Cold Tomato Catsup: A Vintage Homemade Condiment

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In an era when most of us reach for a store-bought bottle of ketchup without a second thought, making your own might seem a bit daunting—but it’s a rewarding and flavorful venture. This Cold Tomato Catsup recipe, found in Vintage Recipe Box 001, offers a unique take on homemade ketchup packed with fresh ingredients and rich spices. Unlike the typical cooked ketchup recipes, this version is prepared cold, allowing the natural flavors of the ingredients to meld together over time.

If you enjoy crafting your own condiments or simply want to try something new in the kitchen, this Cold Tomato Catsup recipe is a perfect way to experience a taste of the past.

Cold Tomato Catsup

The Story Behind Cold Tomato Catsup

The recipe for Cold Tomato Catsup was handwritten on a standard-sized ruled index card and came from Vintage Recipe Box 001, a treasure trove of culinary history. This particular recipe is noted as “good,” a simple yet strong endorsement likely from the original recipe owner, reflecting the high regard in which it was held.

The method of making ketchup at home dates back centuries, long before mass-produced bottles lined supermarket shelves. In the past, families would preserve their garden’s bounty by creating homemade condiments like this one, ensuring that nothing went to waste. Including ingredients like mustard seed, horseradish, and vinegar indicates that this recipe is as much about preserving flavor as it is about preserving tomatoes.

Timeline of Cold Tomato Catsup

• Early to Mid-20th Century: The handwritten nature of this recipe, combined with its ingredients, suggests it was likely passed down through generations during the early to mid-20th century, when home preserving was still common.
• Morrow County, Ohio: Like many other recipes in Vintage Recipe Box 001, this recipe likely originates from the Morrow County area, where traditional methods of food preservation were part of everyday life.

Tips for Making Cold Tomato Catsup

While the recipe is straightforward, the success of your Cold Tomato Catsup lies in the quality of the ingredients and the care taken during preparation. Here are some tips to ensure your homemade ketchup turns out perfectly:

1. Choose Ripe Tomatoes: The flavor of your ketchup depends heavily on the quality of the tomatoes. Use ripe, fresh tomatoes for the best results. Heirloom varieties are particularly good for their rich flavor and high juice content.
2. Drain Overnight: After peeling and cutting the tomatoes into small pieces, be sure to drain them overnight. This step removes excess moisture, which helps concentrate the flavor and prevents the final product from being too watery.
3. Spice Balance: The combination of mustard seed, horseradish, cinnamon, allspice, and pepper creates a complex flavor profile. Feel free to adjust the spice levels to suit your taste. If you prefer a milder ketchup, reduce the amount of horseradish or pepper.
4. Use a Slow Cooker for Thickness: If you prefer a thicker ketchup, consider cooking the tomatoes down in a slow cooker overnight. This method allows the mixture to reduce slowly without burning, resulting in a more concentrated flavor.
5. Sterilize Your Jars: When it comes to storing your homemade ketchup, cleanliness is key. Always sterilize your jars before filling them to prevent spoilage. This will ensure your ketchup stays fresh for longer.

Conclusion: A Tangy Trip Back in Time

Making your own Cold Tomato Catsup is not just about creating a condiment but connecting with culinary traditions that go back generations. This Vintage Recipe Box 001 recipe offers a unique take on ketchup, providing a flavorful and tangy alternative to the store-bought varieties we’re accustomed to.

As you prepare and enjoy this Cold Tomato Catsup, you’re not just tasting a homemade treat—you’re savoring a piece of history. Whether you’re a ketchup enthusiast or someone who loves trying vintage recipes, this catsup is a delightful addition to your kitchen repertoire.

Vintage Recipe Box 1 Overview

There are lots of fun recipes to read in the box this recipe for Cold Tomato Catsup was with.  

This recipe box has an AMAZING back story and we share our story of how we came to own the box (and the sister boxes) and about the family who owned them. Click here to view all of Vintage Recipe Box 1 recipes and to learn more about the history of the recipes and the recipe box.

Start your own recipe box for your family or friends. Click here to view New and Vintage Recipe Boxes.

Once you have your recipe boxes, you will need recipe cards. Click here to view Recipe Cards and Templates.

Want to protect your recipe cards from splats and splatters in the kitchen? Click here to view Recipe Card Protectors and Sleeves.

If you LOVE vintage items, you can also find unique and fun vintage items on Groupon.

Join Our Vintage Recipe Community

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Vintage Cookbooks

You can always find treasures on sites that sell used items such as Vintage Cookbooks on eBay and Vintage Cookbooks on Etsy

Every once and a while you can find a good cookbook with Vintage Recipes on Amazon. I don’t have any recommendations as I haven’t bought any as I prefer the handwritten recipes that you see on our site.

Click here to view our Vintage Recipe Project Cookbook Library

Vintage Kitchen Tools and Dishes

I love vintage dishes and kitchenware, and on the weekends, I can often be found in a thrift store poking through the shelves to find vintage treasures to use as props for our photography for the site. 

Click here to view Vintage Kitchenware on Etsy.

Cold Tomato Catsup Recipe