apple pear salsa with cilantro

Makes 1 cup

This salsa is a refreshing side to winter dishes of any kind. The heat from the jalapeño cuts through roasted meats to add a fresh note to meals. This salsa also works well as an accompaniment to Fish Tacos (see here) or Hard-Cider-Braised Short Ribs (see here). Pears break down quickly and do not hold well, so the recipe is intentionally a small portion—enough for just one meal.

SUGGESTED VARIETIES: Fresh-eating apples are best in salsas. Try Cameo, Honeycrisp, or Crimson Delight.

1 medium apple, cored and cut into small dice

1 medium pear, cored and cut into small dice

1 cup chopped fresh cilantro (about 13 bunch)

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper

2 tablespoons finely chopped seeded jalapeño

Juice from 1 lime

In a medium bowl, stir all of the ingredients together until well blended. Serve immediately.