The Arid Zone - Some Desert and Dessert

Coming from the Caribbean my mental image of Arizona was a HOT, dry, HOT, desolate, HOT, desert land.
You know, with all those westerns they show on TV how could I think otherwise? Well finally the opportunity came to go and I set out to find out what there was to do in Tucson,AZ . Of course I realised by then that there were nice hotels, restaurants, (it's a US city after all!) and that if I went in the Fall...it was not only cheaper but FAR from HOT! Actually it was cold to me (yes I do come from a tropical island). In terms of the 101 things to do in Tucson like the Cowboy shows, museums, science & technology exhibits, casinos, oddly enough none of those really appealed to me. I wanted adventure! And...adventure I got.

Yes, I surely found it in the off-the-beaten-track DIRT roads of the wide open desert, on the back of a red quadbike! It felt like we drove forever to get to this little "western movie" type looking bar in the middle of "nowhere", where our tour into the desert would begin. I was really pumped, until our guide started talking about how to manouevre our bikes if we came across a snake on the trail.... Excuse me?! Did you say the word snake? And did you then suggest that I not ride over it so as not to have it rain on the person behind me? let's talk about this for a second here...I wanted adventure... but you know the kind without dangerous animals.... Oh well I've already paid, but you can be sure I'm gonna ride right behind the guide!

Turns out there were no snakes (that I saw) but even if  there were, this trip would have been well worth it! Talk about cacti of every size and shape! Talk about just getting away from the hustle and bustle and riding at top speed without a care in the world! Talk about the most spectacular sunset as you ride back!....and then talk about the DUST! This is not a tour for the beauty conscious...you will not recognize yourself after this tour. But who cares, you would've had a most amazing adventure!

Now no trip to anywhere would be complete without some good food! Pinnacle Peak is one place that stood out in my mind because it was so very unique. Not only is it a saloon, fitting with the whole western theme, but it is the home of the world famous Cowboy Steak. They also have a policy of absolutely no Neck Ties! I'm serious. I wore one just to test them (mind you it wasn't going with my outfit). They came around to my table with great ceremony ringing a cowbell that must have come from someone's ancestor (seriously that thing was old!), and reminding me of their policy. Then they took out a scissors and cut off my tie!!! And proceeded to hang it from the ceiling with the other millions of ties from patrons who dared to defy them! Why I never...?! Can you believe it? They cut off my tie! If it wasn't for the humongous (is that a word?) cowboy steak, that was just oozing with flavor and the great fun I had...I would've sued them for my tie! Oh well ... such is life.

The Arid Zone turned out to be a great trip. Good food, adventure (and of course shopping). Now for the Dessert. As promised here's one of my creations:

Mango Crumble

Ingredients

2 - 3 firm mangoes

Cinnamon

Brandy

Brown sugar

Water

All purpose flour

Salt

Butter

Method

Place water in a saucepan and bring to boil.

Peel mangoes and slice meat from the seed. Slice into strips.

Place mango strips in boiling water. Add sugar, cinnamon. 

Stir till it becomes thicker, like a syrup.

Meanwhile combine flour, butter, salt until it has a crumb texture. Set aside.

Grease dish. Remove Mango mixture from heat. Add brandy. Stir well.

Place Mango mixture in dish. Cover with crumble. Bake until golden brown.

*optional - add dried cranberries to Mango mixture for added flavor. Bon appetit!