FRUIT SALSA AND CHIPS

-Joni Haws

 

 

Recently, I found myself in the rare situation of being in an empty house, alone, with a TV. Usually my daytimes are monopolized by Dora- and Spongebob-watchers. Any evening TV consumption is an act of compromise with the hubs.

 

But not this time. This time I was blissfully alone. So, of course, I watched Family Feud. What? Judge not.

 

Right away it was pretty clear that one of the families was Mormon. My first clue was the fact that 4 of the 5 women featured were pregnant, the remaining a mother of a young baby. Modest clothing and every-strand-in-place hair were also making a strong case. When asked what she did for a living, one of the women replied that she was a “Domestic Goddess.” They may as well have been wearing name tags. I was already convinced, but it was the response of their team leader during game play that clinched it.

 

The topic was “Top 5 things men hope won’t happen on Superbowl Sunday.” Answers like the cable going out and their favored team losing had already been established. In a last ditch effort before the board was turned to the other team, our Mormon friend replied, “That church time won’t conflict with the game.”

 

The host, Steve Harvey, a little stunned, put his arm around her and said in a very measured voice, “We don’t go to church on Superbowl Sunday.”

 

Nonplussed, the woman replied, “We do!”

 

Needless to say, her answer was not on the board, but you can bet I was chuckling out loud, in all my glorious alone-ness. Good on ya, Sister.

 

Which brings me to today’s refreshment. Football season is just around the corner and when it comes to game day snacks, chips and dip is always the number one answer at our house. But, since it is still summer, l’m going to let you in on my favorite summer twist on chips and dip: Fruit salsa with homemade chips. Whether you root for red or blue or, like me, just show up for the food, this snack is sure to be a homerun. Er, touchdown.

 

 

FRUIT SALSA AND CHIPS

 

 

Salsa:

2 Granny Smith apples

3 kiwis

1 lb strawberries

1 lime

sugar to taste

 

Peel kiwis, core apples and chop all fruit into uniform chunks. Small is good. Combine and add the juice of the lime and the sugar. Feel free to adjust these amounts to your taste, but I find the juice of the entire lime and about a Tbsp of sugar are about right.

 

Chips:

10 (or more) tortillas

cinnamon and sugar

 

 

Cut tortillas into eighths (a pizza cutter works great) and lay in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Spray with Pam or butter spray and sprinkle with cinnamon/sugar mixture. Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until golden. (Word to the wise: Dark pans cook faster and if you’re using two cookie sheets, the one on the bottom might cook faster. Check frequently to avoid burning. No, of course I’ve never burned them myself.) Let sit for a while to get crispy. (In a pinch, look for cinnamon and sugar flavored pita chips, although I don’t think they’re as good.)