Jungle Themed Mango Recipes : The Jungle Book
Did you know that The Jungle Book first came out in 1967? Bagheera the Panther, Baloo the Bear, and Mowgli have been dancing and singing their way into homes for 47 years. This past weekend we enjoyed watching The Jungle Book with friends and sharing fun jungle-themed mango recipes with them as well.
Jungle Themed Mango Recipes
When I think of the jungle, I picture lots of animals, and a variety of fresh produce. The National Mango Board sent us several mangos, as well as delicious mango recipes to try, to perfectly pair with our movie watching party. Not only did Colby and I enjoy preparing the food with the girls, but we really liked the finish dishes. Each one was sweet and satisfying in its own way. Everything from our appetizer, main dish, and dessert featured fresh mangos. Since mangos are available all year long, you can make all three recipes any time of year.
Peanut Butter, Mango and Honey Roll Ups
Ingredients:
- ⅓ cup crunchy peanut butter
- 2 tbsp honey
- ¼ tsp cinnamon
- 2 burrito size flour tortillas
- 1 medium ripe mango, peeled, pitted and cut into ½” thick strips
- 2 tbsp chopped walnuts, toasted (optional)
Directions:
- Combine peanut butter, honey, and cinnamon in a bowl and stir.
- Spread mixture over tortilla and then place mangos on top.
- Sprinkle with walnuts (optional) and then roll up tightly.
- Cut rolled tortilla into ½” thick slices. Serve.
Lion Pizza
Ingredients:
- 4 whole wheat pitas (4-inch)
- 1 cup low-sodium pizza sauce
- ½ cup shredded low-fat mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
- 8 pepperoni slices
- 1 large ripe mango, peeled, pitted, cut into thin strips
- 1 large red bell pepper, seeds removed, cut into thin strips
- 8 black olive slices (about 2 tbsp)
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Spread pizza sauce on one side of each pita.
- Sprinkle ¼ cup mozzarella cheese in the center of each pita. Sprinkle ¼ cup cheddar cheese around the outer edge.
- Lay 2 pepperoni slices in the middle of each pita and top with 2 olive slices to make the lion’s eyes.
- Use alternating mango and red bell pepper strips around the face to create the lion’s mane. Finish with a cut of red pepper to form nose.
- Place on baking sheet and bake for 8 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Remove from oven. Cool and serve.
Our featured dessert was a Jungle Mango Shortcake in a Jar. With more mangos, Greek yogurt, and Angel Food Cake, it was a hit! Make sure to click over and grab that recipe as well.
How to Select a Mango
I often stand at the store thumping, smelling, shaking, and squeezing different fruits and vegetables. I honestly have no idea how to select the best produce. Luckily, the National Mango Board sent me some great tips on how to select a mango that I can share with you:
- Don’t judge a mango by its color – red does not mean ripe.
- Squeeze gently to judge ripeness.
- A ripe mango will “give” slightly and a firm mango will ripen at room temperature over a few days.
- To speed up ripening, place mangos in a paper bag at room temperature.
- Once ripe, mangos can be moved to the refrigerator to slow down ripening for several days.
Most of the mangos that are sold in the US. are one of six different varieties: Tommy Atkins, Haden, Kent, Keitt, Ataulfo and Francis. Create a snack time adventure your kids will not soon forget. After all, the jungle-themed mango recipes are ideal for pairing with The Jungle Book.