5 Easy Fabulous Mango Recipes

**found in Real Simple Magazine, March 2012

Ah.  Naturally gluten-free.  Don't we all just love that?  I know I do!  And healthy.  Yes, Mother Nature's fruits have sugar, but it's better sugar then those sweets you keep shoving in your mouth.  Don't think I don't know...

Desperate for a sunny mid-winter break?  A sweet mango is the next best thing to a tropical location!

How to choose:

Look for a mango with unblemished skin that yields to gentle pressure from your thumb.  (The color doesn't indicate ripeness; mangoes can vary from green with a red blush to yellow orange, depending on the variety.)  Check for a fruity aroma at the stem end.

How to store:

Keep mangoes in a paper bag at room temperature until ripe, then refrigerate for up to 4 days.  Cut mango will keep for 2 days in the refrigerator in a sealed container.

How to slice:

Remove the skin with a y-shaped peeler.  Then, holding the fruit with a paper towel, stand it on its end on a cutting board.  Using a serrated or sharp chef's knife, cut along one of the flat sides to remove the fattest part of the flesh (sometimes called the cheek); repeat on the other side.  Trim any remaining flesh off the pit.  Slice or chop as desired.

5 Ways To Enjoy Mango

1.  Mango, Cucumber and Avocado Salsa

Toss chopped mango, cucumber, avocado, jalapeno, and red onion with lime juice; season with salt and pepper.

2.  Peppered Roast Beef and Mango Sandwich

Spread mayonnaise and Sriracha (or GF Asian chili-garlic sauce) on GF whole grain toast (like Udi's or Katz).  Form a sandwich with roast beef, thinly sliced mango, and watercress.

3.  Chili Mango Salad

Sprinkle sliced mango with coarse sea salt, a pinch of cayenne pepper, and lime juice

4.  Mango and Coconut Smoothie

In a blender, puree cut-up mango, coconut milk, fresh mint, honey and ice until smooth.

5.  Caramelized Mango Sundae

Dip mango wedges in sugar to coat.  Cook in a nonstick skillet over high heat until caramelized.  Let cool slightly and serve with ice cream or frozen yogurt.

Enjoy!! xoxo Julie

www.goodiegoodiegluten-free.blogspot.com