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 -
Hannah (BitterSweet) says
What a wonderfully refreshing appetizer... It sounds like a nice way to say goodbye on a high note, at least.
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Hannah. Eating , laughing and celebrating now as I can cry any old day....
Karen says
Sweet, spicy, crispy...sounds great. You and your friend's paths will definitely cross again. If not in person at least you will connect through the internet.
Healthy World Cuisine says
I certainly hope they don't block Healthy World Cuisine in China. My dear friend is from Shanghai so we can communicate by email, Skype but no Facebook as this is blocked in China.
Kay aka Babygirl says
I just LOVE using endive cups to present anything in and this mango salsa looks so delicious. Such a great recipe
Healthy World Cuisine says
Endives are like natures little cups so convenient and with a little bit of tang.
katyarich says
I'm sorry for your lost, you make it really good, beautiful pictures...looks great, take care XXxx katya
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Katy, I sure needed the XXXx. Ifeel better already. Take care, BAM
zestybeandog says
What great, fresh ingredients! I love the presentation as well! Nicely done!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Jen. It is so easy to get fresh ingredients with the wet market and just walking through it gives me inspiration.
wok with ray says
Not only it is a good idea, it is good styling to put mango salsa in endive cups. Beautiful!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Ray. Endives are natures perfect little cups.
gardenfreshtomatoes says
Beautiful recipe! I adore mango salsa, and often have it with swordfish in the summer...
I really love the Sweet William in the kiwi friut - great idea!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I love mangoes in any shape or form. As I am writing this having some sliced with my lunch. So sweet.... Love it on grilled swordfish. Bam
promenadeplantings says
I'm sorry to hear you lost a good friend, it leaves a hole doesn't it. But what a lovely way to celebrate your friendship. And I adore Mangoes, and the recipe looks perfect. Thank you 🙂
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thank you. Big hole at that but we all must move on knowing that it is a small world and will catch up again. Take care, Bam
Tandy says
I absolutely love the look of these - and I hope the good bye is not too sad!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Tandy. Just as an Fyi my computer is broken, hardware issue and needs to go to the shop. Currently doing everything from my iPad so I don't know-how this ready steady cook documentation is going to go. I have never published posts from my iPad before....
Tandy says
email me if you get stuck 🙂
Zoe @ Pantry and Fridge says
I feel for you, having to say goodbye to your friend. 🙁 I hate goodbyes... Yet another reminder to enjoy every moment and take nothing for granted... That's why I love delicious food. 🙂
On a happier note I am sure this treat went over well! It looks really yummy.
Chin up. 😀
Healthy World Cuisine says
Live life to the fullest while you can as you never know what tomorrow will bring. Take care, Bam
Just A Smidgen says
What a lovely and delightful, colorful dish for a send-off. I'm so sorry that you have to separate, this can be such a sad time for both of you... thinking of you xo Smidge
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Smidge. Are you enjoying your Birthday getaway?
Healthy World Cuisine says
Would go great with some hearty home made bread!!!
thecompletecookbook says
Sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. This appetiser dish is such a beautiful, bright and flavourful send off.
🙂 Mandy
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Mandy, This dish can really be mixed up to add any fresh and colorful veggies you wish and like Marie had mentioned so great on swordfish, grilled chicken and anything that needs a little splash of color. Bam
Shumaila says
Goodbyes are never fun! Hope you do cross paths sometime soon:)
The mango salsa looks good and beautifully presented!
Healthy World Cuisine says
Thanks Shumaila. I wish I could have taken time to get some better pictures but my guests were hungry....
Joanne Ozug says
I'm sorry...goodbyes are no fun. This recipe is amazing...so delicious and vibrant!
Healthy World Cuisine says
I am ready for some new hellos as goodbyes really hurt. Take care, Bam