Tomato Salsa (using canned tomatoes)

Give this a try when good fresh tomatoes are not in season.  Canned tomatoes are picked at the peak of ripeness and make great salsa.

Ingredients

• 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 medium sweet onion
• 4 cloves fresh garlic
• 8 pickled jalapeño pepper slices
• 2 tsp lemon or lime juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 5-7 Tbsp fresh  minced cilantro (optional - it depends on how much you like cilantro)

Instructions

1. Strain diced tomatoes in a collander saving the juice.
2. Coarsley chop onion, garlic, and jalapeño and add to food processor fitted with a metal blade.
3. Add juice from tomatoes, lemon or lime juice, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
4. Process on high for 25 seconds.
5. Add 1/2 cup diced tomatoes and process on low for an extra 5 seconds.
6. Add remaining tomatoes and cilantro and pulse until it looks right.  Serve immeidately or chill and let the flavors combine. 

makes about 3 cups.

(Frito Lay Style) Bean Dip

This bean dip tastes fresh compared to name brand, and costs less than a dollar for a big batch. Servie with corn chips or on corn tortillas with salsa, or as the bottom layer of 7 layer dip.

1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, drained
4 bottled jalapeno slices
1 tablespoon white or cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Combine drained pinto beans with the other ingredients in a food processor. Puree ingredients on high speed until smooth. Cover andchill for at least an hour before serving.

Cilantro and Lime Bean Salsa

Serve this delicious salsa with corn tortilla chips.

Ingredients
1 28 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup corn, frozen
1 14 oz. can tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 jalapeno pepper, minced
1 small onion, minced
3 ripe tomatoes, seeded and chopped
1 bunch cilantro leaves, chopped
juice of 1 lime
2 Tbsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cinamon
salt, pepper, cayenne pepper to taste
1 Tbsp extgra virgin olive oil
1 Tbsp white or cider vinegar

Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover and chill thoroughly before serving.