Caramelised Mango Cheeks

When you want dessert but don’t want to bake, this is your move.

Cut mango cheeks (the fleshy halves carved from each side of the pit), dust them with powdered sugar, and sear them cut-side down in a smoking-hot non-stick pan. The sugar melts and caramelizes in about 4 minutes, creating a golden crust that’s part candy, part fruit. The mango stays tender and juicy underneath while the top turns into edible stained glass.

Plop one on vanilla ice cream and you’ve got an instant restaurant-quality dessert.

Chef Tips

• Use ripe but firm mangoes that hold their shape when cooked
• Heat the skillet to high before adding the mango for proper caramelization
• Don’t move the mango once it’s in the pan (let the sugar caramelize undisturbed)
• Serve immediately while the caramel is still crisp