Green Tomato Pickles

Ingredients

• 1 gallon thinly sliced, unpeeled green tomatoes
• 1 quart thinly sliced onion
• 1/3 cup salt
• 1 tablespoon whole peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon mustard seeds
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice
• 1 teaspoon celery seeds
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 3 cups white vinegar
• 3 cups firmly packed brown sugar

Preparation

1. Combine tomatoes and onion in a large glass, ceramic, or stainless steel container; sprinkle with salt. Cover and let stand in a cool place overnight. Rinse tomatoes and onion several times in cold water; drain. Set aside.
2. Combine peppercorns, mustard seeds, allspice, celery seeds, red pepper, and lemon slices; tie loosely in a cheesecloth bag. Combine spice bag, vinegar, and sugar in a stainless steel stockpot; bring to a boil. Add reserved tomatoes and onion. Return to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, 10 minutes, stirring gently several times. Remove spice bag, and discard.
3. Pack tomatoes into hot sterilized jars; cover with syrup, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Remove air bubbles. Cover with metal lids, and screw bands tight. Process in boiling-water bath for 10 minutes.