Make It Yourself - Pizza Sauce

This recipe was given to me when we were first married by a friend. Each year I adjust it a little and we think it is about perfect! I like the simplicity as it does not use a strainer or squeezo. A large pot and good blender is the only equipment needed. It is also one of the cheapest recipes I've found, not using tomato paste or seasoning packets. I can't easily figure out the cost (what does 3/4 cup sugar cost) but if you grow your own tomatoes, onions, and peppers, it would certainly be in the pennies!

Homemade Pizza Sauce

2 gallon tomatoes (generous)
2 1/2 lb onion
several stalks of celery (optional)
6 green or red sweet peppers
2 T basil
2 T oregano
1 T garlic powder
1/4 cup salt
3/4 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
1/2 T crushed red pepper (optional)
1 T paprika (optional)
1 T chili powder (optional)
1 1/2 cup clear gell

Boil water in a large pan. Soak tomatoes in water for a few minutes until skins can be easily removed. Puree peeled tomatoes in blender. Coarsely chop peppers, onions, and celery. Cook in pan with a little water until soft. Puree vegetables in blender with a little of the tomato juice. Mix clear gel with some tomato juice. Stir all ingredients in a large pot and cook for 30 minutes at a low simmer to blend will. Seal in jars. Can 10 minutes. Makes 15- 20 pint.

Variations: For spicier sauce add more red pepper. In an attempt to have a darker red colored sauce without the added artificial colorings, I added the chili powder and paprika. Using all red peppers instead of green also makes a much redder sauce. Add more or less clear gel depending on how thick you like it. Cornstarch can be substituted. I use this recipe for spaghetti and lasagna as well.

Edit to add disclaimer: This recipe has not been tested for safety by experts. I believe a thickener such as clear gel is not recommended for canning. Use this recipe at your own risk.