Curried Tomato Chutney & 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me with Neo-Homesteading

Sometimes you get what you ask for. Not always of course, but sometimes and often when you least expect it.

For example, I threw a request out on Twitter simply stating ‘Looking for awesome food bloggers for 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Me feature…..a tweet came back saying ‘Neo-Homesteading’ and guess what? I headed on over to the site and was like ‘Dang it, I like this girl’s spunk and her blog’.

How could you not love someone who when asked for 10 things, gives you 12? Without further ado, here is Cat of Neo-Homesteading:

1. I have moderate OCD – Certain things have to be exactly where they belong or I freak. I’m especially particular about the kitchen, its the hub of it all. The ketchup in the wrong place will seriously cause me to panic.

2. I have a life long obsession with Queen, especially Freddie Mercury.

3. I’ve always (since I was a teenager at least) wanted a classic Chevy. I especially love Nova’s.

4. I have a laundry list of phobias. Including planes, boats, snakes and Mayo. (I will happily eat it however if it touches me… no good.)

5. I really wish I could knit or crochet. I’ve been told I have two left hands and I should just stop trying.

6. I could watch Phantom of The Opera three times per day, every day for the rest of my life. I would never tire of it.

7. I lived in New England until I was about twelve. I have a great affinity for the ocean (just not boats) and I ADORE seafood. My dream is to buy land on the island my father grew up on and feed my children food from the same place my great-grandfather worked as a lobsterman.

8. I almost joined the Air Force. Military is in my blood and it sounded like a good idea… I’m pretty sure they would have kicked me out. Shutting up, conforming, being thin and doing what I’m told? None of these are things I would consider my strengths.

9. I swear like a trucker, I turn purple trying my best not to. My boys think its hilarious.  (Its not pretty, I’m sorry but its true.)

10. I say I will try anything once, usually I try to make my husband eat it first. (not telling him what it is usually helps).

11. I despise “real” shoes. I will wear Birkenstock’s all year around. (Even in the snow.)  If it weren’t for UGG’s my family would never go out with me in cold weathered months.

12. I love Sporks.

Curried Tomato Chutney (Yield ~ 24 oz.)
I often buy cherry tomatoes in bulk. Two to three pounds at a time seems adequate however my son Riley LOVES to steal them and eat them. The one time I buy twice as much as I need, of course he decides not eat them. So from time to time I end up with an excess of tomatoes. Usually spoiling tomatoes are destined for pasta sauce, or even tomato soup but this time I went for a tomato chutney with just the right amount of spice. Perfectly aromatic and salty. Great on chicken, meatballs, even bread or toast with cheese.

Ingredients:
1-2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
2 – 2 1/2 pounds tomatoes, cherry or diced whole (fresh)
8-10 garlic cloves, minced
1/2-1 teaspoon sea salt & pepper (to taste)
1 medium onion, sliced thin
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 teaspoons curry powder
1 teaspoon fresh grated ginger
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/4 teaspoon Cayenne
Pinch red pepper flakes
water or stock, to prevent burning

Finish to taste With:
2 tablespoons cider vinegar
Sugar, or honey if desired- 2-3 tablespoons

Directions:
In a heavy bottom pan melt butter or oil over medium-high heat. Saute’ onion until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add all spices and saute for a minute or so. This prevents a sandy or gritty taste & texture. Add garlic and tomatoes with just enough water water or stock to prevent burning. Bring to a boil and reduce to a simmer for 8-10 minutes or until thickened.

Finish with sugar and vinegar to taste. I used raw cider vinegar and just a smidge of honey and raw sugar. If you like it less acidic use more sweetener to suit your palate.

Be sure to stop by Neo-Homesteading and tell Cat that I sent you!