Easy Fresh Salsa

Ingredients

• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped yellow and/or green sweet pepper
• 2 to 3 teaspoons snipped fresh cilantro
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• dash black pepper
• few drops of bottled hot pepper sauce (optional)
• salt (optional)

In a medium bowl, combine tomatoes, onion, sweet pepper, cilantro, garlic, black pepper, and if desired, hot pepper sauce.  Season to taste with salt.  Serve immediately or cover and chill for up to 3 days.  Stir before serving.  Makes approx. 1 2/3 cups.

Salsa, Beans, and More Nachos

Ingredients:

• 4 eight-inch jalapeno, tomato, whole wheat, and/or plain flour tortillas
• 1/2 of a 16 oz. can of fat-free refried beans (about 1 cup)
• 1/4 cup Easy Fresh Salsa (see recipe above)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 3/4 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup Easy Fresh Salsa (for topping)
• Optional toppings:  chopped avocado, light dairy sour cream, and/or snipped fresh cilantro

Step One:  Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Cut each tortilla into 8 wedges; spread wedges on 2 large cookie sheets.  Bake for 8 to 10 minutes or until dry and crisp.  Cool on wire racks. 

Step Two:  Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine refried beans, 1/4 cup Easy Fresh Salsa, and cumin.  Cook and stir over medium-low heat until heated through.

Step Three:  Spread cooled tortilla chips into 6 small baking dishes or a 3-quart au gratin or baking dish.  Spoon bean mixture on top of tortillas.  Sprinkle with cheese.  Bake, uncovered, for 5 minutes or until cheese melts.  Top with lettuce and 1/2 cup Easy Fresh Salsa.  If desired, top with avocado, sour cream, and/or cilantro.

Tips:  You may substitute 2 ounces of tortilla chips for the tortillas.  Prepare as directed, starting with Step 2.  For a heartier dish, sprinkle 1 cup chopped cooked chicken on top of beans before adding cheese.  Continue as directed.

Nutrition facts per serving:  calories:  138, total fat:  5g, cholesterol:  10mg, sodium:  297g, carbohydrates:  17g, fiber: 3g, protein:  6g.