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.