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.
Joanne Ozug
January 25, 2012 at 1:02 pm
I’m sorry…goodbyes are no fun. This recipe is amazing…so delicious and vibrant!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:15 pm
I am ready for some new hellos as goodbyes really hurt. Take care, Bam
Shumaila
January 25, 2012 at 1:21 pm
Goodbyes are never fun! Hope you do cross paths sometime soon:)
The mango salsa looks good and beautifully presented!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:13 pm
Thanks Shumaila. I wish I could have taken time to get some better pictures but my guests were hungry….
wok with ray
January 25, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Not only it is a good idea, it is good styling to put mango salsa in endive cups. Beautiful!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Thanks Ray. Endives are natures perfect little cups.
thecompletecookbook
January 25, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Sorry you had to say goodbye to your friend. This appetiser dish is such a beautiful, bright and flavourful send off.
Mandy
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:10 pm
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
Bam's Kitchen
January 25, 2012 at 1:35 pm
Would go great with some hearty home made bread!!!
Just A Smidgen
January 25, 2012 at 1:42 pm
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
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:07 pm
Thanks Smidge. Are you enjoying your Birthday getaway?
Zoe @ Pantry and Fridge
January 25, 2012 at 1:48 pm
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.
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:05 pm
Live life to the fullest while you can as you never know what tomorrow will bring. Take care, Bam
Tandy
January 25, 2012 at 2:16 pm
I absolutely love the look of these – and I hope the good bye is not too sad!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 1:04 pm
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
January 30, 2012 at 1:45 pm
email me if you get stuck
promenadeplantings
January 25, 2012 at 7:51 pm
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
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:57 pm
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
gardenfreshtomatoes
January 25, 2012 at 7:57 pm
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!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:46 pm
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
zestybeandog
January 26, 2012 at 12:07 am
What great, fresh ingredients! I love the presentation as well! Nicely done!
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:45 pm
Thanks Jen. It is so easy to get fresh ingredients with the wet market and just walking through it gives me inspiration.
katyarich
January 26, 2012 at 6:49 am
I’m sorry for your lost, you make it really good, beautiful pictures…looks great, take care XXxx katya
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:38 pm
Thanks Katy, I sure needed the XXXx. Ifeel better already. Take care, BAM
Kay aka Babygirl
January 26, 2012 at 7:46 am
I just LOVE using endive cups to present anything in and this mango salsa looks so delicious. Such a great recipe
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:37 pm
Endives are like natures little cups so convenient and with a little bit of tang.
Karen
January 26, 2012 at 9:29 am
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.
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:36 pm
I certainly hope they don’t block Bams Kitchen in China. My dear friend is from Shanghai so we can communicate by email, Skype but no Facebook as this is blocked in China.
Hannah (BitterSweet)
January 26, 2012 at 10:13 am
What a wonderfully refreshing appetizer… It sounds like a nice way to say goodbye on a high note, at least.
Bam's Kitchen
January 26, 2012 at 12:34 pm
Thanks Hannah. Eating , laughing and celebrating now as I can cry any old day….
Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
January 27, 2012 at 12:02 am
beautiful presentation! stunning!
Preena @ A Teaspoon of Turmeric
January 27, 2012 at 12:05 am
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.
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:36 pm
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
Geni - Sweet and Crumby
January 27, 2012 at 2:13 am
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!
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:40 pm
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.
Jill | Dulce Dough
January 27, 2012 at 11:32 pm
What a gorgeous presentation! Saying goodbye to good friends is so hard.
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:41 pm
Thanks Jill. I am glad I do not have to say goodbye every week as my heart could not take it.
Wholesome Cook
January 28, 2012 at 8:53 am
Your salsa in little lettuce spoons looks amazing, and I am sure it was a beautifully sweet accent to the farewells.
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Almost a bitter sweet combo- slightly bitter from the endive(tears) and slightly sweet from the mango (hugs)
Choc Chip Uru
January 29, 2012 at 12:10 pm
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
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:44 pm
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…
Kathleen Richardson
January 31, 2012 at 8:53 am
Beautiful display. Are the flowers Phlox (or as my English friend called them, Rocket)? Love the kiwi idea, too.
Bam's Kitchen
January 31, 2012 at 1:46 pm
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