Salsa and Guacamole for Memorial Day Weekend: Recipe

The warm weather is approaching - thank goodness. The sun and long lazy weekends always make me hungry for chips, salsa, guacamole and good beer. I've fallen in love with the Tostitos Chips with a Hint of Lime and awesome homemade salsa and guacamole. I keep these chips as a staple in the house - you know, the really big bag? I can certainly eat the bag myself (and have!) but I suggest dumping some into a basket and leaving it on the kitchen table or the backyard table for everyone to enjoy as they walk past on a glorious afternoon. This is our weekend routine in the warm weather and it's already started. Check out the QUICK recipes - and have salsa on hand all the time!

Summer Salsa

1 28 oz. can of plum tomatoes (from "San Marzano region of Italy")1 Jalapeno pepper, 1 red onion, 1 large bunch of Cilantro, 2 tbls. olive oil, 1 garlic clove, and juice of 2 limes

Place all tomatoes in your food processor or a blender (not the juice) and add 3/4 of the onion, the peeled garlic, the oil, 2-4 slices of the pepper (more slices, more spices), and the lime juice, and a large bunch of cilantro (make sure to wash it well - it can be sandy!).

Blend really well - till the onion and garlic are tiny!enjoy. It will keep in the fridge (well covered) for about 1 week.


Guacamole

1 ripe avocado, 1 bunch of cilantro, 1 lime, kosher salt, 1 garlic clove, 1 jalapeno

If you have a Mortar and Pestle, smash the garlic and a medium sized pinch of salt together to form a paste. If you don't have one, chop the garlic finely and combine into a large bowl. Add the salt as above.

Wash a large handful of cilantro and dry with a paper towel. Then finely chop it, as well (don't feel like you need to go crazy...just do it as best you can) and add to the bowl. Add juice from the lime and then finely chop about 1 1/2 slices of jalapeno - be careful not to touch the pepper with your fingers...use clean rubber gloves or hold it with a paper towel - the oil from the pepper can really sting your eyes and if you wear contacts...OUCH.

Finally halve the avocado, remove the pit and toss. Remove the flesh and slice into small pieces and put into the bowl. Mash all together and serve!

If you wish, you can add: 1 chopped tomato (I suggest removing the seeds...so the guacamole isn't too soupy) or some red onion...or both!