Basil is one of my most favorite herbs. Right now my yard is so sweet with the fragrance of basil. I love it.

CHUNKY BASIL PASTA SAUCE

8 cups coarsely chopped peeled tomatoes (9-12 or 4 lbs)

1 cup chopped onion

3 cloves garlic, minced

2/3 cup red wine

1/3 cup red wine vinegar

1/2 cup chopped fresh basil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 teaspoon pickling salt

1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar

1 can (6 ounce) tomato paste

 Combine tomatoes, onion, garlic, wine, vinegar, basil, parsley, salt, sugar and tomato paste in very large stainless steel saucepan.  Bring to a boil over high heat, reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 40 minutes or until mixture reaches desired consistency, stirring frequently.

 Remove hot jars from canner and ladle sauce into jars to within 1/2-inch of rim.  Process 35 minutes for pint jars/40 minutes for quarts.

 Makes 8 cups (4 pints/2 quarts)