Best Caliente Christmas Salsa Recipes

HOLIDAY SALSA

Holiday Salsa image

When we offer this cream-cheesy salsa of fresh cranberries, cilantro and a little jalapeno kick, everyone hovers around the serving dish until it's scraped clean. -Shelly Pattison, Lubbock, Texas

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 20m

Yield 12 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 7

Ingredients

1 package (12 ounces) fresh or frozen cranberries
1 cup sugar
6 green onions, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
Assorted crackers or tortilla chips

Steps:

Pulse cranberries and sugar in a food processor until coarsely chopped. Stir together with onions, cilantro and jalapeno. Cover and refrigerate several hours or overnight., To serve, place cream cheese on a serving plate. Drain salsa; spoon over cream cheese. Serve with crackers or chips.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 146 calories, Fat 7g fat (4g saturated fat), Cholesterol 21mg cholesterol, Sodium 71mg sodium, Carbohydrate 22g carbohydrate (19g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 1g protein.

SALSA CRIOLLA

Salsa Criolla image

This popular Peruvian condiment requires only five ingredients, but it's bursting with flavor. Slivered onions and fresh peppers are marinated in lime juice to create a tangy and spicy relish. Traditionally, the salsa is made with fresh aji amarillo chiles, which can be difficult to find; luckily, a combination of orange bell pepper and serrano chiles deliver similar flavor, color and heat. (For a milder salsa, remove the seeds from the serrano before using.) Most often served with arroz con pollo, this bright relish is also a perfect accompaniment to roasted chicken, and makes a great topping on tacos and sandwiches. The salsa can be refrigerated for three days.

Provided by Kay Chun

Categories condiments, vegetables

Time 5m

Yield 3 cups

Number Of Ingredients 6

Ingredients

1 large red onion, halved and very thinly sliced into half moons (2 cups)
1/2 small orange bell pepper, cored, seeded and very thinly sliced lengthwise (½ cup)
1 serrano chile, thinly sliced or finely chopped
3 tablespoons lime juice (from 2 limes)
2 tablespoons coarsely chopped cilantro
Kosher salt

Steps:

In a medium bowl, combine the onion, bell pepper, serrano chile, lime juice and cilantro, and mix well. Season to taste with salt.

CALIENTE CHRISTMAS CHEESE CRISPS

Caliente Christmas Cheese Crisps image

To fire up the crowd, I pack these homemade crackers with bacon, pumpkin seeds and French-fried onion rings. Dunk them in picante sauce. -Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories Appetizers

Time 40m

Yield 10 servings (about 3-1/2 dozen).

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

3/4 cup shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
1/2 cup butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic pepper blend
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup all-purpose flour
2/3 cup crispy brown rice cereal
1/4 cup finely crumbled cooked bacon
1/4 cup salted pumpkin seeds
1/4 cup crumbled french-fried onions
Optional: Pico de gallo or picante sauce

Steps:

Preheat oven to 350°. Beat the first 6 ingredients together until blended. Add flour; mix until a dough forms. Stir in remaining ingredients except optional sauce., Shape dough into 1-in. balls. Place on ungreased baking sheets; flatten with a lightly floured glass., Bake until golden, 14-16 minutes. Remove to wire racks; cool completely. If desired, serve crisps with pico de gallo or picante sauce.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 217 calories, Fat 16g fat (9g saturated fat), Cholesterol 37mg cholesterol, Sodium 249mg sodium, Carbohydrate 13g carbohydrate (0 sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 6g protein.