Manda's Winter Salsa

This salsa is the best!! I have tried many salsa recipes, and this one tops the charts! I don't add jalapenos, but if you like it HOT, go for it!

• Ready In: 1 hr 5 mins
• Serves: 16
• Yields: 4 cups

Ingredients

• 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, diced into small pieces,about half of the liquid drained
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 2  stalks celery, diced (leaves, and all)
• 1⁄4 cup  diced green pepper, , or more to your liking
• 1  small onion, diced
• 1  diced  jalapeno pepper (optional)
• 4 -5  cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄3 cup sugar
• 1⁄4 cup vinegar (I use 1/8 c. cider and 1/8 c. white)
• 1⁄2 limes, juice of or 1⁄4 cup ReaLime juice (fresh is better)
• 1⁄8 teaspoon garlic powder
•  salt and pepper, to taste
• 1⁄8 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1⁄8 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 1⁄2 tablespoons  dried cilantro leaves (, more or less to taste)

Directions

1. In med.
2. saucepan, combine all ingredients, except garlic.
3. Bring to boil, stirring.
4. Add minced garlic, mix, reduce heat and simmer 45 min.
5. ,stirrring occasionally.
6. Remove from heat and let cool.
7. Refrigerate until serving.
8. Serve with tortilla chips.
9. Makes approx.
10. 4 c.
11. of salsa.