It’s about Bloomin’ Time!

Guess what’s blooming around my backyard? My garden is showing the signs of its intended purposes.

Hello, little banana peppers. Soon, you will be pickled in hopes of adorning one of my Whole Wheat Pizzas. Get ready. I have a lot of plans for you.

And my dear spicy jalapenos…how could I not have a garden without you? Not only will I dehydrate you and can you, but I will be making sweet, sweet Jalapeno Jelly out of you. (Geez, what were you thinking?)

Dear Tiny Tomatoes. How I long for you to ripen, to turn red and to be atop a crispy baguette slice in bruschetta glory! Or, perhaps I will make a little Spicy Salsa out of you. The possibilities are endless.

I count down the days for the harvest, eagerly awaiting your maturity. I love you, dear garden.
In the words of many a pastor across the midwest that I’ve met, eaten chicken fingers with and sang on their stage as a pre-teen, “Don’t let me down, cuz’ my waterin’s real good.” Amen.

Simple, Spicy Salsa

I’m off to visit these weirdos for the next couple of days, leaving behind Biceps and two very needy kitties. I think Biceps might be stressed out a little about the kittens’ extreme cuddle needs-I’ve set the bar pretty high for cuddles around our house. Pray for him…

But, I love you dear readers and didn’t want to leave you without something simple and yummy to make this weekend. After all, it’s Memorial Day Weekend and I bet most of you are cooking up a storm, heading out to your yachts and tanning yourself in your hot little bikinis.

However, I will be going to a feed store and a Holocaust museum. Almost the same thing, right?
And since my garden is in full swing, I am getting excited about making and canning my own salsa once more. When life gives you tomatoes, jalapenos and other assorted peppers, what else do you do, but make Simple, Spicy Salsa!

(I originally posted this back in 2010, but not many got to see it before my site went belly up. So, it’s back for your viewing pleasure.)

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Simple, Spicy Salsa:

Food Processor
5+ Beefy Tomatoes-I used several different varieties
1/2 Bunch Cilantro
3 Garlic Cloves
2 Tbsp Lime Juice
2-3 Jalapeno or Spicy Chili Peppers
3 Banana Peppers

You’ll want to balance these with….

…with these nice fellas to make your Spicy Salsa. Now, let’s get to work.

Throw whole tomatoes into your food processor and set it to ‘Puree’.

I know most people would tell you to seed them, take the cores out, etc. But, I promised you “simple” and you are getting “simple”. Plus, it doesn’t taste any different, so there.

It should look like this when you are done beating the puddin’ out of it.

Now, see those little unassuming jalapenos and that red pepper? Take the stems off of the tops and throw them in-you may seed them if you want it to be less spicy.
Hit the ‘Puree’ button once more and laugh evil-like for good measure.

Add the Chartreuse (Banana) Peppers and do the same. You may “evil laugh” at your own discretion.

Toss in your cilantro and turn the ‘Puree’ button down to a nice ‘Chop’.

Mince 3 cloves of garlic and add it to the  mix.
‘Chop’ this for a few seconds, using the ‘Pulse’ button if you have one.
Add the lime juice and hit the ‘Mix’ button for a few more seconds.

Hello, yummy. This stuff is a little spicy, but oh so good. If you need to tone it down for daintier pallets, seed the spicy peppers or add a tad bit of sugar.

Now, grab yourself a bag of chips and get busy. Chef’s orders.

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