Step 1

Heat jars in boiling water, or in the dishwasher on sterilize.

Step 2

Remove lemon juice from fridge and allow to warm to room temperature (if it's cold when starting out). This prevents the jars from breaking when you add the cold liquid to the hot jar.

Step 3

Peel and de-seed tomatoes, if desired. This is easiest if they were frozen first!

Step 4

Remove blossom end with a knife.

Step 5

Place tomatoes in a large stock pot and bring to a boil.

Step 6

Using an immersion blender (if available) blend tomatoes until smooth. If no immersion blender is available, use a regular blender or a food processor to blend tomatoes. Transfer back to the pot and bring to a low boil.

Step 7

Remove jars from oven and add lemon juice to bottom of each jar. 1 tbsp per pint, 2 tbsp per quart.

Step 8

Ladle in tomato sauce, leaving a 1/2" headspace. Clean rims and secure lids and rings.

Step 9

Follow canning instructions here and process for 45 minutes in a water bath canner.

Step 10

Remove from canner and allow to cool for 24 hours before moving and storing.