Salsa

Gathering my fresh produce definitely stimulates my imagination. The colors inspire me to create in the kitchen. Today I must make fresh Salsa. I will include fresh sweet corn I just picked up from my local Farmers' Market.

This fresh, colorful Salsa is sure to please the pickiest of palates. The seasonings bring warmth and mix well with the cool, cut vegetables creating the perfect blend for my tastebuds. Did I mention how healthy this Salsa is? It sure is :)

Serving Suggestions: Tortilla chips, Corn Chips in the shape of scoops, Hearty Bread drizzled with fresh olive oil, baked on a baking sheet in the oven at 400 degrees F. until browned. When cooled, cut in triangles for better scooping of the Salsa.

What You Will Need:
Large cutting board
Kitchen knife
Large bowl
Large spoon
Matching cover to the bowl or clear plastic wrap.

Ingredients:
Tomatoes, two fresh, medium or one fresh, large.
Green and Red Peppers, one half of each color pepper.
One half Sweet Onion, Vidalia or a Spanish Red Onion.
Garlic, three cloves, peeled.
Corn on the Cob, two whole ears, cooked kernals of corn.
Easy microwave cooking instructions for the corn below:
(peel the husks of corn, wash in cold water, wrap in wax paper and microwave for 4-6 min. on high. The corn will steam. When cooled, cut corn kernals off the cob and add to the bowl of cut veggies.)
White Vinegar, one teaspoon.
Lime juice, one half fresh lime.
Kosher Salt, one half teaspoon.
Black Pepper, one quarter teaspoon, crushed Pepper
Red Pepper Flakes, one quarter teaspoon.
Optional instead of Red Pepper Flakes use chilies of choice, one or two small, chopped.
Chopped Cilantro or Fresh Flatleaf Parsley, one half teaspoon.


Walsh the vegetables and dry them before cutting into small pieces on the cutting board.
Put the cut vegetables into a medium bowl and season with the rest of the ingredients above.
All flavoring is up to personal taste, so be sure to taste the mixture often.
The final mixture will marinate, covered with plastic wrap or matching cover to the bowl, in the refrigerator for several hours or better when left overnight.
It is helpful to mix the Salsa a few times to blend in the flavors.
Before serving, mix the Salsa with a spoon once again.

Party Tips - Homemade Pita Chips

Having your friends over for an informal gathering does not have to send you into a panic attack. Have some go-to favorites in mind, quick trip to market and just make one thing, homemade pita chips. Your home will smell delicious and your friends will think you spent a lot of time preparing to entertain.

Homemade Pita Chips: Store bought pita bread. Olive Oil. Have a cutting board with serrated bread knife ready as well as a large baking sheet with rims. For easy clean-up, line the baking sheet with either parchment paper or foil. Preheat oven to about 375-400 degrees. Also have oven mitts ready to use.

Prep: On cutting board, cut each pita bread round into quarters, then cut each quarter in half. Carefully open and separate the pieces for individual pita chips. Put the chips on the lined baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle or brush each chip with olive oil. Put the filled baking sheet into the preheated oven and standby for a few minutes until the chips look a bit browned. Don't burn them! The chips will smell delicious when done.

Serving: From the market (or if you dare to make your own) serve with your homemade pita chips: salsa, guacamole, hummus (assorted flavors).

Invite your friends to bring beer, wine or soft drinks and you have an instant party!

Enjoy