SALSA

 

Today is Cinco De Mayo, a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride, and May is also National Salsa Month. A great time to share some of my favorite salsa recipes! There’s no comparison between homemade and bottled salsa especially since you can control the heat.  The possibilities of today’s combinations are endless - not just the traditional tomato & pepper blend, kicked up with cilantro!

Here are some salsa snippets:
· salsa is the leading condiment in U.S.
· most homemade salsas will last at least a week if covered and stored in the refrigerator, but their fresh taste is best the first 2 days or so.
· to make the salsas milder do not include the seeds of the pepper or only use half the amount recommended. If a salsa does end up being too hot, dice or puree more of the main ingredient and add to it. This will cut the heat.
· primarily a summer dressing, but goes well with dishes of any season
· serve with homemade tortilla or pita chips, quesadillas, grilled meats or seafood or even on grilled bread

SALSA RECIPES:
Combine ingredients. Cover and refrigerate until needed.

BASIC FRESH SALSA
2c chopped tomatoes
1c chopped peppers
1c chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
1 chopped jalapeno pepper
1Tbs vinegar
1 lime, juiced
1Tbs fresh chopped cilantro
salt to taste

BASIL & CHEESE SALSA
2 chopped tomatoes
1 chopped green pepper
1/4 diced red onion
2oz crumbled blue cheese
1/4 c snipped fresh basil
1/4 c snipped fresh parsley
juice of a lemon
1 tsp salt

MINT & CUCUMBER SALSA
2 cucumbers, peeled & diced
4 green onions, diced
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded & diced
1Tbs fresh mint
1Tbs white wine vinegar
1tsp cooking oil
1/2tsp honey

PINEAPPLE SALSA
2c diced pineapple
½ papaya, diced
1Tbs minced Vidalia onion
1/2tsp Five Spice
4Tbs fresh lemon juice
1Tbs chopped pineapple sage leaves and flowers
          Mix all other ingredients. Chill very well. Serve over grilled chicken, fish or pork or with tortilla chips as an appetizer.

TEX-MEX SALSA (aka Texas Caviar)
1 can black beans
1 can garbanzo beans
1 can corn
1 small can chopped green chilies
2 tomatoes chopped
4 green onions chopped
1 clove garlic chopped
1Tbs chopped oregano
1Tbs chopped parsley
1Tbs vegetable oil
3Tbs red wine vinegar

"So whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do,
do it all for the glory of God"
I Corinthians 10:31