mangoesWe're a little bit obsessed with mangoes at my home. I mean the fruit, of course. While other families buy apples and bananas every week, I make sure we always have a supply of mangoes on hand. We usually just eat them cut up into chunks. But there are so many other things you can do with them.

Even though it's not exactly in season where I live (EVER), I still think of it as a summery fruit. Maybe it's that tartness, and how perfect it tastes even when it's just raw. So here are our seven mango ideas! And remember, we've already shown you the best way to cut up a mango.

Mango salsa: Come on, it's one of the great salsas. Tangy, spicy, sweet. There are dozens of version online, but this mango salsa recipe looks simple and tasty.

Mango frosting: Check out this mango cream cheese frosting. I die! It's on a vanilla cake and topped with pistachios.

Minty mango relish: The relish in this fish recipe is incredibly simple -- just mango, mint, ginger, and a little wine. I think this would be great over just about any white fish.

More from The Stir: Deadly Cantaloupe Outbreak Should Have You Checking Your Melons

Instant mango pop: I saw this on an episode of Louie of all places. It's probably something parents all over the place do and I'm just out of the loop. But if you're cutting up a mango for something else, you can make a snack out of the center. Just jam a fork onto one end and hand it to your kid. She can now nibble the rest of the flesh off that mango.

Mango frozen yogurt parfait: This is kind of a cheater recipe because it's something you'd get at Pinkberry or one of those other frozen yogurt places. But my favorite froyo combo is just the plain, tart yogurt with mango topping.

Mango ginger ice cream: I made this incredible ice cream recipe two weeks ago and I'm still obsessed with it. It's kind of an ordeal because it involves making a custard by Great Volcanic Gods, but it was good! If you're feeling ambitious, I highly recommend it. Wow.

Tropical Mango Sorbet via Mango.org

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

  • 3 ripe mangoes, peeled, pitted, and cubed (makes 2 cups of puree)
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice (juice from 1 medium lime)
  • 1/4 teaspoon coconut extract
  • 1 cup chilled pineapple juice
  • 1 lime peel or small lime wedge (garnish)

Instructions:

Puree mangoes, sugar, lime juice, and extract in a blender or food processor until smooth. Transfer to the bowl of an ice cream maker and stir in pineapple juice; freeze according to manufacturer's instructions. Cover and place in the freezer for at least 1 hour or up to 1 week. Garnish with twists of lime peel or small lime wedges.

How do you like to eat mangoes?

 

Image via joyosity/Flickr