"It's a snap to change the spice level in this popular rice side dish by choosing a milder or hotter salsa. 'It's an easy accompaniment to burritos or tacos,' suggests Molly Ingle of Canton, North Carolina."

"Our Test Kitchen came up with a fun way to serve halibut by marinating it in citrus juices and brown sugar, then topping it with a refreshing peach salsa. The colorful entree is pretty enough to serve to company."

"In Fredonia, New York, Joann Woloszyn relies on refrigerated crescent rolls to makes these crisp Southwestern appetizers. 'Choose mild, medium or hot salsa to suit your taste,' Joann suggests."

"'You can't beat this combination of sweet squash, zippy salsa and eye-catching orange color for a deliciously different and fun side dish,' assures Marilyn Young of Riverside, Ohio."

"This may look and sound sort of bad, but let me tell you, there isn't a tastier, nutritious, salsa-like dip to hold you over while you wait for dinner. Funny enough, this was created as an experiment with leftovers, and now I have over 15 friends making it on a regular basis! This is a great recipe that can be stored in the refrigerator for several days for a quick, anytime snack. (Frozen corn, heated and cooled in the same manner, may be used in place of the corn on the cob.)"

"Guests will rave about this combination of fire roasted salsa and guacamole--you'll make it again and again!"

The cream cheese gives this a bit of a sweet tangy taste you don't have in most salsa dips. Pick a salsa you like since that is where most of the flavor comes from. If you like a hotter taste you can always add additional hot sauce. I recommend using a crock pot to keep it warm while serving.

I don't recall the history of this salsa recipe. But it's one of those childhood moments in which I have specific memories of this spread or dip always being included on the buffet table at the parties my mom and dad hosted in our home. There was never any left, and everyone seemed to enjoy it. It's great with tortilla chips, dry crackers (especially a zesty herb cracker), fresh vegetables and deli snack breads.

This was published in Real Simple magazine, September 06. I haven't tried it yet, but it sounds like a great, quick alternative to plain rice.ZWT 3: US (southern us) and Mexican/SW/Tex-Mex (salsa)