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From the Kitchens of Pancho Villa has been awarded the honor of "WINNER" in the "Cookbooks: International" category of the 2014 International Book Awards!

Saturday, September 14, 2013

Fresh Fruit Salad

 Fruit salad is probably one dish that is made in most of the homes around the world, changing the ingredients to fit the area and season. Here in Mazatlán we all have our favorite fruits and our own ways of combining them. Who doesn't start salivating at the thought of fresh strawberries, sweet pineapple, and crisp apples all drizzled with a honey lime sauce?

My Mexican friends all make their own variety and I enjoy each one. Well, most of them anyway, I just don't like grapes and that seems to be a common ingredient in many of them. I spoon up the fruit around the grapes so I don't have to explain why they are still sitting on my plate.

Other common fruits that are used here most often are papaya, mango, watermelon, kiwi and maybe a banana. I like to use all of these fruits. The color is inviting and the blend of flavors will tantalize your taste buds. (some of these fruits are considered aphrodisiacs so ...). The quantity of each fruit depends on your particular tastes. I love more papaya and mango in my salad, with lots of pineapple.

Don't forget to keep the seeds from your papaya. They are edible and have a nice peppery flavor.

To the salad:

All the fruit should be fresh and cut into bite-sized pieces. I like a combination of ½ inch dice, thin slices and wedges.

Papaya – cut into cubes (reserve the seeds but don't rinse them)
mango – peeled and cut into cubes
pineapple, cored and cut into small wedges
watermelon – cut into cubes, seeds removed or purchase a seedless variety
fresh strawberries – hulled and sliced down through the entire berry
kiwi – peeled and sliced into rounds

honey (optional and may be omitted)
fresh lime juice

Place all the fruit into a large clear glass bowl. Mix some honey with fresh lime juice to your taste. The amount you need will depend on the size of your salad. OR if you have opted to omit the honey, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fruit. Toss gently to coat and mix the fruit. Sprinkle the top with the reserved papaya seeds.

Making fruit salad should be easy and always fresh. Never use canned or frozen fruit. If you have other fruit in your refrigerator, use it. If adding a banana, include it at the last minute before serving, drizzle the slices with a bit more lime juice to keep from browning.

Have this for dessert too. Omit the papaya seeds and drizzle some sweetened sour cream over the top for a sweet and tangy sauce.



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