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Mango and Nectarine Chutney

   

Mango and Nectarine Chutney I love this chutney! It is very versatile- it is fabulous with pork or chicken- even duck! I served this with scallops for a get together. It worked out really well since all I had to do was cook the scallops for the big crowd and the condiment was all set in advance- I made it the previous night.

The chutney has a great flavor, especially with the nectarine and mango. Although these fruits are quickly going out of season, there is still some time to make this delectable condiment. The fruit doesn’t have to be very ripe, since it will be cooked down with honey and lots of other spices and fresh herbs.

One of the other reasons this chutney is so versatile is because it has flavors from a few different cuisines. Thyme and rosemary remind me of Italian food; chipotle in adobo sauce reminds me of Southwestern cuisine; and cumin seeds yell Indian cuisine.

For the fall, the same spices can be used with a mixture of apples and pears. I think it would great on top of burgers or with a roast chicken. Even a simple cheese quesadilla will taste great topped with the chutney. I guess my point is to have this in your fridge at all times- it is very convenient and helps to serve a quick meal when you are in a rush!

  • 1 large mango, peeled and chopped
  • 2 nectarines, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon cumin seeds, roasted and ground
  • 1 teaspoon chipotle in adobo sauce, just the sauce if you don’t want the chutney too spicy
  • Salt
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup pineapple juice

In a wide frying pan, heat the olive oil. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes on medium heat. Add the rosemary, thyme, cumin seeds, chipotle in adobo, mango and nectarines. Mix well and add the salt, honey and pineapple juice. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 30 minutes till the fruit is soft and the sauce is thick. Check for seasonings.

A Rustic Panzanella Salad Recipe

   

Panzanella Salad 1

This salad is delicious. I have watched people on food television in the past making many different versions of it.Panzanella salad is essentially a way to use up day old or even up to a week old bread and any other things you may have in the fridge. Italian cuisine is well known for using leftovers and coming up with new, innovative dishes- I love it!

I had it first in Umbria last month when Paola made it for us. She made a 6 course meal for us- which was delicious. We started with this salad which she put together in a matter of minutes. We bought a big loaf of rustic bread earlier that day. She sliced it and topped it with a combination of greens, cucumbers, fresh extra virgin olive oil and lemon juice. I have seen different versions of this – but never this particular one- so simple!

I was a bit hesitant to replicate this easy dish as I wasn’t sure if my ingredients would stand up to the one Paola used. I bought everything from the farmer’s market, including the bread. I made the salad the same day and served it with the sausage and peppers pasta. Well, it was delicious! The ingredients were fresh and exactly how they are supposed to taste. Everything worked really well together and the bread was soaked just the right amount and was a bit mushy and crunchy at the same time. I think you could definitely make a meal out of it- especially if you add some protein like shrimp or chicken.

It took me back to the kitchen in Spello where we sipped wine and watched Paola cooking. I love how food takes you back…
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