Curry and Mango

Up until a few years ago my favorite food was Italian. Pizza, pasta and tomato sauce are still staples around my house but when looking for restaurants my first impulse is to look for an Indian or Thai place. Part of the appeal of Indian is my love of curry and mangoes. Somehow those two flavors go together so well. I thought I would share a couple of recipes to try.

CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD WITH GREEN GRAPES

Read more about it at www.cooks.com/rec/view/0,1739,158190-250201,00.html Content Copyright © 2011 Cooks.com - All rights reserved. 1/4 c. vegetable oil 2 tbsp. grated yellow onion 3/4 tsp. curry powder 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 c. mayonnaise or plain yogurt 2 tsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. Dijon or prepared spicy brown mustard 3 c. cubed cooked chicken 2 stalks celery, chopped 1 c. green seedless grapes 1. In a small saucepan, heat 2 tablespoon of the oil, add the onions, and cook over low heat for 3 minutes. Stir in the curry powder and salt, and cook another 30 seconds. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool. Stir in the mayonnaise, lemon juice, and mustard. 2. Put the chicken into a serving bowl and add the curry-mayonnaise mixture, the remaining 2 tablespoons of oil, and the celery. Toss to mix. Add the grapes and toss again, gently. Chill the salad before serving if there is time. If time is short, start with very cold chicken and grapes. 3. Curried chicken. Preparation time: 20 minutes; cooking time 4 minutes. Serves 6. Calories per serving 390. TIPS: 1. Use yogurt instead of mayonnaise and reduce calories per serving to 265. 2. Leftover will keep well in the refrigerator for a day and in fact, will taste even better after 24 hours. 3. You an use cubed cooked ham, turkey, or lamb instead of chicken. 4. In place of grapes, use 1 chopped apple, 1/2 cup raisins, or 1 cup drained canned pineapple chunks. 5. Garnish with 1/2 cup walnuts, pecans, or peanuts.

Indian Fish Tacos
1. Saute some champagne mangoes, pineapple, tomato, green chilies, chopped red onion and peaches using the juice from the pineapple and a little butter. Balsamic vinegar can add a little zing
2. Grill some mild white fish like Tilapia that has been sprinkled with your favorite curry or curry paste
3. Place some fish, a little grated cheese ( my favorite is pepper jack) and fruit in a grilled or steamed soft taco and enjoy

P.S.
The Cradlerock Children's Center (CCC), a preschool and childcare center located in the Owen Brown Interfaith Center. I wanted to let you know about a new summer camp that CCC is launching this year. It's called Camp Explore and will include field trips, soccer, swimming, arts and crafts, nature hikes, and more. Each week will have a theme, include space, animals, and "under the sea."

The camp will run for six weeks starting on July 5, and parents can reserve space for one, several, or all six weeks. The price is $295 per week, and lunch and two snacks are included in that price. In addition, the camp is open from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of working parents.

The Cradlerock Children's Center recently received an honorable mention for "Best Day Care" from Howard Magazine, so we're really excited to be expanding our offerings to include a high-quality summer camp for local kids. Parents who are interested can contact Ms. Helen at 410-381-0906 or by visiting CCC's website at http://www.cradlerockcenter.org/camp.html.

P.S. 2
I will be in out of town this upcoming week and am not sure of my blogging schedule.