Basic Tomato-Basil Sauce

Directions

1. 1
   Wash tomatoes.
2. 2
   Dip each tomato in boiling water 30 to 60 seconds or until skins split.
3. 3
   Plunge immediately into ice water; core, peel, and quarter tomatoes.
4. 4
   Place 4 cups of tomatoes in a large stockpot; crush tomatoes.
5. 5
   Quickly bring to a boil over high heat, stirring vigorously; gradually add remaining quartered tomatoes, stirring constantly.
6. 6
   Reduce heat, and simmer, uncovered, 2 hours.
7. 7
   Remove from heat; stir in basil.
8. 8
   Add 1 tbls.
9. 9
   lemon juice and 1/2 tsp.
10. 10
    salt to each pint jar.
11. 11
    Immediately pack hot tomatoes into hot jars, filling to 1/2 inch from top.
12. 12
    Carefully run a nonmetallic spatula around inside of jars to remove air bubbles; wipe jar rims.
13. 13
    Cover at once with metal lids, and screw on bands.
14. 14
    Process in boiling-water bath 35 minutes.
15. 15
    Yield: 6 pints.