Skip to content

Robert St. John

Restaurateur, author, enthusiastic traveler, & world-class eater.

Salsa

Ingredients

1-14.5 ounce can Fire-Roasted San Marzano Tomatoes, drained
1-10 ounce can Rotel Tomatoes, original or spicy, drained
1/3 cup Red Onion, medium dice (Char in a hot cast iron skillet before blending for added depth)
2 tablespoons Fresh Jalapeño, diced (Char in a hot cast iron skillet before blending for added depth)
1 1/2 teaspoons Roasted Garlic, minced (Roast a whole garlic bulb wrapped in foil with olive oil at 400°F for about 40 minutes)
1/2 teaspoon Ground Cumin
1/2 teaspoon Chili Powder
1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt
1/4 teaspoon Smoked Paprika (Especially effective when using fire-roasted tomatoes)
1/4 cup Cilantro, chopped
1 tablespoon Lime Juice
1 tablespoon Orange Juice
1 teaspoon Apple Cider Vinegar
1/2 cup Fresh Tomato, finely chopped (Folded in after blending for added texture)
Pinch of Sugar or Drizzle of Honey (Balances acidity and heat)

Instructions

Makes about 3 cups

Place all ingredients into the bowl of a food processor with the blade attachment. Pulse several times until salsa reaches desired consistency. Fold in the finely chopped fresh tomato at the end for added texture.

Store refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Recent Recipes

Potato Gratin

Potatoes are the one vegetable I could never give up. Fried, roasted, mashed, or scalloped—doesn’t matter, they’re always on the table in one form or another. This gratin is my favorite way to make them feel a little more special. It’s rich, creamy, and just decadent enough to make it feel like you’re putting in some extra effort. There’s a good bit of cheese in this recipe, but that’s exactly how it should be. The combination of sharp white Cheddar, gruyere, and Parmesan gives it the perfect balance of nuttiness, creaminess, and tang. And using Yukon gold potatoes instead of russets makes a big difference. They have just the right amount of starch to get creamy without getting mushy. This dish is a showstopper on the holiday table, but I’d eat it on a random Tuesday without hesitation.

Read more

Orange Cranberry Muffins

These muffins are like Christmas morning in a bite—bright, citrusy orange paired with tart, bursting cranberries. The combination feels like something you'd find in a festive basket dropped off by a thoughtful neighbor. Perfect for Christmas gift giving or to have on hand for guests throughout the holiday.

Read more

Chocolate Christmas Cheesecake

Chef Linda Roderick has been by my side through these cookbooks for over two decades, and there’s no one I’d rather have guiding me through a cheesecake recipe. She’s a master of the craft—steady, exacting, and always aiming for perfection. This rich, decadent chocolate cheesecake is no exception. It's all about balance. The deep, smooth chocolate filling meets a crisp, slightly salty crust for a perfect bite every time. Ensure your cream cheese is at room temperature before mixing—otherwise, you’ll end up with lumps. And when you melt the chocolate, give it time to cool slightly before mixing it into the batter, so you don’t end up with curdled filling. It’s worth the patience, every time. A few techniques can elevate this recipe to another level: chilling the dough overnight for a richer flavor, using a water bath to ensure an ultra-smooth texture, and letting the cheesecake rest for at least 24 hours before serving for the best flavor.

Read more