the Cowl

Issue date: 10/2/08 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Salsa is, obviously and unequivocally, the best snack in the world. Or rather, half of the best snack in the world; the other half being whatever can be found to dip into it (a chip, a tortilla, a huge spoon, etc.). However, too many college students resign themselves to eating that pathetic excuse for a dip that comes in a Tostitos jar. But with a little creativity, you can make your own unique salsa to serve up at your next shindig (or to binge eat while writing a paper…whatever). What follows is a basic recipe, but the ingredients and their quantities can be changed based on your particular tastes. Try some mangoes in there if you're feeling fruity, or change up the peppers for a different spice. Or just mix in a hodgepodge of whatever is in your fridge. Experimentation is half the fun!



3 tomatoes

1 small onion, or ½ of a large onion, chopped

½ green bell pepper, chopped

1 garlic clove, minced

4 or 5 sprigs of cilantro, finely chopped

As much habanera pepper as you can stand, finely chopped (I like to put about 2/3 of a pepper in)

1 or 2 teaspoons cumin powder



Place tomatoes on nonstick cookie sheet and broil in the oven until skin blisters (about 5 minutes). Remove from oven. Peel off skins and put peeled tomatoes in a large mixing bowl. Using a fork, mash tomatoes in bowl until they are at a pureed consistency (you could use a food processor, but that is BO-RING). Add chopped onion, bell pepper, garlic, cilantro, habanera, and cumin powder. Mix well and serve at your next fiesta!

Food Bites:

Hoping to reap your own harvest this fall? Check out www.pickyourown.org for a comprehensive directory of orchards and farms across the U.S., and then some. You can also browse some picking tips and recipes, and find local food festivals as well. It won't be long until you're snacking on fresh-picked produce. The site lists 21 apple-picking orchards in Rhode Island alone.



Stock your shelf with: Coffee Exchange Wickenden Street Blend.

Coffee Exchange is by far the coolest coffee shop in Providence. The shop roasts its own beans, and all of the coffee is Fair Trade. They also partner with Catholic Relief Services, so a portion of their proceeds goes to help the world's poor. Even if they weren't so ethically awesome, the Wickenden Street Blend is mild enough for all coffee tastes, but has enough body to please even the most experienced palate. Brew some caffeinated goodness for yourself.

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