Cranberries meet Salsa

Day 1 of Operation Deep Freeze is over. I can't help but snicker when this happens here in Southern Arizona. Out temperatures hit 24 during the night, and the media and citizens pop a hernia over it. However, when I lived in North Dakota -- and night of only dropping to 24 meant spring is coming!

In the defense of the desert rats, the ramifications are a little different here when it gets cold. We have constantly running pool pumps. We grow gardens year round. Our pipes are only a few feet under the ground. So if your pipes are not well-wrapped and insulated -- you will not be showering in the morning.

I am speaking from experience. 2 years ago, I was unaware of this side effect of Tucson's deep freezes and didn't get to take a shower in the morning due to frozen pipes.

So far, the only damage is a dead geranium plant and a frozen Tulsi Tea plant. I pray I can revive the Tulsi plant! Love my fresh tea.

So enough "cold" talk....let's talk about something hot! So I reveal my Cranberry Salsa Recipe today. Super easy, super delicious, super versatile! Great for winter cocktail parties (which we hosted and attenteded several this Christmas season).

I unfortunately don't have any pictures to share. My nice smart phone got a virus, so I have shitty old phone. So food pictures look pathetic and sad. Use your imagination ;)

Cranberry Salsa:

• 12 oz fresh cranberries
• 1/2 cup cilantro
• 2 anaheim peppers + 1 jalepeno (roasted) .....or you can you a small can of green chiles
• 1/2 cup Stevia in the raw (or sugar...but I made this healthy)
•  2 limes juiced
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• S & P to taste
• 1 tsp cumin

Use food processor to blend your cranberries. Once nicely chopped -- Add in the chilies, stevia, lime juice. 
Pour into a bowl, and add your chopped cilantro, green onions, and seasonings. Enjoy!

I have used this recipe several times lately in various ways. Here are a few varieties I've played with:

1. Simple salsa - serve with tortilla chips.
2. Bake a chunk of brie cheese - pour salsa over it. Cut slices and serve with crackers. (this is my favorite)
3. Have softened cream cheese - and pour cran-salsa on top. Serve with crackers.
4. Use as a spread on a chicken sandwich.

It's healthy and delicious! I love the tangy kick of cranberries.

Hope everyone is having a warm and wonderful weekend. What are you doing to stay warm? I'm making beef stew and drinking a home-made latte right now...contemplating making a second one and adding a kick of baileys! ;)