Combine the tomatoes, peppers and 2 cups of the vinegar in a large heavy pot. Bring ingredients to a boil over medium high heat. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching and to let the vegetables soften a bit. 

Puree the mixture using a food processor, food mill or blender.

Place the pickling spices in a spice bag and cinch tight. Add spice bag along with the sugar and salt to the tomato mixture and simmer until thickened, stirring often to prevent scorching. 

Add the remaining 2 cups of vinegar. 

Simmer hot sauce down to desired thickness.

Remove the spice bag. 

Ladle hot sauce immediately into prepared jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of tops. Remove any air bubbles. 

Wipe the jar rims and threads clean if needed. If using traditional canning jars, cover with 2-piece lids. Screw bands on.

If using Weck jars, carefully place the Weck rubber gasket on the lid of the jars. Place the lid on the jar and secure the lid with 2 evenly spaced Weck clamps. 

Place jars on an elevated rack in a hot water bath canner. Lower rack into canner. {Water must cover jars by  2 inches. Add boiling water, if necessary.}

Cover; bring water to a boil. Process 15 min. Remove jars and place upright on a towel to cool completely. Cool jars for 12-24 hours. 

After the jars have cooled, check the seals by pressing the middle of the lids with your finger. If lids spring back, lids are not sealed and refrigeration is necessary. {Traditional canning jars}. 

For Weck jars, check to make sure your seal is pointing downwards. 

Remove rings or clamps and store jars in a cool dark place. 

Yields about {6} half pints