Cranberry Salsa

I wanted to hurry and get this recipe posted in case anyone was looking for a festive and unique appetizer for Thanksgiving Day. My new friend, Sherrill, made this and I couldn't stop eating it. Everyone was raving about it. I love salsa, but really only make it during the summer months. The cranberries make it perfect for fall and winter. You can really taste the fresh lime juice, and the jalapeno gives it the perfect amount of heat. Not too spicy. Sherrill served it with tortilla chips, and it was incredible just like that. But we agreed the possibilities were endless - over chicken or fish, poured over a block of cream cheese with crackers, sprinkled with pecans, even spread on a leftover-Thanksgiving-turkey sandwich.

I will definitely be making this a lot over the next few months.

1 (12 ounce) bag cranberries, fresh or frozen
1 bunch cilantro, chopped
1 bunch green onions, cut into 3 inch lengths (reserve and chop some for sprinkling on top)
1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced
2 limes, juiced
1/2 cup white sugar
1 pinch salt

Combine cranberries, cilantro, green onions, jalapeno pepper, lime juice, sugar, and salt in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a medium blade. Chop to medium consistency. Sprinkle with chopped green onions.

I love making new friends; especially ones that make killer food and share the recipes! Thanks, Sherrill!! :o)

Crockpot Cranberry-Apple Pork

I have this in the crockpot for dinner tonight...

3-4 pound pork loin

1 can cranberry sauce

1/2 cup apple juice (I used cider)

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 onion, chopped

2 apples, peeled and chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

salt and pepper to taste

In a small bowl, combine cranberry sauce, apple juice, brown sugar and garlic. Salt and pepper the pork loin and place in bottom of crockpot. Place apples and onions around the pork. Pour sauce over top. Cook on low 7-9 hours. I plan to serve this with mashed pototoes and broccoli tonight.

**12/20/09 - Made this a few nights ago. Forgot how yummy it is. This time I seared the tenderloin first, and used unsweetened applesauce instead of apple juice because I didn't have any. I liked what it did for the sauce. Also threw in a handful of dried cranberries. Next time I will do more. Served over couscous. YUM!