Tips:

• Wear gloves when chopping jalapeños and remove seeds for a milder pico. 🌶️

• Use firm but ripe fruit for best texture—mushy fruit will make it watery.

• Add a splash of olive oil when using it as a topping for grilled meats or fish—it creates a smooth, glossy finish.

• Great on grilled shrimp tacos, seared scallops, or served as a fruity dip with lime tortilla chips.

• Add diced avocado for a creamy twist.

🛒 How to Buy a Mango

• Ripeness Check: Look for mangoes that give slightly when gently squeezed—like a ripe avocado. Avoid rock-hard fruit unless you’re planning ahead.

• Smell the Stem: A sweet, fruity aroma near the stem is a good indicator of ripeness.

• Skin Doesn’t Tell All: Red isn’t always ripe. Some ripe mangoes remain green or yellow—focus more on feel and scent than color.

• Avoid Overripe: If it’s overly soft or has dark, sunken spots or a sour smell, it may be past its prime.

🔪 How to Cut a Mango (Safely & Easily)

1. Wash the Mango to remove any surface dirt or sap.

2. Stand It Upright: The long, flat seed runs down the center. Slice about ¼ inch off each side (called the “cheeks”), avoiding the seed.

3. Score the Flesh: Use a knife to carefully make criss-cross cuts in each cheek, being careful not to cut through the skin.

4. Invert the Cheek: Push the skin side to turn the flesh outward like a hedgehog, then slice off the cubes.

5. Trim Around the Pit: Cut any remaining mango from the sides of the pit, then peel and dice.

How to Cut a Fresh Pineapple

1. Lay the Pineapple on Its Side: Use a sharp knife to slice off the top (crown) and bottom to create flat surfaces.

2. Stand It Upright: Slice downward along the sides to remove the skin, following the curve of the fruit.

3. Remove the “Eyes”: Use the tip of your knife to carve out any brown spots or eyes that remain.

4. Slice into Quarters: Stand the pineapple upright again, cut in half lengthwise, then in half again to make quarters.

5. Remove the Core: Cut off the tough inner core from each quarter—it’s fibrous and less sweet.

6. Dice the Fruit: Lay each quarter flat and cut into strips or cubes depending on your recipe.

💛 Taste the sunshine—whip up this Tropical Pico de Gallo and let your next bite feel like a beach getaway. Made with love, fruit, and a hint of heat. Don’t forget to tag me when you make it—I love seeing your creations! #JoyistaKitchen

💡 Tips to Knock It Out of the Park:

• Use ripe tomatoes – This is the heart of your pico. Roma or plum tomatoes are great, but any flavorful variety works.

• Add a pinch of sugar if your tomatoes or lime are too acidic.

• Don’t overmix – You want those tomato chunks to hold their texture.

• Chill before serving for extra freshness.

• Add olive oil if serving over grilled meats or fish—it brings everything together like magic. ❤️

• When handling jalapeños or other hot peppers, it’s a good idea to wear gloves to protect your skin from irritation. For a milder pico, remove the seeds and white membrane before chopping.

🍴 How to Use It:

• Serve it with tortilla chips for a fresh, crunchy snack.

• Spoon over tacos, grilled meats, or a burrito bowl.

• Top your scrambled eggs, omelets or avocado toast with a spoonful for a zesty upgrade.

🧊 Storage Tips:

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving, as some of the juice may settle at the bottom.

This is a back-pocket recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat. Add it to your taco night, backyard BBQs, or even brunch spreads. It’s proof that simple ingredients, when treated with care, can become something extraordinary. 💙

Tips & Notes

• Freezing: These buns freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely before storing in freezer-safe bags. To reheat, wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 10–15 minutes.

• Yeast Note: If using instant yeast, skip the proofing step and mix directly into the dry ingredients.

• Flour Amounts: The exact flour quantity may vary. Add slowly until the dough is soft but pulls away from the bowl. Trust your hands and eyes—you’ll know when it’s right.

• Ready to bring a bit of heartwarming tradition into your kitchen?
  Whip up a batch of Hilde’s Special Occasion Buns and share in the joy of a recipe passed down through generations. Whether it’s a cozy Sunday brunch, a holiday table, or just because—it’s always the right time for something made with love.

  ✨ Bake, share, and savor the joy… one soft, buttery bite at a time.
  Tag us with your creations and let’s celebrate the beauty of homemade together! #JoyistaKitchen #BakingTradition

Nutrition Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate based on standard ingredients and serving sizes. Actual values may vary depending on specific products used and portion sizes. This information is provided for convenience and should not be considered medical or dietary advice