This week I had the great privilege of going to Boise to participate in a fundraiser for the St. Alphonsus Hospital. While I was there I met some wonderful women. So many volunteers… so much work… so many hours of preparation. It was a huge success. Thanks to my new friend and buyer for the hospital gift shop, Marsha Houston. They have sold hundreds of The Gathering of Friends cookbooks. I went for a book signing and while I was there I met a volunteer, Connie Barrett. She shared with me a wonderful little recipe that I just couldn’t resist. It was out of this world!

Cranberry Salsa

1 16 oz. can whole berry cranberry sauce
1 1/4 c. canned, chopped jalapenos
1 green onion, chopped
1 tsp. dried cilantro
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. lime juice

Combine all ingredients. Chill. Serve with plain tortilla chips. This unique combination is a delicious condiment for poultry or pork. Makes 2 cups. Yields 6 cups. Thanks Connie Barrett!
Connie also suggested making this tasty little treat all tied up with a bow as a wonderful gift for a neighbor or teacher.

Using fresh ingredients is always my first choice. So this is my version of her wonderful recipe. Beginning by making my own fresh cranberry sauce…………it is so simple you will never use a can of cranberry sauce again.

It is more colorful and crunchy………….So here is how I made it!

Cranberry Salsa

1  12 oz. bag fresh whole cranberries
2 c. water
1 c. sugar
1/4 fresh jalapeno, finely minced
2  4 oz. cans green chilies, chopped
2 green onions, minced
1/2 c. fresh cilantro, minced
2 limes, juice
2 tsp. cumin

Combine fresh cranberries, 1 c. water and sugar in a pot over high heat and boil for 10 minutes. Let cool. Mince cilantro, jalapeno and green onions and stir into cooled cranberry sauce. Add chopped green chilies, lime juice and cumin and stir well. If desired stir in additional 1/2 c.-1 c. water to change consistency. Yields about 6 cups. Fill your favorite container and give this wonderful surprise burst of flavor as a gift.

As an appetizer using 8 oz. of cream cheese pour 1 ½ cups of Cranberry Salsa over cream cheese and serve with your favorite crackers or chips.