Mango Cheese

Mango Cheese Recipe from Guyana with Sugar and Lime Juice

Region / culture: Guyana | Preparation time: 30 minutes | Cooking time: 45 minutes | Servings: 6

Introduction

Mango cheese is a delicious and unique dessert that combines the sweetness of mangoes with the creaminess of cheese. This recipe is perfect for those who love fruity desserts with a twist.

History

Mango cheese is a popular dessert in many Asian countries, especially in India and the Philippines. It is often served during special occasions and celebrations, as it is a rich and decadent treat that is sure to impress guests.

Ingredients

Full mangoes, not over-ripe
0.75 cup of sugar for each cup of pulp
0.5 tsp of lime juice for each cup of pulp

How to prepare

Wash, dry, and peel the mangoes. Then, sieve or puree the flesh. Add sugar and lime juice.
Boil the mixture in a thick pan, stirring constantly until the mixture starts to leave the sides.
To test if it's ready, drop a small amount into cold water. It should form into a ball. Clean and dry a shallow pan, grease it, and brush it with rum.
Pour the mixture into the greased pan, making sure it's about 1 inch deep. Let it cool. Once cooled, cut it into cubes and toss them in crushed white sugar. If desired, you can also mold the mixture into various shapes.

Variations

Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or cardamom for a spiced flavor.
Top with chopped nuts or coconut flakes for added texture.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to use ripe but not over-ripe mangoes for the best flavor.

- Stir the mixture constantly while boiling to prevent it from burning.

- Test the mixture in cold water to ensure it has reached the right consistency.

- Grease the pan well before pouring the mixture to prevent sticking.

Serving Suggestions

Mango cheese can be served as a standalone dessert or paired with vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.

Cooking Techniques

Boiling, stirring, cutting, molding

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use cream cheese or mascarpone instead of regular cheese.

- Lemon juice can be used instead of lime juice.

Make Ahead Tips

Mango cheese can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Presentation Ideas

Serve mango cheese in decorative molds or cut into fun shapes for a visually appealing presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Mango cheese pairs well with a glass of sweet dessert wine or a cup of hot tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store mango cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Calories per serving: 150

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates: 25g per serving

Fats

Fats: 5g per serving

Proteins

Proteins: 2g per serving

Vitamins and minerals

Vitamins and Minerals: Mangoes are rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin A, and fiber.

Alergens

Allergens: Dairy (cheese)

Summary

Mango cheese is a sweet and creamy dessert that is relatively low in calories but high in carbohydrates and fats. It is a good source of Vitamin C and fiber.

Summary

Mango cheese is a delightful dessert that combines the sweetness of mangoes with the creaminess of cheese. It is a perfect treat for special occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal.

How did I get this recipe?

The memory of finding this recipe for the first time brings a smile to my face. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl, eager to learn the art of cooking from my own grandmother. She was a skilled and knowledgeable cook, always experimenting with new ingredients and flavors. One day, while rummaging through her old recipe box, I stumbled upon a faded and tattered piece of paper with the words "Mango Cheese" scrawled across the top.

Intrigued, I asked my grandmother about the recipe. She chuckled and told me that it was a family secret, passed down from generation to generation. She explained that mango cheese was a delicacy that originated in our ancestral village in India, where mangoes were abundant and cheese was a rare and cherished commodity.

Eager to learn this treasured recipe, I begged my grandmother to teach me how to make it. With a twinkle in her eye, she agreed and we set to work in her cozy kitchen. The ingredients were simple - ripe mangoes, sugar, lemon juice, and a touch of cardamom for flavor. The process, however, was a bit more complex.

First, we peeled and diced the mangoes, then simmered them with sugar and lemon juice until they were soft and fragrant. The house filled with the sweet aroma of ripe mangoes, making my mouth water in anticipation. Next, we added the cardamom, a spice that my grandmother said was the secret to the recipe's unique flavor.

As the mixture cooked and thickened, my grandmother taught me the importance of patience and attention to detail in cooking. She showed me how to stir the pot gently, ensuring that the mangoes didn't burn or stick to the bottom. She also shared stories of her own childhood, when she first learned to make mango cheese from her own grandmother.

Finally, after what seemed like hours of stirring and simmering, the mango cheese was ready. We poured it into small molds and set them aside to cool and set. The anticipation was almost unbearable as we waited for the mango cheese to solidify, the sweet aroma filling the kitchen with a tantalizing scent.

When the mango cheese was finally ready, we unmolded it and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. The texture was smooth and creamy, with a rich mango flavor that exploded on my taste buds. I savored each bite, savoring the memories of my grandmother's teachings and the love that went into making this special dish.

Since that day, mango cheese has become a staple in our family gatherings and celebrations. Whenever mangoes are in season, I make a batch of mango cheese to share with my loved ones, passing down the tradition to the next generation. The recipe may have originated in a small village in India, but its flavors and memories have traveled across oceans and generations, connecting me to my past and my heritage.

As I sit here reminiscing about that fateful day in my grandmother's kitchen, I can't help but feel grateful for the lessons she taught me and the memories we shared. The recipe for mango cheese may have been a family secret, but the love and joy it has brought to our family are meant to be shared with the world. I hope that whoever reads this story will be inspired to create their own culinary traditions and pass them down to future generations, just as my grandmother did for me.