Harry & David’s Honey Mango Salsa

I’m really surprised at myself for not planning ahead, but on the 4th of July we had decided not to entertain. We were heading out of town and wanted to spend the time packing and relaxing, although we had been invited to a party to watch the fire works that night.

These thoughts often go through my head, We have to eat anyway, so why can’t they all come and eat with us?

So some friends came last minute for dinner on the 4th, each bringing a part of their dinners, and I told myself I’d use what I had and would not run to the store. And I managed, although I was texting … “can you bring a tomato?” and “can you bring some extra buns?”

A few days earlier a shipment of Harry and David’s honey mangos arrived at my house.

Honey Mangos have a smaller seed, too, leaving more room for the sweet, honeyed flesh. Redolent of ripe nectarines and tropical flowers, Honey Mangos are versatile and easy to enjoy – in fruit salads, stir-fry recipes or mixed with cold salmon, or pureed into a smooth, light dessert sauce.

I love to take a picture of the fruit when it arrives. Harry and David takes such pride in their fruit, as it’s really who they are.

And then there’s our dog, Haggis McStitch, who loves to get in every picture, too.

I served this recipe to our guests on the 4th, and we added the salsa to the chicken and burgers.

We all raved about it, and even though I was missing a few ingredients (tomatoes and jalapenos), it was quite tasty.

Honey Mango Salsa

2 Honey Mangos, peeled and cubed
1 vine-ripe tomato, diced
1 cup red onion, chopped
1/2 green bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
1/2 red bell pepper, seeds removed, diced
3 jalapenos, seeds removed and diced (optional)
1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
Juice from 1-2 limes
Salt to taste

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with lime juice. Stir to combine all the flavors. Salt to taste. Refrigerateover night so flavors will blend. For a more spicy version: use serrano peppers instead of jalapenos, to taste.

The company oohed and ahhed over the sweet honey mangos!

And I was thinking, Life is good when we can enjoy a meal together with great friends.

What is your favorite way to eat or serve mangos?

(H&D provided the fruit but they did not pay for me to write this post today.)