Maria's Homemade Salsa

One of the many great lessons my stepmom has taught me is how to make the best salsa ever.  I thought I would share her recipe with you:

Maria's Homemade Salsa

4 cans of original Rotel drained completely
1 small white onion
1 fresh jalapeno pepper
1 bunch of cilantro
salt and pepper to taste

First drain all four cans of Rotel.  Squeeze as much of the juice out as you can.  I usually press the lid down into the can and drain the liquid into the sink and then pour the contents of all four cans into a food processor.  Cut the onion and jalapeno into large chunks and add to the food processor.  If you're concerned about the heat, you can cut the jalapeno in half first and remove the seeds.  Wash the cilantro and then squeeze the water out by wringing it out like a cloth, tearing the cilantro into handfuls and add to the food processor stems and all.  Add about 1 tsp. of salt and 1/2 tsp. of black pepper.  You can also add a little garlic powder if you prefer.  Then blend the whole thing until the cilantro gets pulled down into the blade and chopped and mixed throughout and there are no large chunks of onion or jalapeno.  Enjoy!  It is definitely better after it has been refrigerated for a few hours.

*By the way, another of my new favorite things is the whole grain Tostitos scoops.  They're so good you can eat them plain.

Thanks Maria for making me an amateur foodie!  Store-bought salsa was never any good after this.