Tomato Harvest Marinara Sauce

1. Inspect 10 quart-sized jars for cracks and rings for rust, discarding any defective ones. Immerse in simmering water until sauce is ready. Wash new, unused lids and rings in warm soapy water.

2. Place tomatoes, honey, oregano, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and bay leaves in a large stockpot; add water to cover. Stir to combine, cover, and bring to a low boil over medium-high heat. Remove the cover and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove bay leaves. Taste and adjust seasoning.

3. While the tomatoes are cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir until onions are softened but not browned, about 10 minutes. Remove from the heat.

4. Transfer cooked tomatoes to a food mill placed over a bowl; purée in batches, separating tomato pulp and juice from tomato skins and seeds.

5. Return tomato pulp and juice to the stockpot, add cooked onions and garlic, and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally to prevent scorching, over medium-high heat until sauce thickens and reduces by about half, 1 to 1 1/2 hours.

6. Transfer jars and lids from simmering water to a dry towel.

7. Place 1 teaspoon salt and 3 tablespoons lemon juice into each jar. Ladle hot tomato sauce into jars, filling to within 1/2 inch of the top. Wipe rims with a moist paper towel to remove any residue. Top with lids and screw rings on tightly.

8. Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars 2 inches apart into the boiling water using a holder. Pour in more boiling water to cover jars by at least 1 inch. Bring to a rolling boil, cover, and process until jars are fully sealed, about 45 minutes.

9. Remove the jars from the stockpot and let rest, several inches apart, for 12 to 24 hours. Press the center of each lid with a finger to ensure the lid does not move up or down. Remove the rings for storage and store in a cool dark area.

Tips

Use two pots if the tomatoes don't all fit into one pot. A potato masher works well to crush the tomatoes to release their juices. You can use a sieve to purée the tomatoes but a food mill is a lot faster. To ensure consistent acidity, be sure to use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh.