Mangoes add extra fireworks to July Fourth celebrations

The only thing better than July Fourth is a July Fourth that creates a three-day weekend. Let the picnics, deck parties and poolside snacking begin - and we strongly suggest taking today's Mango and Tomato Salsa along for the ride.

This quick salsa can go just about anywhere and go with just about anything, whether you scoop it up with red, white and blue tortilla chips or scatter it over your favorite fish.

In Miami, salsa recipes start coming to the fore about the same time co-workers start dumping bags of ripe mangoes on each other's desks. (Beverly is on her third batch of this salsa after getting a Hefty bag full of amazing mangoes just last week.)

Even if you don't have a mango tree in the backyard, fresh mangoes are available in supermarkets everywhere. If you simply can't get your hands on a fresh one, jarred mango strips from the supermarket produce section make a surprisingly acceptable substitute.

In less than 20 minutes you can produce this bright burst of flavors that just might compete with the fireworks.

• Beverly Mills and Alicia Ross are co-authors of "Desperation Dinners!" (Workman, 1997), "Desperation Entertaining!" (Workman, 2002) and "Cheap. Fast. Good!" (Workman, 2006). Contact them at Desperation Dinners, c/o United Media, 200 Madison Ave., New York, NY 10016, or tellus@kitchenscoop.com. Or visit the Desperation Dinners Web site at kitchenscoop.com.