minutes).
4. Taste the mixture and if you find it needs oomph, adjust the seasoning level with salt and pepper to your liking. Add a little more vinegar if it's too sweet or blend in a little more sugar if you find it too sour. Keep in mind, the flavor will become more rich and blended as it cools.
5. Ladle the hot chow chow into sterilized glass jars, add lids and either seal in a hot water bath, or cool and store in the refrigerator.