salsa

6 Roma tomatoes, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
seeded and minced jalapenos amount determined by how hot you want it
1/4 red bell pepper, fine dice
1/8 red onion, fine chopped
1/2 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 lime, juiced
Chili powder, salt, and pepper, to taste
Fresh scallions, cilantro or parsley, to taste

In a bowl, combine all ingredients. Place in refrigerator for up to 12 hours for flavor infusion.
Serve with tortilla chips.

Chili Sauce — Mary McPartland

18 tomatoes
9 onions
5 peppers
2 c. sugar
2 Tbsp. salt
1 tsp. each: cloves, cinnamon, all spice and nutmeg
1-pint vinegar
optional celery seed

Peel tomatoes, grind all or chop in food processor. Cook until thick about 3 hours.

These are my directions Mom didn’t write any down. Use non-reactive pan, and can when finished.

Crunchy Noodle Salad – Ina Garten

IMG_1986

Kosher salt
1/2 pound thin spaghetti
1 pound sugar snap peas
1 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
1/3 cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons dark sesame oil
1 tablespoon honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
3 tablespoons toasted white sesame seeds, divided
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
2 red bell peppers, cored and seeded, and thinly sliced
4 scallions (with and green parts), sliced diagonally
3 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley leaves

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook
according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring another large pot of salted water to a boil, add the sugar snap peas, return to a boil, and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until crisp tender. Lift the sugar snap peas from the water with a slotted spoon and immerse them in a bowl of ice water. Drain.

For the dressing, whisk together the vegetable oil, rice wine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, ginger, 2 tablespoons sesame seeds and peanut butter in a medium bowl.

Combine the spaghetti, sugar snap peas, peppers and scallions in a large bowl. Pour the dressing over the spaghetti mixture. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds and the parsley and toss together.

Caribbean-style black bean and rice salad

½ c. olive oil
¼ c. cider vinegar
1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
1 tsp. Cumin
1 tsp. Minced garlic
1 15-ounce can black beans, drained
¾ c. chopped red pepper
¾ c. chopped yellow pepper
¾ c. chopped green onions
2 c. cooked rice (about 1 c. raw) cooled

Whisk oil, vinegar, mustard, cumin, and garlic in medium bowl until well blended. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

Combine rice, beans, pepper and onions in a large bowl. Toss salad with enough dressing to moisten. Season with salt and pepper. (Can be made 6 hours ahead. Cover and refrigerate)

6 Servings.