Tuesday, April 20, 2010

Banana Marmalade from Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, Mexico is where we spent the better part of the week before last. A small island, only five miles long with the bluest water and whitest sands that I have ever seen. Only a fifteen minute ferry ride separates it from Cancun but it feels like a world apart. Colorful streets, open air bars and restaurants and the beautiful waters symbolize true island living. We spent most of our time around the North Beach (Playa del Norte) area which has the calmest waters on the island and is the perfect spot for lazing around, getting your feet wet, or eating some of the best grilled fish. We did all that and more. 


After the first three days on the island we ventured into the mainland to see the Mayan ruins at Coba and Tulum. Both were easy day trips and well worth the effort. We also found some really good eats on the way. 


This banana marmalade was one of them and a delicious start to a lovely day in one of the local Isla Mujeres cafes. Marmalade for me always meant oranges till I encountered this one. This was unlike anything I had tasted before. In our broken Spanish we managed to decipher the ingredients from the friendly cafe owner. I am so glad we did because it was so simple to put together and yet so delicious. It was served with some warm oven baked rolls but back home we had it on some toasted English muffins and it was equally good. It would also be nice on pancakes or waffles. Its not really a recipe but more of an ingredients list with one step!

Banana Marmalade
(Best when served fresh, can be refrigerated for 2-3 days)

Ingredients:
1 cup mashed banana
1 cup grated pineapple
2 tablespoons shredded coconut (fresh works best)
1/4 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice (to preserve the color of the bananas)

- Combine all ingredients together, mix well and serve.

Isla Mujeres highlights: Red chilli (aquillo pepper topped) grilled fish at Picus Cocteleria, the beach at Playa del Norte, grilled fish (tixin xic) at Playa Lancheros in Isla Mujeres South, walking around or golf carting around the island, Tacos at Medina Taqueira, Breakfast in Cafe Hidalgo (terrific coffee and crepes).

9 comments:

  1. Ah, this post brings back memories of a wonderful vacation we had in Isla about 15 years ago. I'm glad to see from your photos that it hasn't changed too much. The banana marmalade sounds delicious.

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  2. I've never thought to make banana into a spread like this before! Delicious. And exactly what I would want to wake up to (other than beautiful beaches and blue skies of course).

    My roommate lived in cancun for a year and loved it there. I'm going to have to show her this post so she can relive some memories. Looks like you had a great time!

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  3. I never knew about banana marmalade but it seems quite simple and delicious too !

    And you had a rocking time there !! do put up more snaps they are Awesome.

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  4. That's such a healthy delicious marmalade. I love it.

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  5. great recipe..simple ..will try

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  6. Do you know the name of the cafe with the marmalade? We are on Isla now!

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