Best Manuels Holiday Salsa Recipes

HOLIDAY SALSA

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.

THE BEST CANNING SALSA

Steps:

• Combine tomatoes, onions, vinegar, tomato paste, green bell peppers, red bell peppers, banana peppers, sugar, garlic, pickling salt, and black pepper in a large stockpot; bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes. Mix cilantro into salsa.
• Sterilize the jars and lids in boiling water for at least 5 minutes. Pack salsa into hot, sterilized jars, filling to within 1/4 inch of the top. Run a knife or thin spatula around the insides of the jars after they have been filled to remove any air bubbles. Wipe the rims of the jars with a moist paper towel to remove any food residue. Top with lids and screw on rings.
• Place a rack in the bottom of a large stockpot and fill halfway with water. Bring to a boil and lower jars into the boiling water using a holder. Leave a 2-inch space between the jars. Pour in more boiling water if necessary to bring the water level to at least 1 inch above the tops of the jars. Bring the water to a rolling boil, cover the pot, and process for 35 minutes.
• Remove the jars from the stockpot and place onto a cloth-covered or wood surface, several inches apart, until cool. Once cool, press the top of each lid with a finger, ensuring that the seal is tight (lid does not move up or down at all). Store in a cool, dark area.

MANUEL'S HOLIDAY SALSA

Steps:

• 1. I use a 2-quart container to mix this. Put everything into this container as it is processed. I use a food processor rather than chopping everything by hand. Process each vegetable to your desired size.
• 2. Process cilantro, garlic, and onion by pulsing, to desired size. Add to container.
• 3. Split peppers and remove stems, seeds and membranes. Wear gloves when handling the hot ones. Process all the peppers together with pulses. Don't turn this to a paste. Remove to the container.
• 4. Drain tomatoes and reserve juice. Pulse if you want a smooth salsa; or leave the chunks whole if you want it chunky. Add to the container. Mix all the ingredients together. Add some of the reserved tomato liquid if you want the salsa thinner. You can also add some sea salt if you think it needs it.
• 5. At this point, taste with a chip. If too sweet, add some vinegar - start with 2 tablespoons - and mix again. If too sour, add some sweetener - start with 1-2 tablespoons - then mix and taste again.
• 6. Once it tastes just right to you, you can make a smaller VERY HOT batch like this: Remove 1-2 cups to a separate bowl. Add in some finely chopped habañera peppers. Warn your friends which is the hot dish.