Salsa was a first on Avi Pie, that’s because salsa isn’t just any salsa, it’s Freddy (a.k.a Raul’s) salsa.

Basic ingredients:

Mango, tomatoes, onion, cilantro, serrano pepper, lime, salt and pepper.

In a not so basic recipe:

Like a child grows watching a parent shop for ingredients, unpack, then tastes while hopping and helping into adulthood. Making is the art of pushing simple in a masterful way. Recipes become second nature, so much I’m unsure Freddy realizes the wonder in his own creation.

What’s in a Name

Freddy, introduced by the name Freddy. Years later, Freddy’s family had a party for his sister. The spread was familiar to my own family but interchange Portuguese/Chinese for Mexican.

With a plate full of beans, rice, fresh salsa and tortillas, I made my way to compliment the cook. When introducing myself as “Freddy’s friend.” His mom commented, “who’s Freddy.” This was the first I learned of Freddy’s real name, “Raul.” I asked Freddy about his name and all our friends chimed, knowing the name he grew with but also calling him “Fred” or “Freddy.”

I can’t speak for Freddy but know and continue to learn that in my family, names were purposely changed. My family arrived from Hong Kong when my mom was twelve. In order for a better life, my grandma and grandpa emphasized assimilation. Part of the transition for an easier life was the change of given names to more American sounding names.

No matter the changes, culture and tradition embed — especially when it comes to gatherings and celebrations involving meals.

We usually shop and spoil guests but when Freddy comes to town, I say “whatcha making us.” I hover and hang, watching him slice and dice, hoping to absorb knowledge through osmosis. “Can I help? Do you need…? How do you…? When does this… I follow with pen and paper, taking notes. Even with detailed scribble, these recipes take time and know how.

We visit Freddy in Idaho on the way to Yellowstone in June for one night. He made an “eat the whole bowl, Freddy may I have another” avocado salsa. When asked for the recipe he said, “it’s simple, you just….” Yep, been around this block. I asked too many questions and took meticulous notes, then regretted leaving, wishing to trade a day in Yellowstone/Grand Tetons for learning and a lifetime of this !avocado salsa!

I’ve made the dang thing three times now and while good, not once has the taste been exceptional, like his.

Maybe one day…

Basic ingredients, not so basic recipes.

Back to the salsa we got down!

Tips for Fresh Mango Salsa Fresca

Dice tomatoes, onion, mango, and peppers super small. When I say small, I mean tiny.

Use a sharp knife. With dice size small, a sharp knife is needed to protect precious digits.

Take your time. Dicing small takes time, but patience in tiny pieces will deliver in a salsa like no other.

Dave and I helped, our sections were too big, dice smaller than the mango and cilantro.

We made a couple times now and understand, tiny means tiny equalling the best salsa known to wo (man).

Season with salt, pepper and lime (we like one, Freddy prefers two).

Then stir.

How do you like your salsa?

with chips ~ on tacos ~ in burritos ~ over a tostada ~ in a quesadilla?

~ sweet salty spicy salsa ~

EAT

now

or

refrigerate

for

later.