Salsa Contest Winner - June 2011
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Fired Up
Just as our tastebuds cooled from last year’s competition, we got fired up for round two of our epic contest for the state’s best salsa. Because we want you to be able to enjoy the winning entry, all salsas had to be available in stores or online, and, of course, all had to be made in New Mexico.
Cindy’s Yummy & Healthy Salsa, made in Albuquerque, prevailed as best salsa in New Mexico over 20 entrants in our contest this year. Our judges were Cheryl Jamison, a culinary tourism expert and four-time James Beard Award_winning cookbook author; Al Lucero, co-owner of Maria's New Mexican Kitchen, in Santa fe; and Tricia Ware, New Mexico Magazine editor in chief and salsa enthusiast. The judges were looking for strong New Mexican flavors and a salsa with a good texture for dipping. They found it here.
Cindy Norris, of Cindy’s Yummy & Healthy Salsa, may have only been in business for two years, but she has a winning recipe on her hands. Our judges loved this fresh salsa’s local flavors and delectable consistency. “It’s a homemade, all-natural salsa. We don’t use any chemical preservatives. It’s put together with a lot of love,” says Norris. The salsa is available in three heat levels (we chose the medium) and can be purchased in Albuquerque at La Montanita Co-op, by calling (505) 553-4990, or e-mailing yummyhealthysalsa@yahoo.com.
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Notable salsas:
Black Market Salsa—The judges singled out Black Market Salsa (medium) for its fire-roasted, not-too-hot flavor. Owner Mike Greiner, of Albuquerque, says he first learned this recipe from a friend while in college. "I had to learn to feed himself," he jokes. Greiner has since refined the flavors in this fresh salsa, which is available at La Montanita Co-Op in Albuquerque. For info: (505) 504-8529
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Burrito Banquet Salsa—Our panel enjoyed Burrito Banquet Salsa (medium) for its classic flavors and perfect heat level. "I just consider it honest salsa," says owner Nancy McBrayer, of Cimarrón. "It's what people expect salsa to be." McBrayer learned this recipe from a friend, but calls it her own after 27 years in business. To order: (575) 483-2921.
Special thank to Maria's New Mexican kitchen for hosting our Salsa Contest taste testing. 555 W. Cordova Rd., (505) 983-7929, www.marias-santafe.com
