Basil Tomato Juice

Name: Basil Tomato Juice
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 55 min
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Yield: about 2-1/2 quarts.
Ingredients: 8 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered; 2 celery ribs, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil; 1/4 cup lemon juice; 2 tablespoons sugar; 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce; 1 teaspoon salt; 3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Put some zing in your next brunch buffet with this homemade tomato juice. Fresh basil and hot pepper sauce accent the garden-fresh tomato flavor. You can put it in containers and freeze it, if you wish. —Bonnie Hawkins, Elkhorn, Wisconsin

Ingredients

8 pounds ripe tomatoes, quartered
2 celery ribs, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon hot pepper sauce

Directions

In a stock pot, combine the tomatoes, celery and onion. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer, uncovered, for 45 minutes or until tender, stirring occasionally.
Cool slightly; put tomato mixture through a sieve or food mill. Return to the pan. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring to a boil. Remove from the heat; cool. Transfer to a pitcher; cover and refrigerate until chilled.

Nutrition Facts

3/4 cup: 66 calories, 1g fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 4g fiber), 3g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 2 vegetable.

Originally published as Tomato Juice Cocktail in Taste of Home April/May 2008