Secret drawers were a must-have growing up in my mother’s house, and I passed the tradition on to our children, who filled theirs with every memento and tidbit of those fast years. Looking back, isn’t it those very secrets that define our individuality? Cooking is no different. Any cook willing to play a bit will stumble onto something uniquely theirs and quite often keep this ingredient a secret.
Specialty shops are a great place to find something that will make your meals a success… We stumbled on to such a find right here in Vermont: Saratoga Olive Oil Company. The products are fresh and organic, making the most fabulous olive oil… but the real find for us was their balsamic vinegars! The shop is set up so you can taste every one of the dozen or so varieties and find exactly which one would compliment any dish you can dream up. Here is one (yes secret-infused) recipe that will kick-start your June !!
Summer Salsa
Tomatoes (remove the seeds first)
Onions
Green peppers
Garlic
Optional: fresh cooked corn cut from the cob
The basic rule is 3 parts tomato, one part onion, one part green pepper and garlic to taste. Dice all into small pieces and combine in a large bowl. Add some of that yummy olive oil and (here is the secret to the whole dish) Sagatoga Olive Oil Co. Coconut White Balsamic Vinegar! (Again, vary amounts according to taste) Sprinkle in salt and pepper with a dash of cumin to top off the salsa perfectly!
Serve right then and there or keep in the refrigerator until you’re ready with a platter of your favorite corn chips. Enjoy!
*** Saratoga Olive Oil did NOT pay me to write this!! Yes, their products are that good!!
Nine Cent Girl 
Sounds delicious! I will have to give it a try. 🙂
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Yes, and let me know how you like it!!
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Wonderful time to have another dinner party and serve your salsa. Thank you for giving us your secret ingredient…….a generous ninecent girl…….
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Ah thanks Mom!! Although you and I know this is about as much cooking I can muster!!
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looks amazing! xx
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I love balsamic dressing, esp. with chicken. The salsa looks very tasty….
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And the white balsamic is so light… tasty, yes indeed!!
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Can’t wait to try this salsa!
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Tastes like Summer!!
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Sweet you,
I’ve an award for you, for the person who you are and the things you share with the world
http://summer4soul.wordpress.com/2013/06/10/peace-is-a-free-choice-so-is-this-award/
Thank you for that..
Namasté, Summer
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thank you for this!!
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You’re very welcome! And thanks for yourself
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Sounds pretty good, even to a person who does not love salsa.
Scott
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Well, that is saying something! But also try the secret ingredient on just about anything!!
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Will do.
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I really need to try making my own salsa. My husband’s favorite (okay, ONLY) brand is $4.50 for a small jar. 🙂
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Yes, try this recipe and do let me know!! You will be delighted I’m sure!
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We love what you’ve done with the coconut balsamic and we really appreciate you sharing it with us. Thank you!
-Saratoga Olive Oil Co.
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My pleasure!! Your products made cooking and eating a joy!!
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ciao! luvFAB blog.
thebestdressup
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Thank you!! Enjoy!!!
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Reblogged this on Nine Cent Girl and commented:
Here is yet another post from years ago, and well-worth a reread for anyone who likes to cook, or eat, or just feed their guests something fabulous! #summerwins #picnictime
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