A Salsa Sensation

There was a point in time where I did not have the same obsession with salsa as I do today. Salsa was simply a mixture of limp veggies and fruits sealed in a jar with a list of ingredients that were certainly questionable at best. Ick...

Since then I have discovered how simple making your own salsa can be and having the power to control your salsas flavor destiny is a wonderful power trip. Simply put- be adventurous with your salsa and you might catch yourself sneaking into the refrigerator in the middle of the night with a spoon diving for your salsa bowl!

In addition to being one of the easiest dishes in the kitchen to create, (you have nothing to burn or overcook!) it's far more versatile than just a tortilla chip or taco topping. All the fruits below can be chopped by hand in about 5-10 minutes but if you are short on time use a food processor and pulse the "chop" button to achieve a lightly diced mixture.

Delicious Simple Salsa Foundation

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

juice of 1 lime (about 1/4 cup)

1 tsp chopped cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

Combine all ingredients and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes before serving.

Spicy Star Fruit Salsa

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

2 star fruits, diced

1/2 peeled, pitted and diced avocado*

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

juice of 1 lime (about 1/4 cup)

1 tsp chopped cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

*I love adding avocado to my salsa but keep in mind that avocado will begin to oxidize as soon as they are removed from their skin. It's best to plan on using your avocado salsa within 24 hours of preparation.

Mango, Avocado and Lilikoi Salsa

2 large tomatoes, diced

1 medium onion, diced

1 cup mango, peeled, pitted and diced

3 lilikoi

4-5 garlic cloves, minced

1- 1 1/2 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1 tsp. chili pepper

juice of 1 lime (about 1/4 cup)

1 tsp chopped cilantro

salt and pepper to taste

Don't have access to a delicious mango or lilikoi? Use a peach, nectarine or even an apple to augment your sweet and spicy salsa!

If you are ever visiting Maui, be sure to check out the Maui Preserved booth at the Swap Meet in Kahului. Don't have time to visit a farmers market on your Hawaiian stay or live off island?

Visit http://www.mauipreserved.com

Any of the hot sauces will be an amazing and flavorful addition to your salsa and this brand is a personal favorite of mine and staple in my pantry. Depending on the season, Maui Preserved offers a Mango Hot Sauce, Star Fruit Hot Sauce and even an Guava Hot Sauce to tease your pallet!

Suggestions for your Salsa:

on top of a white fish or salmon dish

top or mixed with quinoa or rice

mix with sour cream or yogurt and serve with a baked potato

add to your omelets/ frittata

toss with your summer pasta salad

hors d'oeuvres toppings

Living on Maui allows me to purchase fresh produce all year long from local farmers and tomatoes are always in season here. Please keep in mind that any tomato based recipe will be far from delicious when using tomatoes that are world travelers. Nothing beats a local, in-season fruit. Check with your local farmers to find out who has a winter greenhouse.

Yummy yummy!