Inspired after seeing Julie and Julia, I set out to make a fresh salsa to make proper use of the tomatoes. Researching recipes, I learned that fresh raw salsa -- as opposed to most salsa that includes cooked tomatoes -- is called salsa cruda. There are many different things that can be included but I found a simple recipe that would use fresh chives, scallions, basil and tomatoes from my organic garden. I had to buy the rest of the ingredients but still pride myself on a home-grown salsa.
After chopping onions and tomatoes and other produce for an hour and adding spices to taste, I discovered the wonders of freshly grown and freshly made salsa. Not only did it please the palate, it brought great satisfaction to my soul. It is such a strange feeling to be proud of this type of accomplishment.
I have always been driven to succeed in my education and profession. Proving your intellect, advancing in the workplace, gaining the confidence and trust of professionals, all of these were worthy of attainment and I spend most of my daylight hours working toward these goals. But when I really think about feelings of pride, the salsa cruda is right up there.
