Courtesy of the National Mango Board

Contrary to popular belief, the mango is available any time of year, and the Orlando, Fla.-based National Mango Board (NMB) has made it its mission to educate U.S. consumers on selection and preparation of the world’s most consumed fruit. Since 1995, mango consumption has increased by 100% in the United States (U.S. Outlook Report 2004). Approximately only 30% of U.S. households consume mangos today, however.

This Lesson Plan instructs on a basic technique for slicing a mango in a decorative pattern, delivered by Allen Susser, chef/owner of famed Chef Allen’s in Aventura, Fla., and author of such books as The Great Mango Book (Ten Speed Press, 2001) and Allen Susser’s New World Cuisine (Broadway, 1995). Included are two differently formatted charts highlighting mango varieties and their seasonalities.

Convenience products—a reality in today’s kitchens—are actually platforms from which to create signature dishes.

By Adam Weiner

For economic reasons, there are very few kitchens in the country that cook almost everything from scratch. Mixes, precooked items, packages and containers can be found in even the best kitchens. The problem with many young cooks is that they just open up the packages and cans, dump them into a pot or hotel pan, heat them, and slop them on a plate. They lose the passion for their craft. They become disillusioned and bitter, hating and then quitting their jobs.

These young cooks have not been taught that these products are not the “be all” and “end all” of their cooking. No one has taught them that convenience products are a canvas waiting to be painted with their own culinary style.