Zesty Stewed Tomatoes - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 -8 medium tomatoes
1 -2 stalk celery, ends cut,finely chopped
1/3 cup yellow bell pepper, finely chopped
1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon season salt
1 tablespoon sugar
1/4 teaspoon italian seasoning (optional)
1/4 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper (optional)
3 cups water

Preparation

Cross cut tomatoes on top and bottom.
In a large pot, boil for 3-5 minutes.
Remove tomatoes and place in a colander (make sure colander is inside a bowl to catch any juices).
Cool tomatoes until they can be handled (tomatoes should still be warm).
Using your thumb and a small knife, peel and core tomatoes over colander.
Add tomatoes and remaining ingredients to pot.
Cook over medium heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally and breaking up tomatoes while stirring.
Allow to cool to room temperature if you are going to store in freezer.