Celebrating our Fallen Heroes

Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday in May. My sincere appreciation goes out to our military heroes and their families. Thank God for the brave soldiers who sacrificed their lives to keep our nation safe. For being such a young nation, we have had to fight strong and hard to keep dominion in our land. Around our great nation Americans pay tribute with parades, memorial commemorations or intimate family gatherings honoring their fallen soldiers. It is a day to reflect on the incredible cost of freedom. Shine a light on your beloved and other soldiers who gave their lives and count your blessings. 

In American tradition, hang your flag at half-staff in honor of your soldier, say a
prayer for their family and thank God for the U.S.A.  At noon raise it to the top of
the staff. Rejoice in your freedom, gather with friends and family, grill those
hamburgers and hot dogs or enjoy the vast diversity of cultural foods in this
nation. In my opinion, salsa completes any barbeque meal. I always offer salsa
con chips. If you choose to include it in your Memorial Day feast, this is my very simple, quick but tasty recipe. 
 
Rosie’s  Salsa

Ingredients:

1 can of El Pato sauce (7 ¾ ounces)
4 roma tomatoes (for spicier use 3 tomatoes)
½ bundle of fresh cilantro (make sure to cut off the very ends of the stems)
1 lemon
1 bundle of green onions
½ tsp salt
½  tsp coarse black pepper 
½ tsp of cumin

Instructions:

Blend El Pato sauce, tomatoes, and cilantro. Transfer into a bowl and add fresh lemon juice. The juice will break it up and it won’t be so thick. Some people prefer a less tangy flavor, in that case use ½ a lemon. Chop green onions, be sure to include the stems, minus the very ends.  Season with salt, pepper and cumin. Stir well and taste, add spices or lemon juice if needed. 

I enjoy this salsa in a variety of ways. I sometimes top my grilled meats, or if I’ve got rice and beans on my plate, I’ll plop some on those. Y aveces, I put it in my green salad instead of a dressing, but always I keep the tortilla chips close at hand.

I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day weekend, taking in the beauty of
spring, remembering your loved one and enjoying your family and friends.