Fresh salsa can be used in a variety of ways. Go beyond just snacking with chips. Top a simple cooked piece of chicken or fish with salsa. It provides a TON OF FLAVOR! Grab some fresh ingredients and start creating a new favorite. There are no hard-set rules for salsa making. Just begin with a traditional base of tomatoes or tomatillos, or a more creative one of pineapple, sweet potato, mango, carrot or whatever you have on hand.

Next, you’ll need something for some heat, such as fresh or dried peppers. Charring or roasting peppers brings out a smoky flavor. Then add traditional ingredients such as onion, garlic, salt and pepper. While cilantro is a standard addition, you can veer off to try mint, basil, oregano or other herbs. You may want to add a bit of oil into your salsa, too.

Texture is chef’s choice; for a smooth salsa, prepare in a blender, but if you prefer chunky salsa, hand-chop the ingredients. For a compromise, blend only half the ingredients. You can leave the ingredients raw for a bright, fresh flavor, or cook for a deeper, sweeter taste.

While assembling your salsa, think about balancing the colors and the textures, as well as the flavors such as sweet, spicy, salty, sour and savory. Use a splash of lemon and/or lime, a drizzle of honey, a handful of roasted corn kernels, or shredded radish or cabbage. Find a variety of recipes featuring salsa at InSeasonezine.com.

• 1 can (15 ounces) reduced sodium black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped
• 1/2 mango, peeled, pitted and finely chopped
• 3/4 cup pomegranate arils

• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 Tbsps. fresh lime juice
• 1/2 tsp. salt

If you’re looking for some snack ideas for your final holiday gatherings, we’ve got some great options. Below are a couple of ideas to feature wholesome, nutritious snacks that offer something for everyone to enjoy. Snack boards with little plates will help to avoid the holiday excess we often experience. These ideas might be best for Christmas gatherings, but you can change out the small dishes and cookie cutter shapes or decorator tips used to have more stars for a New Years Eve theme. You’re only limited by your imagination. So, grab some fruits, veggies, nuts, crackers, cheeses, and other favorite snack foods to create your own Holiday Snack Board to share at your next festive gathering!

• Cucumbers (cut with a small star cookie cutter)
• Green grapes
• Sliced radishes
• Raspberries
• Brie
• Crackers

• Pistachios & almonds
• Pomegranate arils
• Mini marshmallows
• Honey, for dipping
• Yogurt Pretzels

Recipe and image courtesy of HealthyFamilyProject.com.

• 3 ripe, fresh avocados, halved, pitted, peeled and mashed
• 1-1/2 Tbsp. fresh lime juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 24 woven-wheat crackers
• 2 Tbsp. cilantro leaves, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. almonds, slivered
• 2 Tbsp. red bell peppers, finely diced

Recipe and image courtesy of LoveOneToday.com.

If you’re planning for a holiday breakfast with your family or a larger group, start with an egg casserole that you can prepare ahead and bake in the oven. There are many options on IncredibleEgg.org.

• 1-1/3 cups flour
• 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats
• 1/3 cup sugar
• 2 tsps. baking powder
• 1/4 tsp. salt

• 3/4 cup milk
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1 egg
• 1 cup frozen blueberries

Sweets and snacks made with love are a great gift during the holidays. They can even be “better for you” with a couple of extra ingredients. Choose something made with oats, whole grain flour, fruit or veggies added in.
Wait – did someone say veggies in dessert?? YES!

There are a few which add to the texture and nutritional value of the dessert. Zucchini is one of those ingredients that will surprise you (and your gift recipient). Try zucchini in the cookie recipe below. You can also check out InSeasonezine.com for a giftable mason jar cookie mix. There are plenty of sweet options to choose.

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp. baking soda
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 3/4 cup packed light brown sugar

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. vanilla extract
• 3/4 cup squeezed dry shredded zucchini
• 3/4 cup mini chocolate chips

When you think of fruit, you automatically picture their sweetness featured in breakfast or dessert recipes. But fruits are also a great addition to savory sides too. They offer a balance of flavors that take the dish to the next level. They also add a greater variety of nutrients. Next time you’re trying to check the boxes for a balanced meal, choose sides that feature fruits and vegetables.

• 1 large head cabbage, quartered, cored, and thinly sliced
• 6 slices bacon, cut into 1/4-inch pieces
• 2 medium apples, cored and chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1-1/2 cups apple cider or apple juice

• 1 Tbsp. granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper
• 3 Tbsps. red wine vinegar
• 1 container (5 ounces) crumbled blue cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped walnuts

• 8 slices bacon
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsps. minced shallot
• 1-1/2 Tbsps. balsamic vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard

• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/8 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 package (10 ounces) baby spinach
• 1 container (4 to 5 ounces) crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
• 2 medium Bosc pears, cored and thinly sliced