Monday, July 11, 2011

Sweet and Spicy Mango Salsa

As we know from Seinfeld, salsa is the number one condiment in America. Why? Because people like to say…salsa. And also, it tastes good. This sweet and spicy mango salsa uses Fresno and scotch bonnet peppers. It’s great on tacos, especially with pork, and of course it makes a nice companion to savory salsas when snacking on chips. Adjust the amount of heat in the recipe if you like; the proportions here are for a medium-hot salsa.

Mango and Scotch Bonnet Salsa

2 large ripe mangos, peeled and diced*
½ cup red onion, chopped
¾ scotch bonnet** pepper, seeded and finely chopped
½ Fresno chili, seeded and finely chopped
¼ cup cilantro, chopped
juice of one small lime (about 1 oz juice)
pinch of salt

I find it easier to get the peppers at the right size by using a small food processor, but everything else gets chopped by hand. Mix all ingredients in a bowl—chill if desired, but the flavor is better at room temperature.

Beta Wife displays her impressive, mango-slicing craftsmanship

*A tip from Beta Wife: For a super easy way to peel & dice a mango, slice the unpeeled mango in half lengthwise, just skimming the pit. Then with each half still in its skin, cut the mango into cubes; cut through the fruit, but stop just short of the peel. Turn the mango inside out, and gently cut the flesh from the peel.


**The scotch bonnet is pretty damn hot—it’s related to the habanero, but has more flavor than heat.

Friday, July 8, 2011

Summertime Drinks: Strawberry Tequila Cocktail


Here's something to do with that delicious strawberry infused tequila you just made (or are about to make!). For this recipe I infused a reposado tequila rather than a silver for a bit more depth. A nice backyard refresher, this is a simple cocktail for margarita lovers. It contains one of my new favorite things in the world, Cocchi Americano. Cocchi is a zippy Italian aperitif that gives Lillet a run for its money. I suggest you get a bottle ASAP!

Cocchi La Fresa


1.75 oz strawberry tequila

.75 oz lime juice

.5 oz Cocchi Americano

.25 oz agave syrup*

Shake it hard for 10-15 seconds. Strain onto fresh ice. Garnish with a slice of strawberry or a lime wheel.


*mix 1/2 parts warm water to 1 part agave nectar, stir until dissolved and let cool.

And yea, I know I'm terrible at naming cocktails.