Mrs. Adams’ Uncooked Chow-Chow Recipe ๐ฅ๐ถ๏ธ๐ง
Welcome to “Love With Recipes,” where cherished memories and delicious flavors come together. Today, we’re delighted to share with you a recipe that holds a special place in our heartsโMrs. Adams’ Uncooked Chow-Chow. The Adams family lived next door to us throughout my childhood, and their garden was a constant source of fresh, vibrant produce. This recipe, found in Mrs. Adams’ handwritten card from her “recipe drawer,” brings back warm summer memories. This chow-chow is a versatile relish perfect for enhancing your beans, deviled eggs, or potato salad.
Recipe Overview
| Preparation Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 hour | 10 minutes | 1 hour 10 minutes |
Description
The Adams family was known for their beautiful garden, and they always generously shared their bountiful harvest with us. Recently, while going through my mother’s treasured recipe collection, we discovered a handwritten card from Mrs. Adams, containing this beloved chow-chow recipe. This tangy and sweet relish is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. Enjoy it with beans, mix it into deviled eggs, or elevate your potato salad to a new level.
Ingredients ๐ฅ
- 1 green tomato
- 5 bell peppers (any color)
- 3-10 onions (depending on size)
- 12 celery stalks
- 1 head of cabbage
- 1 cup vinegar
- 3 tablespoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 4 sticks cinnamon
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 lemon (juiced)
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 824
- Fat: 1.3g
- Saturated Fat: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 7196.1mg
- Carbohydrates: 199.1g
- Fiber: 11.2g
- Sugar: 178.6g
- Protein: 8.6g
Servings
- Yields 8-9 pints
Instructions ๐ฅ
-
Prepare the Vegetables:
- Begin by grinding the vegetables or pulsing them in a food processor. Mrs. Adams preferred to grind her vegetables, but if you prefer, you can chop them finely. You’ll need to process the green tomato, bell peppers, onions, celery, and cabbage until they are finely chopped.
-
Drain the Vegetables:
- Once your vegetables are chopped, place them in a colander or strainer to drain any excess moisture. This step is crucial to ensure your chow-chow isn’t too watery.
-
Mix the Marinade:
- In a large pot, combine the salt, turmeric, cinnamon sticks, sugar, and vinegar. Heat this mixture over medium heat until the sugar is completely dissolved and the spices are well combined. This will create a flavorful marinade that will infuse your vegetables with a delicious tang.
-
Combine Vegetables and Marinade:
- Pour the heated marinade over the drained vegetables. Make sure all the vegetables are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice for an extra zing.
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Canning the Chow-Chow:
- Transfer the chow-chow mixture into sterilized canning jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of each jar. Seal the jars with lids and process them in a boiling water bath for about 10 minutes. Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place.
Tips and Variations ๐ก
- Customize Your Chow-Chow: Feel free to experiment with different types of peppers and onions to adjust the flavor and color of your chow-chow. Red bell peppers add a lovely sweetness, while green peppers give a more traditional flavor.
- Add Heat: If you enjoy a bit of spice, consider adding a few chopped jalapeรฑos or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the mix.
- Sugar Alternatives: For a different twist, you can substitute the sugar with honey or agave nectar. Just be mindful of the sweetness level and adjust to taste.
Serving Suggestions ๐ฝ๏ธ
- With Beans: Serve a generous spoonful of chow-chow with your favorite beans for a tangy and refreshing contrast.
- Deviled Eggs: Mix a bit of chow-chow into the yolk filling of deviled eggs for a unique and flavorful twist.
- Potato Salad: Stir some chow-chow into your potato salad for added crunch and a burst of flavor.
Storage
Store unopened jars in a cool, dark place for up to one year. Once opened, keep the chow-chow refrigerated and use it within a month for the best flavor and quality.
A Trip Down Memory Lane ๐ป
This chow-chow recipe is more than just a condiment; it’s a cherished memory from summers past. Every bite brings back the warmth of sunny days and the joy of sharing garden-fresh produce with loved ones. We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we have, and that it becomes a beloved part of your family’s culinary traditions.
Keywords
Peppers, Vegetable, Low Protein, Low Cholesterol, Healthy, Spring, Summer, Brunch, Easy
We invite you to try Mrs. Adams’ Uncooked Chow-Chow and experience the flavors of a simpler time. Whether you’re enjoying it with beans, deviled eggs, or potato salad, this versatile relish is sure to become a favorite in your household. Share the love and the taste of summer with this delightful recipe. ๐๐ ๐ฅ
