Tutorial: How to cut a Mango

Mangoes are basically the most delicious fruit of all time.  I'm fairly certain this is a known fact all around the world.  I'm pretty sure that having a mango tree would be better than a cash money tree in my backyard.  Pretty sure...

I ate mangoes for years before I learned how to cut them properly.  I'm a little surprised that I didn't cut my hand off in the pursuit of mango tastiness.  Once you get that peel off those suckers are awfully slick.  So in order to not have any finger casualties I am going to teach you how to dice a mango.

Wash your Mango..nothing is worse than a dirty fruit.

In the middle of the Mango is a huge non removable pit, and that sucker is bit.  It is kind of oval shaped and fairly flat.  You Just slice, as close to the pit as you can, the two sides off.

Slice the Mango into the shape that you want.  I wanted diced so I made a cute checker pattern with my knife.  Be careful not to cut through the peel.

Now just flip the mango peel out so the dices are poking out like this. 

Just slice those pretty little Mango chunks off..easy as pie!

I mentioned that the pit is oval shaped...that means there is still some yummy mango on the other sides of the pit.  Just slice them off getting as close to the pit as you can and cut the peel away. 

Check out all the yummy diced Mango!  So easy!

Hopefully you will be enjoying Mangoes in no time!

Mexican haystack Recipe

This summer has been so fun and busy at my house.  I must admit that I have been a very lazy cook..something about the warm weather and running around.  There has been more than one night spent enjoying take out.

I decided that I had to put a stop to my food tomfoolery and I started to cook again.  I whipped up a yummy dish that my family loved.  Mexican Haystacks!!  Similar to Hawaiian Haystacks only about a million times more delicious.  I thought the Mango would be a little odd..but it was amazing!  Just the flavor pop that this dish needed.  Give it a try!  For reals..you won't be sad..you'll be satisfied. 

You will need Ground Turkey, Onion, Bell Pepper, Taco Seasoning, Cilantro, Mango, Salsa, Rice, Avocado, and Black Beans.

Start cooking the Rice according to package instructions.  Chop up the Onion and Bell Pepper and toss them in a warm pan with just a bit of oil.  Saute until softened.

Add the Turkey to the Bell Pepper/Onion mixture, toss in a little Taco Seasoning,  and cook until the meat is no longer pink.  Pour in some Salsa and let simmer a few minutes.  This is my top secret ingredient in all Taco meat. 

Dice the Mango (check here for instructions) and chop up the Cilantro.

Mix the Cilantro into the cooked rice.  Cilantro makes most things better.

Arrange the Meat, Rice, and toppings nicely so folks can put what they want on their Haystack.  See how tasty mine is!  Wowzers!  Enjoy!

Mexican Haystacks Recipe
Source:  Whole & Free

2 C Uncooked Brown Rice
1 Bunch Cilantro
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 Lb Ground Turkey
1 Onion, Diced
1 Bell Pepper, Diced
2-4 TBSP Taco Seasoning
1 C Salsa

Toppings:
1 Mango, Diced
1 Avocado, Diced
Black Beans

Cook the Brown Rice according to package instructions.

Meanwhile add the Onion and Bell Pepper to a pan with a drizzle of Olive Oil.  Cook for a few minutes until they begin to soften.  Add in the Ground Turkey and Taco Seasoning.  Cook until no longer pink.  Add in the Salsa and simmer about 20 minutes.

Chop up the Cilantro, Mango, and Avocado.  When the rice is done mix in a handful of the Cilantro.

Arrange all of the toppings so everyone can garnish as they please.  Start with rice on the bottom followed by the meat.  From there the possibilities are endless!

Enjoy!