say cheese: mango compote

insofar as desserts are concerned; a stinky cheese beats out a sticky sweet -- hands down. i understand i'm in the minority, and i won't even being to argue with all you sweet-tooths out there. i will, however, attempt to win you over with a simple, sweet and delicious mango compote recipe that pairs well with most cheeses.



Mango Compote
yield 1 pt

1 large ripe mango, medium dice
4-6 dates, rough chopped
1/2 tsp fennel seeds
1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 cup of water
3 TBS sugar
1 TBS red wine vinegar
pinch of ground cumin

dash of olive oil
salt & pepper to taste

1. heat just a dash of olive oil over medium low heat. add fennel seeds, mango and dates. sweat on low for just a few minutes.



2. add cinnamon, water, sugar, red wine vinegar and just a pinch of ground cumin. bring to a boil; reduce to a simmer. simmer over low heat for 6 minutes. the mixture will thicken up to something beautiful.



kill the heat and allow to cool. if you are in a rush, spread the compote out on a lined sheet tray and stick it in the fridge.

--i enjoyed this batch over a funky cut of taleggio on a Kavli Hearty Thick Crispbread, but this isn't just a cheese and crackers-type condiment.

get crafty and mix it up a bit:

mango pancakes
yogurt parfait
shit, serve it with a fish steak- it's basically a chutney anyway!

© 2009 c. c. villani @ "mission: insatiable" - http://missioninsatiable.com/