4 lg. ripe tomatoes
1 c. canned tomatoes
1 sm. white onion OR 6 scallions (green part only)
1 clove garlic, minced
2 to 4 jalapeno OR serrano chilies, seeded and finely chopped
1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro
Salt and freshly ground black pepper

Seed and dice tomatoes. Finely chop onion or scallions, Combine all tomatoes and onion in glass or ceramic bowl; add garlic, chiles and cilantro. Mix well, season with salt and pepper to taste. Add more chiles if you like. Serve at once or let stand to allow flavors to blend. Yield: 2 plus cups.

Variation: To make tropical fruit salsa, omit tomatoes, onion, garlic, salt and pepper. Substitute 2 ripe mangoes or papayas or 2 cups fresh diced pineapple. Mix with jalapenos and cilantro.