I’m going to try to start something a little different for Tuesdays by having a recipe to share. Maybe something we just tried for the first time, a family favorite, or something stolen from the secret family cookbook – ok, there really isn’t any secret family cookbook – not because there aren’t any secret family recipes, but rather because someone just prefers to keep the best recipes in their head instead of writing them down. (If I can get that person to put them on paper, I’ll be happy to share them.)

Our salsa recipe is simple, but a favorite around our house.

Fresh Salsa

Fresh Salsa

1 24 oz can tomatoes (I used crushed tomatoes with garlic and oregano)
1 large onion, diced
1 medium jalapeno pepper, minced
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
lemon juice
salt and pepper

Simply mix the tomatoes, onion, pepper and cilantro. Add lemon juice, salt and pepper to taste. Chill and enjoy.

This recipe really works great as a base to be tweaked for your own tastes. Add as much or little cilantro as you like. Like it hotter? Add more jalapeno. I like buying the crushed tomatoes with garlic and oregano already added (sometimes called Italian tomatoes), otherwise you can add your own seasoning. In a couple more weeks, we’ll skip the canned tomatoes all together and just dice fresh tomatoes. I’ve even seen a version of this recipe that calls for honey. Add what you like and make it your own.