Make Mango Butter and Kalamata Olive Quick Bread
Homemade Holiday Gifts From the Kitchen Using Fresh Ingredients
Oct 4, 2009
Making easy and delicious gifts for family and friends is a tradition steeped in history. Making homemade Christmas presents and placing them in a beautiful gift wrap is just one more way to say "I love you."
This recipe for mango butter has been in existence for many generations. It can be found in family recipe books with more sugar, less sugar, finally ending up here today, adapted to please today's generation with the simplest, most delicious and fresh ingredients.
Holiday Gift Ideas: How to Make Mango Butter
Ingredients:
- 6 large, ripe mangoes (peeled and sliced)*
- 6 Persian limes, squeezed
- 1 cup sugar
- 2 cinnamon sticks
*Slicing mangoes can be done by peeling first, then slicing lengthwise closely along the large seed to carve out long sections of the flesh. Do this on each side of the seed.
Directions:
- Puree mangoes and lime juice in food processor till smooth.
- In a 4 quart pot, combine mango puree, sugar, and cinnamon sticks, simmering over medium heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer until mixture becomes thickened, about one hour. Stir often.
- Let mixture cool before spooning into glass jars that have been sterilized already.
- Mango butter will keep in the refrigerator for up to one week, or up to 6 months in freezer. This recipe makes about 4-1/2 cups.
Last Minute Gift From Your Kitchen
If all the holiday gifts have been purchased or made, and the last day finds you a few gifts short, don't worry. Make this delicious quick bread and wrap in tissue paper, place in a basket or tin and present it with confidence along with a jar of the mango butter.
At the local grocery, purchase several bags of frozen or fresh pizza dough, whichever is available. Knead the dough, add fresh organic rosemary and Greek Kalamata olives for a fast, fragrant loaf of bread.
How to Make Kalamata Rosemary Bread
- On lightly floured surface, work a thawed pound of pizza dough. Roll into ball, press down lightly in center, add 12 chopped Kalamata olives, 1 minced garlic clove, 3/4 tsp chopped fresh rosemary and 1/2 tsp olive oil.
- Fold ball over and knead until all is incorporated. Shape into oval and place on flour-dusted baking sheet. Bake in 375° oven for 40 minutes or until top is browned. Cool on wire rack. Makes one oval loaf, perfect for gifting.
A homemade gift of food reflects the care and creativity of the giver, especially if it's presented in a beautifully wrapped dish or basket. Wrapping the gift could include a sprig of greenery tied to a card with ribbon to celebrate the season with fresh ingredients.
For more ideas on seasonal gift ideas from the kitchen:
Gifts to Make Using Fresh Cranberries
Holiday Cookies: Mayan Chocolate Chip, Nut Crescents, and Dipped Delights
Easy and Elegant Herbed Vinegars
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