Homemade Salsa

Ahhhh Summer, one of my favorite times of year. The smell of fresh cut grass and bbq's in the air. This past weekend we had a cookout for Mother's Day, well a cook-in since the weather didn't cooperate. I had a craving the whole week for salsa and when asked if I was bringing anything to the party I figured, what the heck, I'll bring some salsa! There is just no comparison between homemade salsa and store bought, the freshness factor just makes it so much more flavorful. The best part?? It literally takes 10 min to make, win-win in my book! 

Ingredients

• 1 can (28 Ounce) Whole Tomatoes w/ Juice
• 2 cans (10 Ounce) Rotel, diced tomatoes & green chilies
• 1/4 cup Onion, chopped
• 1 clove Garlic, minced
• 1 whole Jalapeno, sliced 
• 1/4 tsp Sugar
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Ground Cumin
• 1/4 cup Cilantro
• 1/2 Lime, juiced 

Direction

This is quite a large batch of salsa, which is great for a party. Mix all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl (I actually charred the outside of the Jalapeno's first with a blowtorch to give it some smokey-ness, this is of course optional). Transfer with a spoon to a food processor bowl, depending on the size of your food processor you'll have to do a few batches. Pulse 10-15 times until you get a nice consistency. Transfer to a container and repeat until you have used all the mixture. Refrigerate for at least an hour before serving or can it for delicious salsa all year long!

**Note: If you want your salsa to be less spicy, remove some of the jalapeno seeds and membrane...that's where all the heat is**

Song of the Recipe

I have always loved Pearl Jam and when Eddie Veder released this solo album, it definitely made me curious. But, it's an awesome album and made me fall in love with the Ukulele. This whole album is perfect for patio sitting & margarita drinking! 

Lee's Hot n' Sour Soup w/ Homemade Egg Rolls

As some of you know, I am not the only cook in my house. Lee, my girlfriend, is very good at it as well. One of her must-haves when we have Chinese is Hot n' Sour Soup. She has been saying for awhile how she wanted to make her own, which brings us to the next post. Delicious Hot n' Sour soup with homemade egg rolls! 

Hot n' Sour Soup

Ingredients

• 2 cans (14 1/2 ounces each) chicken broth
• 1 cup chopped cooked chicken or pork (optional)
• 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushroom caps, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup bamboo shoots, cut into thin strips
• 3 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 4 ounces firm tofu, well drained and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 teaspoon chili paste
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 2 tablesppons cold water
• sliced green onions for garnish

Directions

Combine chicken broth, chicken/pork, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, venegar, soy sauce, chili paste, pepper and garlic in slow cooker. Cover and cook on LOW 3-4 hours or on high 2-3 hours or until done.

Stir in tofu/ Combine cornstarch with water; mix well. Stir into slow cooker. Cover and cook on high until thickend (about 10 minutes).

Garnish with sliced green onions.

Pork Egg Rolls

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground pork
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 quart canola oil for frying
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 tablespoons water
• 4 cups coleslaw mix
• 8 (7 inch square) egg roll wrappers

Directions

Season pork with ginger, garlic and garlic powder and mix thoroughly. Heat mixture in a medium skillet, stirring, until pork is cooked through. Set aside.

In another large skillet heat oil to about 375 degrees F. While oil is heating, combine flour and water in a bowl until they form a paste. In a separate bowl combine the cabbage, carrots and reserved pork mixture. Mix all together. 

Lay out one egg roll skin with a corner pointed toward you. Place about a 1/3 cup of the cabbage, carrot and pork mixture on egg roll paper and fold corner up over the mixture. Fold left and right corners toward the center and continue to roll. Brush a bit of the flour paste on the final corner to help seal the egg roll. 

Place egg rolls into heated oil and fry, turning occasionally, until golden brown. Remove from oil and drain on paper towels or rack. 

**A really interesting video on the history of American Chinese Food**

Grilled Turkey Apple Cheddar

This is definitely one of my favorite sandwiches to make, especially in the fall when apple's are in their prime. We have a fruit farm here called Way Fruit Farm which is probably one of my favorite places to get fresh fruit, vegetables and meats. Not to mention, they make some of the best apple cider I have ever had! This is a very simple sandwich and it will be sure to impress with all of its great flavors. Enjoy!

Ingredients

• 8 Slices of artisan bread, 1/2" thick, cut on the bias 
• 4 to 5 Tablespoons of margarine 
• 1/4 cup apple butter
• Sriracha, if desired
• 1 pound deli turkey
• 1/2 Apple, thinly sliced
• 8 slices of sharp cheddar cheese

Directions

Spread each of 4 slices of bread with 1/2 tablespoon of butter. If desired, mix the apple butter and 1-2 tsp sriracha together in a bowl. With butter side down, spread each slice with 1 tablespoon of the apple butter. Top each slice of bread with a slice of cheddar, couple of slices of turkey, 3 or 4 slices of apple and then top with another slice of cheddar. Spread the remaining 4 bread slices with 1/2 tablespoon of butter and lay them, buttered sides up, over the cheese; press gently.

Heat a large cast-iron or other heavy skillet over medium-low heat. Add as many sandwiches as will comfortably fit (either 2 or 4) and cook 2 to 3 minutes until the bread is golden brown and the cheese begins to melt. Flip and cook 2 to 3 more minutes to brown the bread. Cut the sandwiches in half and serve hot.

Kitchen Word of the Day

"On the Bias" - Is a phrase used to mean cutting on an angle, at roughly a 45-degree angle. This angled cut created elongated, oval-shaped pieces and makes for more elegant presentation. In the case of baguette slices, it means you can get more surface area on even, thin slices of bread.