"My wife’s friend, Priscilla, made this salad—a cross between salad and relish—for a holiday party once, and everyone loved it. The flavors are so wonderful, this dish might become one of your holiday traditions too."

Ingredients:

• 2 limes
• 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and finely chopped*
• 4 ripe Fuyu persimmons**
• 1 pomegranate, seeded
• 1⁄4 cup toasted pine nuts (To toast pine nuts heat a skillet over medium heat; add pine nuts. Cook 3 minutes or until toasted, shaking pan frequently. Cool on paper towels.)
• 3 Tbsp. olive oil
• 1⁄2 cup cilantro leaves
• Cilantro sprigs

* Kitchen Note: Hot chile peppers, such as jalapeños, contain oils that may burn your skin and eyes. When working with chile peppers, wear plastic or rubber gloves. If your bare hands touch chile peppers, wash well with soap and water.

** Fuyu persimmons are a variety of persimmons that has a tomato shape and should be eaten while firm. This firmer texture makes them ideal for slicing and using in salads. Look for Fuyu persimmons that have shiny skins and bright green caps. Avoid those that are soft or bruised. Find them in large supermarkets and Asian food markets October through December.

Preparation:

1. Squeeze juice from limes into large bowl. Add jalapeño. Let stand 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, trim and discard top and bottoms from persimmons. Thinly slice persimmons. Toss persimmons, pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, olive oil, and cilantro in lime juice. Season to taste with salt. Let stand 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
3. Top with cilantro sprigs. Serve immediately.