Commercial ketchup is loaded with refined sugars. This one is similar, only it’s loaded with natural ingredients. Try it and see which you like better.

4 6-oz. cans of tomato paste (2 cups)
1-1/2 cups apple juice
3/4 cup apple cider vinegar
6 tbs. wild leek (ramp) bulbs, shallots, or onions, chopped
4 common spicebush berries, or 1/2 tsp. allspice, ground
1 clove of garlic, chopped
1 tsp. cinnamon, ground
1 tsp. vege-sal or salt to taste
1 tsp. white pepper, ground
1/2 tsp. cloves, ground
1/2 tsp. mace
1/2 tsp. celery seed, ground
1/2 tsp. liquid stevia or 2 tbs. honey
1/4 tsp. mustard seed, ground
2 bayberry leaves or 1 bay leaf
1/2 tsp. chili paste or 1/4 tsp. cayenne hot pepper, or to taste

1. Bring all ingredients to a boil over medium heat, stirring often.

2. Reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered 15 minutes, stirring often.

3. Discard the bayberry leaf and puree the mixture in a food processor, or in batches in the blender.

Makes 4 cups

30 minutes