IT’S FALL!!!

Late September through late December is my favorite time of year!  I love the cool wind that rustles in, swirling the painted leaves about.  Fall really begins n September, but there’s something magical that happens when October gets here.  It’s officially more like Football Season!  So without even thinking about our loss two weeks ago, the Gators takes on the Tennessee Volunteers today in Knoxville.   Our chances look good and we’re all holding on to the hope that we pull out another victory.

So this brings us to another Tailgate Recipe.  And today, it’s something quick ‘n easy.  Homemade Salsa that is even better than what you get at the grocery or Mexican restaurants.  Try it today (you’ve got plenty of time to make it for the game) or serve it at your next party with bowls of crunchy tortilla chips. 

SALSA

2-1/2 to 3 pounds of raw tomatoes, skinned, chopped & juices reserved

2 (10 ounce) cans of Rotel tomatoes, hot or mild

1/4 of a Vidalia onion, or 1 whole small white or yellow onion, chopped                        1 to 3 fresh jalapeno peppers, cleaned, seeded, ribs remove and chopped

1 large clove garlic, roughly chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

2 teaspoons sugar

Pinch cumin

1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 1 to 1-1/2 limes)

1/4 cup well packed cilantro or flat leaf parsley;                 set a few leaves aside to chop for garnish

To a food processor, add all of the tomatoes, onion, peppers, garlic, salt, sugar, cumin, lime juice and cilantro. Pulse several times to desired consistency. Pour into a container, cover and refrigerate several hours to let the flavors settle.

Serve with Tortilla Chips.