Chuck's Surprising Salsa

Our friends Chuck and Sandy have a plot in a community garden that is producing loads of tomatoes. (This is in stark contrast to our own three tomato containers, which thanks to the Evil Stalker Groundhog now bear only a few green fruit.) This means lots of gazpacho, tomato sauce, and salsa—and luckily, it means enough salsa to share. Chuck has made the most of his garden bounty by incorporating surprising ingredients like tarragon and oregano, with delicious results.

The lesson: Don't be afraid to play around with flavors. Experiment with what you have on hand, and chances are, you'll come up with a winning combination.

Salsa

8 medium-size tomatoes
2 small onions
2 cloves of garlic
1 medium cucumber
2 small hot peppers, with seeds
1 generous t. thyme
1 generous t. parsley
1/2 t.  oregano
1/2 t. tarragon
2 small hot peppers, with seeds
Hot sauce, salt, and pepper to taste. 


 Chop vegetables and place in blender with herbs, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Blend, then strain to desired consistency—if you like it wet, leave the juices in. If you like it thicker, the strained juice makes a good, spicy Bloody Mary mix!