I am mad about mangoes.
Since I was around ten years old my parents started a tradition of mango champagne cocktails with friends on Christmas morning, so for me, mangoes have long been synonomous with Christmastime. In the lead up to the 25th Dad would bring home a tray of mangoes – the scent of the plump fruits' ripening skin blending with the Christmas tree's needles and creating the most amazing festive perfume.
So it goes without saying that being in mango season, I am in my element. On a humid day last week I decided to concoct some mango popsicles. I was too impatient to wait for the pops to freeze entirely, so they turned into something else – something DELICIOUS. Try this. It's pretty freaking good.
Alexandra's Mango Not-Pops
This quantity will serve 3, or 4 at a stretch
1 mango
1 cup unflavoured natural yoghurt
1 tablespoon honey (vote #1 manuka honey)
Sprinkling of cinnamon powder
Handful blueberries
A few teaspoons crushed peanuts (buy the bag of pre-crushed)
Mash up the mango. I just used a potato masher. Add the yoghurt, honey and cinnamon and mix til everything is combined well. Plop the blueberries into the mixture, whole, and stir them in. Pour into a container and freeze.
We ate this just before it was frozen solid, so it was a little melty and devine. If you freeze it solid, I would probably leave it out for 5-10 mins so it softens a bit, before serving.
Scoop it out into ramicans to serve. Top with a smattering of nuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
As for the one you're probably more interested in:
Garry Ryan's Mango Champagne Christmas Cocktails
Champagne
Sugar Cubes
Angostura Bitters
Grand Marnier
Mangoes
Puree about 3 magoes in a blender. Add about 1/2 cup Grand Manier – this is a guess and you will need to experiment. According to Garry Ryan you simply "slosh it in". Place a sugar cube in the bottom of a champagne flute and soak the cube with Bitters. Fill about 1/3 the flute with the puree mixture and top with champagne.
Don't forgot your Nannas and Great Aunties – they love a little Christmas tipple. A warning though – a few of these and my Nanna was compelled to inform us for the rest of the day that her name was "Mary Christmas" (your name is Dorothy).
Merry Mangoes!
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