How to Make Salsa that Your Kids Will Love

Salsa is one of the most popular condiments in the western world, used by young and old alike. However, many popular brands are too spicy for the young palate, and also contain too many additives. If properly made, salsa is a healthy alternative to commercial ketchups and sauces that are loaded with preservatives and less than healthy thickeners. (See my article on MSG and my grandson for more information on food additives.)

This recipe calls for one prepared ingredient, and that is the peeled and diced tomatoes. (No tomato puree included.) When preparing the peppers, be sure to thoroughly clean them to remove pesticide residue and paraffin coatings, or you could just peel them or roast the skins off. Any of these ingredients can be adjusted to your personal tastes. Total prep time is about 15 minutes. Okay, here we go.

1 - 28 oz can of peeled, diced tomatoes
1 - jalapeno pepper
2 - green, yellow, or red bell peppers
1/2 - medium onion
2 -Tablespoons of lemon juice
1/2 - teaspoon of garlic powder (not garlic salt)
1/2 - teaspoon salt
2 - Tablespoons sugar

Open the can of tomatoes and pour the juice into your blender. Spoon 3 or 4 tablespoons of the remaining diced tomatoes into the blender also.

Slice the jalapeno and remove the seeds, then cut it into approximately 1 inch pieces and place it in the blender. Add the lemon juice, sugar, salt, and garlic powder. Run the blender on medium for 5 seconds.

Slice the onion into 1 inch pieces. Add these to the blender and run it for about 2 seconds on medium speed.

Slice the bell peppers, removing the seeds, then cut them into 1 inch lengths. Add them to the blender and run it two or three times for a couple of seconds each. (For smaller pieces, run the blender for a longer time.)

Pour your mix into a bowl and add the remaining diced tomatoes from the can. Stir it a few times with a mixing spoon. Add salt or sugar as needed for your personal sense of taste.

Serve in place of ketchup for burgers and hot dogs. Use as a topping on fish fillets. Spread it lightly on a salad for a little zest. Pour it over polish sausage for that extra flavor kick. Use it as a dipping sauce for chicken fingers. Saute' other meats in a small amount of this salsa and some olive oil for a refreshing, yet subtle change from butter.