Do you own a mandolin slicer? They make quick accurate work of any slicing chore. The history of the mandolin goes back to the 1500’s and was first illustrated in a cook book for the Pope’s chef. Originally made of wood, now they come in stainless or plastic and the cost can range greatly. Mine was probably less than $10 and I have had it for years. Different blades snap in whether you want to slice or julienne your foods. Just be sure to use the slicing guard to avoid any slicing of your fingers!

For this recipe, the mandolin will work well for the preparation of the jicama. Jicama is a sweet, root vegetable that looks like a turnip. It can be eaten raw and is often found in salads and gives them a great crunch. Jicama will not turn brown when you slice into it. For this salad, I like the jicama and mango to start out cold. I offer proportions, but you can adjust the ingredients according to your personal desires.

Without a mandolin, to julienne the jicama, just start with a thick slice and then cut again into match stick type pieces.

I would select a nice ripe mango that still has a little firmness to it and it will be easier to cut into small cubes. You could use the mandolin to slice this fruit, but I would not recommend it since the fruit is slippery and it is just as easy to slice with a knife.

For this salad, I like more jicama and mango then lettuce. A sturdy lettuce like Romaine holds up better than something soft like Boston or Bibb.

The dressing is so simple, but if you want it even easier, a bottled Italian dressing also will complement the flavors. Just use enough to lightly dress the ingredients.

This is the only mandolin I know how to play and the salad will go well with any tune!

Mango Jicama Salad

Dressing:

1 Tbsp olive oil

1 Tbsp orange juice

1 Tbsp lime juice

Whisk together.

1 cup jicama, julienned

1 cup mango, chopped into small cubes

¼ cup dried cranberries

Chopped green scallions to taste

Salad greens, your choice

Prepare fruit and vegetables. Lightly toss with dressing and serve immediately. Salt and pepper to taste.

Susan Lang makes greeting cards which are for sale at Stephen's Hair & Boutique located at 312 W. Mesquite Blvd. #12 in the Bull Dog Shopping Center. Each card is different and has a message sure to make you laugh and some also come with recipe cards. While you are there, grab a new outfit for dinner!