Q. How do you fix the post-holiday blahs? A. Salsa!

After a long holiday season, it’s time to look forward to the new year. For me, that starts with saying Auf Wiedersehen to my holiday decorations. I don’t know about you, but I have a difficult time letting go of the warm and cozy ambiance the lights and trees create each year. Left to my own devices I would keep them up year-round in order to live in a winter wonderland. But to avoid being ridiculed by everyone I know, I acquiesced to the conclusion of the season, and put away my holiday decor.

However, just because the holidays finally ended doesn’t mean the cold and snow have disappeared. In fact, the winter season is only beginning and my potted garden will have to wait. I’ve decided to handle the wait by looking to the southwest U.S.A. for inspiration because the temperatures there are climbing already.

I’m pretty sure the idea of focusing on the southwest was triggered by a recent dinner at my local Mexican restaurant. It was packed with diners who were perhaps tired of turkey, ham and starchy dishes. If you’re someone who enjoys Mexican food as I do, you probably look forward to the warm basket of complimentary chips and salsa that your server brings before your meal. That got me to thinking about salsa.

Fresh ingredients are a must – of course

If you are lucky to stumble upon a place that prides itself on trying to achieve an authentic Mexican experience you will likely encounter salsas with bold flavors like chipotle, jalapeños, chilies, roasted vegetables, and garlic. Some salsas can even be fruity in origin. Tomatoes, fresh and ripe, are a must and to round things off, lime and cilantro bring it all together. The resulting spread should be full of color and deliver an explosion of flavors. For those of you with a more conservative palate, most restaurants accommodate with a mild version.

Did I mention ‘tomatoes’?

While living in Phoenix I was able to enjoy some of the best salsas. Some might say it was because I was so close to the border. However, I’ve found and enjoyed great salsas here in the Midwest, as well. Although I enjoy a spicy salsa from time to time, I prefer a garden inspired one. My recipe is nothing special and I can honestly say it doesn’t come together the same way each time it’s prepared, but what I enjoy most is the effect of the ripe tomatoes (see recipe below). A garden salsa can deliver a fresh and flavorful experience for you – and your guests.

So cha-cha out of your comfort zone and say goodbye to those tiresome flavors of holiday meals and say Olé to a little salsa.

My recipe for Fresh Garden Salsa:

4 large ripe tomatoes quartered

Handful of Cilantro

2 garlic cloves

2 pinches of salt

1/2 of a squeezed lime

Place all the ingredients in a food processor. If you don’t have a food processor you can go old-school and chop the ingredients up. Blend until all ingredients have been mixed well. Serve with chips and wash down with a margarita or cerveza. Enjoy!