Thank you God!!

He gives rain on the earth, and sends waters on the fields. -- Job 5:10 -- 

Just had to add a bit of a side note this morning...we FINALLY had some MUCH-needed rain here in ZigZag...1-6/10"!!!  Thank you God!!  Amazing what a little rain can do for the soul, and for a dry and weary land.

Also wanted to mention a fun little catalog I came across in my inherited cookbook pile.  It’s called "The Artisan Table", and it’s full of really neat kitchen gadgets and accessories.  If you want a peak, you can check out their website at www.CookingEnthusiast.com .

Give God a little “Thank You” for his many blessings today, and enjoy!!

Fresh Tomato Salsa

--taken from The COMPLETE GUIDE to Country Cooking - published by Taste of Home Books - 1998 Reiman Publications, L.P. - p. 290 (Condiments Chapter)...



4 cups chopped peeled fresh tomatoes (about 2-1/2 pounds)

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 to 4 jalapeno peppers, seeded and finely chopped  (I used 2 large ones - 1 with the seeds and all 1 without)

1 tablespoon olive or vegetable oil (I used olive oil - regular - NOT EVOO)

1 tablespooon vinegar

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon salt

1 garlic clove, minced (I'm a garlic lover so I used 3 good-sized cloves)

In a bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well.  (I just dumped it all in my food processor and let it whirl for a few seconds - no need to wear yourself out with the chopping!)  Let stand for about 1 hour.  Serve at room temperature.  Cover and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Yield:  3-1/2 cups

submitted by Myra Innes, Auburn, Kansas

Okay...this turned out really yummy, so I made several batches...even canned some for future use.  I also made one batch without using the food processor, which allowed for a more chunky finished product.  Both were delicious!

According to the cookbook, it is good served as a topping for grilled chicken breasts.  I think I'm going to have to try that too.

Mine was fairly mild, so if you like it spicy you may want to add more jalapeno than I did.  I probably will next time.

This is SOOOOOO easy, I may never buy salsa again!  You really need to try this...

Okay...where to start???

Well folks, I have NO IDEA what I'm doing, but I thought this might be fun, so here goes...

My plan is to start trying recipes from my many, many cookbooks, and to share them with you...along with my comments and tips.  Let me know what you think!