Mango Coconut Crisp

How can I explain this photo? I was so engrossed in the engaging and delightful conversation with my dinner guests that I forgot about dessert sitting under my broiler. Two minutes turned to ten and before I knew it I had a full-scale oven fire on my hands. It happens. The key to handling this kind of situation with grace and ease is to remain calm, then lie about it and cover it up. Just casually scrape the burnt pieces off, add fresh topping, and start over. If there are any residual singed areas, cover them with ice cream, dim the lights in the dining room, and pretend like nothing happened. Nobody has to know! Unless you take photos of the whole thing and blog about it on the internet for everyone to see…

Despite my own kitchen disaster, this recipe really is quite simple and easy to make. Just be sure keep an eye on it while it’s under the broiler and you’ll be fine. Perhaps check the batteries in your smoke detector, just in case.

Makes 4 servings

4 mangoes, peeled and diced

1/2 cup dried coconut flakes plus 2 tablespoons (unsweetened)

3/4 cup rolled oats

1/4 cup flour

1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/4 cup slivered almonds

3 tablespoons butter

vanilla ice cream or whipped cream

Toast the 2 tablespoons of coconut flakes in a small pan over medium-low heat. When the flakes begin to smell fragrant and turn golden brown, remove them from the heat and set aside. Preheat the oven to 375F. Dice the mangoes into 1" pieces. In a bowl, toss the mango with 1 tablespoons of brown sugar. Arrange the mango into individual ramekins, leaving a little room at the top for the crisp topping. Alternatively, you could bake this in a 8" square baking dish.

Combine the remaining ingredients in the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for a few seconds until the mixture is combined but still coarse. Sprinkle some of the topping into each ramekin.  Bake for 25 minutes for ramekins, 35 minutes for an 8" square dish. Turn on the broiler and broil for about 2 minutes. I think it goes without saying that you should probably stay in the kitchen and watch it while it broils.

Remove from oven, top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, sprinkle with the toasted coconut flakes, and serve.