I had to do something very difficult last week. I had to say goodbye to a very sweet and dear friend. In our every day lives, we meet acquaintances. However, there are other times where you meet someone new and have an immediate connection. You read each others mind and finish each others sentences. These special friends are life long friends. I believe that send off's should be a happy occasion and full of inspiration despite the fact that you are hurting inside. The world is quite a small place and I know that our paths will cross again. I hosted a little evening gathering and decided make a few dishes that reminded me of my dear friend's bright, lively and colorful personality. Mango Salsa Dancing in Endive Cups is like biting into a little party. The natural sweetness of the mango and the spice of the chilli peppers and the crisp crunch of the endive make this is a colorful zesty appetizer.
Mango Salsa Dancing in Endive Cups: Makes about 18 cups just about enough for one hungry teenager
Recipe Adapted from Ellie Krieger from Food Network
- 1-2 jalapeno chili chopped finely(depends on how spicy you want it)
- Juice from 1 lime
- 2 tomatoes finely chopped (or can add 1 cucumber and 1 tomato)
- 1 tablespoon honey or use sugar substitute
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- 1 red onion finely chopped
- 1 mango chopped (Mangos from the Philippines are so sweet and delicious, my favorite)
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 2 endive (washed, separated and trimmed on the edges)
Step 1: Get the party started and pour yourself, the hostess, a glass of wine. After all you should let the wine breath...
Step 2: Mix jalapeno, lime, tomatoes, honey, bell pepper, onion, mango, salt, pepper, cilantro together and place in fridge in a covered container for about 2-3 hours to let the flavors mingle.
Step 3: This week in Chinese New Year and flowers are in abundance at all the markets and I need some decorations to liven up this party. My Mango Salsa Dancing in Endive Cups also conveniently became the center piece on the table. In order to create this edible decoration, just cut the kiwi in half and place the stems of the flowers inside in a decorative fashion. The moisture from the kiwi kept the flowers perky until the wee hours of the night.
Step 4: Strain the mango salsa so that you remove the accumulated moisture from the marination process.
Step 5: Place the endive leaves on your plate and arrange around flower center piece.
Step 6: Add about 1 tablespoon of mango salsa to each endive leave. Do not over full, just enough salsa to make each endive cup a quick bite.
Step 7: Refill your wine glass and set your Mango Salsa Dancing endive cups on the table for a tasty light appetizer and beautiful center piece.
Ingredients
- jalapeno -
- cucumber -
- mangoes -
- low glycemic sugar alternatives -
- tomato -
- red bell pepper -
- red onion -
- cilantro -
- endive -
Charles says
Hi Bam, sorry you had to say good bye... it's never an easy thing to do! Great tip on the kiwi/flower thing by the way!
I've never been a massive fan of endives, but I think the mango salsa would do a superb job at balancing the bitterness here... it looks wonderful!
Kathleen Richardson says
Beautiful display. Are the flowers Phlox (or as my English friend called them, Rocket)? Love the kiwi idea, too.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Oh Katheleen you are so funny. Even after a year of ikebana in Japan I still do not know the name of any flowers. I just call them pretty purple, pink or red flowers that were on sale in the wet market. I know I am terrible, I'm not very girly at all... Take care, BAM
Choc Chip Uru says
This is actually gorgeous - I can't believe how beautiful it looks! In fact, I would not want to eat it for fear of ruining it - so talented, creative and delicious 😀
Cheers
Choc Chip Uru
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Choc chip Uru. I would feel the same way about your beautiful cakes and cookies but would get over my fear after my first bite...
Wholesome Cook says
Your salsa in little lettuce spoons looks amazing, and I am sure it was a beautifully sweet accent to the farewells.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Almost a bitter sweet combo- slightly bitter from the endive(tears) and slightly sweet from the mango (hugs)
Jill | Dulce Dough says
What a gorgeous presentation! Saying goodbye to good friends is so hard.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Jill. I am glad I do not have to say goodbye every week as my heart could not take it.
Geni - Sweet and Crumby says
The title hooked me! And the photos mesmerized me. I would love some of these. I had to recently say goodbye to one of my dearest friends who has just moved a few states away from me. It was and is very hard. Take care sweetie! What a nice way to send her off!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Dear Geni, I want to apologize to you. I started looking in my spam box and noted that I had 2 comments from you in my Spam box??? I do not know why this happened? Automatic Askimetz is not all it is cracked up to be on wordpress. I love reading your comments and sorry for my delay on my response. Thank goodness for the internet to keep us all in touch when we must separate from those that are very near and dear to us.
Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric says
I like how you made some dishes to suit your friend's personality - I'm sure he or she felt honoured. Goodbyes are always hard and it's nice you marked it with a celebration.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you Preena. A celebration indeed! I believe all changes happen for a reason and if it is not apparent now one day we will know that it was a good change. Take care, BAM
Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric says
beautiful presentation! stunning!