Recipe: Firecracker Salsa (using jalapenos, dried cherries, and cherry preserves)

Firecracker Salsa (using jalapenos, dried cherries, and cherry preserves)

Serve with grilled swordfish or tuna. It s also excellent as a topping for hamburgers.

1/2 cup dried tart cherries
1/2 cup cherry preserves
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1/2 cup chopped red onion
1/2 chopped yellow bell pepper
1/4 chopped jalapeno peppers, or to taste
1 to 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
1 teaspoon lime or lemon juice

Combine dried cherries, cherry preserves and vinegar in a small microwave-safe bowl; mix well. Microwave on High (100% power) 1 to 1-1/2 minutes, or until hot. Let stand 5 minutes.

Stir in red onion, yellow bell pepper, jalapeno peppers, cilantro and lime juice. Refrigerate, covered, 3 to 4 hours or overnight.

Makes about 1 1/2 cups; enough for 6 to 8 servings with a main course
Source: Cherry Marketing Institute