MY FAVORITE QUICK MANGO CHUTNEY Cumin and fennel seeds help our digestions, and the perky little mustard seeds are an anti-inflammatory.Ingredients: ✔ 1 large mango (about 500 gr.) ✔ 1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin ✔ 1⁄4 tsp. black pepper ✔ dash salt ✔ 1⁄3 cup water ✔ 1⁄4 cup raisins ✔ 1⁄4 tsp. fennel seeds ✔ 2 tsp. cornstarch ✔ 2 Tbsp. water ✔ 2 tsp. canola, peanut or sesame oil ✔ 1⁄2 tsp. black mustard seedsInstructions:Peel the mango and cut it into medium-sized pieces.Add sugar, cumin, pepper, salt and raisins. Lightly crush the fennel and add to the pot.Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 6 minutes.Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. Saute 10 seconds and add with the oil to the mango mixture.Pour into a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one month or freeze for up to 3 months.OLIVE HAZE This time it's promising to be more exciting than ever – the annual Olive Oil Festival (this weekend and next) in the Galil and the Golan is chock-full of interesting, surprising and inspiring activities in places you probably never heard of, and never had the opportunity to visit.Last week, for example, I had a preview of Sindyanna, the visitor's center of a women's basket-weaving fairtrade cooperative in Kfar Manda in the Galil. Producing beautiful baskets from date fronds, willow and olive branches, these previously unemployed Arab women have the opportunity for the first time in their lives to empower themselves by learning a trade, preserving a traditional craft and helping to support their families. The center, which also sells fairtrade olive oil, olive oil soaps, honey, carob syrup and almonds will be open during the festival weekends. www.sindyanna.com, tel 04- 6516784.For two consecutive weekends, and by phoning during the week, it is possible to get personalized guided tours of Druze, Christian and Moslem villages, Arab and Jewish olive presses, meet artisans and enjoy superb flavors, premium fresh olive oil and sights that you never even realized existed here. This is a rare opportunity. Don't miss it. For more information: www.galil.gov.il
The magic for fruit
Mangoes: Get them while you can.
MY FAVORITE QUICK MANGO CHUTNEY Cumin and fennel seeds help our digestions, and the perky little mustard seeds are an anti-inflammatory.Ingredients: ✔ 1 large mango (about 500 gr.) ✔ 1⁄2 tsp. ground cumin ✔ 1⁄4 tsp. black pepper ✔ dash salt ✔ 1⁄3 cup water ✔ 1⁄4 cup raisins ✔ 1⁄4 tsp. fennel seeds ✔ 2 tsp. cornstarch ✔ 2 Tbsp. water ✔ 2 tsp. canola, peanut or sesame oil ✔ 1⁄2 tsp. black mustard seedsInstructions:Peel the mango and cut it into medium-sized pieces.Add sugar, cumin, pepper, salt and raisins. Lightly crush the fennel and add to the pot.Bring to a boil and cook over medium heat for 6 minutes.Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water and add to the pot. Cook, stirring, until the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes. Remove from heat.Heat the oil and add the mustard seeds. Saute 10 seconds and add with the oil to the mango mixture.Pour into a sterilized jar and store in the refrigerator for up to one month or freeze for up to 3 months.OLIVE HAZE This time it's promising to be more exciting than ever – the annual Olive Oil Festival (this weekend and next) in the Galil and the Golan is chock-full of interesting, surprising and inspiring activities in places you probably never heard of, and never had the opportunity to visit.Last week, for example, I had a preview of Sindyanna, the visitor's center of a women's basket-weaving fairtrade cooperative in Kfar Manda in the Galil. Producing beautiful baskets from date fronds, willow and olive branches, these previously unemployed Arab women have the opportunity for the first time in their lives to empower themselves by learning a trade, preserving a traditional craft and helping to support their families. The center, which also sells fairtrade olive oil, olive oil soaps, honey, carob syrup and almonds will be open during the festival weekends. www.sindyanna.com, tel 04- 6516784.For two consecutive weekends, and by phoning during the week, it is possible to get personalized guided tours of Druze, Christian and Moslem villages, Arab and Jewish olive presses, meet artisans and enjoy superb flavors, premium fresh olive oil and sights that you never even realized existed here. This is a rare opportunity. Don't miss it. For more information: www.galil.gov.il