Finally! We moved, but it’s not all smooth sailing yet. We’re living out of boxes and we don’t have a kitchen yet. While our perfect kitchen is being built (which we will be talking about soon), I’m going to have to get crafty. I do have many plug-in appliances (rice cooker, toaster oven, panini press, waffle maker, microwave, etc.) so we’re still going to have a ball here. I think we’re going to be pleasantly surprised with how much I (or you) can do without a kitchen. (Gulp) Determined to eat well every single day without exceptions, here goes…
One of the questions I often get is, “How do you eat so much and not get super fat?” I don’t know if I have all of the answers but I believe it has to do with 2 main things. One is that I try to stay away from processed foods. I’m pretty sure that something about all those chemicals messes with your body and screws up your metabolism, but I’m not a scientist so take my opinion as is. The second is that I stay very active. I started out as a figure skater and gymnast, and I’ve gone through fazes of yoga, marathon/triathlon training, hip-hop and break-dancing, or just basic gym-going. I also love walking in nice weather. (Sorry, this is starting to sound like a personals ad. I assure you, I am happily married.)
Sometimes my exercise routine gets boring so as soon as I feel less motivated, I just switch to a new activity. I try to find something fresh and exciting that I’ll look forward to every time instead of dread. It should feel like a hobby and not a work-out program. Lately, my thing has been salsa dancing (on 2). I take classes but haven’t had the nerve to go out to a club yet. I love the music, the rhythm, the sexy feel. I think it has even taught me how to better walk in heels. (I’m a flip-flops kind of girl.)
Speaking of salsa (and you should totally come dance with me), I’ve made this Pineapple Salsa several times and I couldn’t believe that I haven’t written about it. I’ve served it with tortilla chips, which is an easy party starter to throw together. I’ve also served it on top of grilled fish, a bright and refreshing touch, extremely versatile and pretty. You just want to be sure you’re using ripe and sweet pineapple.
Pineapple Salsa
~about 2 cups
- 1 1/4 cup (1/4″) diced pineapple (no core)
- 1/2 cup (1/4″) diced seedless cucumber
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped cilantro
- 1/2 jalapeno, seeded and chopped (1/8″ bits)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- kosher salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions –
Stir all of the ingredients together. Cover and rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. You can store longer and just take it out when you’re ready to serve. Best same day.
Pineapple Bowl
If you want to take the extra steps, it’s fun to serve it in a pineapple bowl. Just cut a pineapple in half. You will be using the bottom half.
Cut around the edge. Cut the inside into pieces to remove. It’s difficult to remove it whole and it’s a meaningless effort because you’re going to chop up the pineapple anyway.
I usually cut around, leaving the core.
After you make the pineapple salsa, you can put it in the pineapple bowl, wrap with plastic wrap, and store till serving. It’s all ready to go when guests come.
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This is a cool salsa. Love the combo of cucumber and pineapple. I bet it’ll be great with grilled fish.
i love the salsa and its presentation, and i also love how you led into it. i went salsa dancing once and, after a quick but thorough lesson, had an absolute blast!
What a refreshing twist to salsa!
And, as always, you delight us with your beautiful photography!
Carmen
How fun! I recently took a Zumba class at the gym that had a little bit of salsa dancing in it. It was great!
This is a wonderful idea. I read these blogs and think, “why didn’t I think of that.” Funny about the zumba mention. I do zumba four times a week and I thought of it right away with this post.
interesting, I bet the pineapple actually has a lot of tomato like properties.
Thanks for the compliments everyone! I’ve heard of Zumba, through a friend who does it in Nashville, but I’ve never tried it. If anyone wants to go salsa dancing with me, let me know.
This would be so good with grilled Pork. So summery and festive.
Beautiful presentation! I like the use of cucumbers in the salsa to make it taste so refreshing.
It’s a very good party food idea 🙂
Sister…it is really beautiful piece. I will try it because of this presentation.
I have done something very similar to this before…only I grilled the pineapple to impart a little smokey flavor and added just a hint of fresh basil…
The grilled pineapple should be cooled before adding to mixture, otherwise you risk cooking the rest of the ingredients and you lose the fresh/coolness of the cucumber.
The basil ads that oh so wonderful snap of summer and plays off the cucumber and citrus notes in the pineapple.
Mouth.is.watering.