salsa maker

[lorilei]

Does anyone have one of these gadgets?

I just got one as a gift, and although it makes decent salsa, it takes up a lot of unnecessary space in my kitchen. I'm trying to utilise it in other ways -- to make it a bit more "practical". If I don't figure something out, I may have to give it the axe. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

It's too small for "smashing" potatoes, and I'm not sure that it would work for pesto... any ideas?

[KimKelly]

We got one as a gift also. I found that my quisinart (sp???) actually is easier for salsa. I've used the salsa maker to make guacamole and it did a pretty good job. You just have to be careful not to over mix it or it really just becomes a gooey avocado paste! You've got me thinking... I may give mine the ax too.........

Kim

[Deanna]

On the old bulletin board, there was a lengthy discussion about Guacamole...and someone (don't remember who!) said she has a salsa machine that she is crazy about. Perhaps she will see your post and give you some hints/tips.

I'm with you, however. How many machines do I really need?

For a REALLY fast salsa, I just put an onion and a couple of garlic cloves in my Cuisinart...pulse it a few times, then dump in a can of tomatoes, undrained, and a few jalapeno (or Thai) peppers, some salt, pepper, cilantro (fresh if I've got it, if not, then dried) and a splash of vinegar. Pulse it a few times and voila...I've got salsa. Much less expensive than that overprocessed stuff in a jar!

P.S. I didn't say this was my FAVORITE...I really prefer salsa cruda, with simply diced fresh tomatoes, onion, garlic, fresh cilantro and lime juice. However, fresh tomatoes aren't ALWAYS available, and that is why I have my backup...=^..^=


[This message has been edited by Deanna (edited 06-21-2000).]

[lorilei]

I'm with you, Deanna -- and I usually don't buy salsa anymore.

But, I found one that I'm simply in love with, and if you can find it, it's worth looking for. Frontera makes the most delicious Chipotle salsa. It's spicey, smokey and simply wonderful. (I used to buy it at wholefoods.com -- but now they're defunct. I'm hoping gaiam carries some of their foodstuffs...)

[Deanna]

You know, Lorelei, I love chipotle peppers. When I was at Wild Oats this weekend, I bought a jar of Muir Glen Organic Chipotle Salsa. Didn't really care for it much. I ALWAYS have a jar of chipotles in the fridge, so I think I will experiment with making my own chipotle salsa.

Have you tried that Chipotle BBQ Sauce recipe I posted on the old BB? It is Wonderful.

(Can you tell I like spicy food??)

[Gail]

Okay. Obviously I've had my head in the sand. What's a salsa maker? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/confused.gif
(And remember, you're speaking to someone who lives in Southern CA where we eat,live and breathe Mexican food...)

[KimKelly]

LOL Gail!

The salsa maker I have is like a "salad spinner" only it has a blade inside instead of the spinner. It has a handle on top that you spin to spin the blade and it chops up everything. (Mind you I've built up a few mucles with this thing!) I've come to have a much greater appreciation of the on button of my ancient Cuisinart!

Your fellow So. Cal cooker,
Kim

[Gail]

Son-of-a-gun. Never heard of the thing. Now, why do you suppose salsa requires something other than-- oh, say-- a knife, maybe? Or a food processor..? Guess I've been doing it wrong all this time. I'll be horn-swaggled. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Thanks, Kim. Welcome me to the 21st century.

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 06-22-2000).]

[Deanna]

Gail: my thoughts exactly! I have a whole closet full of machines I thought I couldn't live without, but it's so much easier to get out my very good chef's knife and my chopping block and go at it. Less clean up, less time, and I love the feel of a sharp blade against the wood...

[lorilei]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Gail:
[B]Son-of-a-gun. Never heard of the thing. Now, why do you suppose salsa requires something other than-- oh, say-- a knife, maybe? Or a food processor..? Guess I've been doing it wrong all this time. I'll be horn-swaggled. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Exactly why I brought this thread into the picture! That's why I'm trying to find another use for this "gadget"... it seems like an awful lot to clean and put away just to make a little bowl of salsa http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

As for chipotle peppers -- DEANNA -- I love them too! But I have trouble finding them!! Where do you usually get yours? And what part of the country do you live in?

[Deanna]

Lorilei: I am in Kansas City. I buy canned chipotles (Marcos brand) at Price Chopper, Hen House, and also at Super Target. Years before they started carrying them in the mainstream groceries, I used to drive to the Hispanic neighborhood groceries and pick them up there.

I think I pay about $1.49/can. From the looks of these bulletin boards, I should go into the resale business and ship chipotles to my friends!

[lorilei]

Yes -- it seems that none of the grocery stores here carry them. I should really put them on my list of "requests" http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif

I usually order them from ethnicgrocer.com for about 1.29, but really wish I could find them locally.

I'm finding that I use them almost everywhere, in place of all kinds of peppers... although I did buy habeneros for my Caribbean dishes this weekend.

[Beth]

I agree with the crowd: fresh tomato salsa is the best, but with diced canned tomatoes that beat what's available a good part of the year, of course. And it sure is quick. I have made mine with a can of tomatoes and some canned or frozen corn and some black beans. If you get S&W frozen veggies where you are, look for their black bean and corn salad mixture. Run some water over half a bag of that and dump it in with the tomatoes and a little seasoning, maybe a little onion, garlic, cilantro. I've also used Penzey's Salsa Salad Dressing blend. Salsa is a great light topping for not-so-light tamales.

[Vanessa]

Hi. I actually use this gadget (although did not know it as salsa maker) to cut onion finely and other things. Mine you crank by hand which I guess would be handy for camping or on vacation too