Salsa is a great dish to make in the fall, when you have lots of extra tomatoes in your garden. Salsa originated in the Incan empire, and this delicious combination of spices, chilies, tomatoes and onions has been around for over four hundred years. It's easy to make, and it's a good way to use up those extras vegetables. One of the best things about salsa is that you can preserve it and store it for a long time. Like any other preserves or home-canned goods, though, it's important to make sure you label everything. This way, you know what's in the jar, and how long it's been in there. By making decorative labels for your salsa jars, you can keep track of everything in your pantry and have a great homemade item to give as a gift.
Instructions
1. Choose your label size. Although many people like to use the address label-sized ones, which come thirty to a page, you can put a lot more on a larger label. Consider using one of the "name badge" sized labels instead. Although they only come ten to a page, you'll be able to do a lot more creative work with them.
2. Create a design for your label. Use your computer's software for this. You can do it in Microsoft Word, using a label template, or use MS Publisher. Choose whichever program is easiest for you to work with. For your design, you can insert clip art of garden vegetables if you like, or even go with a Mexican theme---sombreros, chili peppers or other south-of-the-border ideas.
3. Add a border to the label. Make it bright and colorful. Most publishing programs have a southwestern-style border available.
4. Add text to your label. Be sure to write down what is inside the jar. If you like, you can just write "Salsa," but if you've used a special recipe, put that one there instead, such as "Grandma Nell's Texas Salsa." In a smaller text, be sure to list the ingredients. Finally, include the date that you preserved and canned the salsa in the jar.
5. Print your labels. Use your color printer to print these out. Wait a few moments so the color ink will dry and not get smeared.
6. Affix the labels to the salsa jars. Place them on a clean, dry side of the jars. If you plan to give them as gifts, add a bit of raffia or some ribbon, and share your homemade goodies with friends!
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