Roasted Brown Sugar Papaya


I like to think of myself as an adventuresome eater. This started one night many years ago, when as an unsuspecting kid I sat down to our typical family dinner.  At least, what I thought was a typical dinner and just good ol' hamburgers.  The recollection in my memory goes like this:

Sneaky Mom: "Dinner's ready!"
Me: "What are we having?"
Co-Conspirator Dad: "Burgers."
Me: "Mmmm. They look good."
Sounds of chewing, chomping, and general satisfied sounds coming from me and the little brother.
Co-Conspirator Dad: "How do those burgers taste?"
Sidelong glances passed between Mom and Dad.
Me: "They're good!"
Poor chump little brother: "Yeah, good."
Co-conspirator Dad: "They don't taste funny...or weird...or anything huh?"
Mom and Dad are smirking at each other.
Me: "I don't think so...."
Evil Father: "Good! Cause you're eating Kangaroo burgers!"

Poor chump little brother and I start choking in surprise, faces are turning blue, and breathing is relatively difficult.  But at least the parents are having a good ol' laugh at our expense.

The moral of this story?  Parents, don't wait until your child's mouth is stuffed full of food before telling them they are eating something suspect.  It could result in a trip to the hospital, or at the very least having to administer the Heimlich maneuver.  "The Kangaroo Incident", as I like to call it, was the beginning of me starting to try new and different foods.  The child version of myself realized that just because something looks or sounds gross, doesn't meant it will be.

On a related note, I picked up a papaya at the store the other day, because I had actually never tried one.  I know they are readily available, and not too adventuresome, but I decided it was time I try one.  I wasn't sure what to do with it, other than eat it raw, and I wanted to try something different.  So I came across a recipe that called for roasting it in the oven, and adapted it to my tastes.  It turned out pretty good, but I don't think it will become a favorite fruit of mine.




Roasted Brown Sugar Papaya

1 large papaya, slice in half with seeds removed
1/4 cup brown sugar
juice of one lemon
1/8 tsp ginger
3 drops rum essence
heavy cream

Mix brown sugar, lemon juice, ginger, and rum essence in a small bowl.  Stir until sugar dissolves.  Spoon the mixture into the center of the papaya half.  Brush syrup over edges.  Broil at 500F for about 15 minutes, or until the papaya flesh is tender.  Remove from oven and place on serving dish.  Drizzle with heavy cream and serve immediately.


(recipe adapted from Rachel Ray, Roasted Papaya)


10 comments:

sara @ CaffeIna said...

I loved the kangaroo incident story! My parents were instead over protective from that point of view and I was a picky eater until I moved out of my parents house! Oh what we are missing out sometimes. I'm glad you tried papaya...I love it...it's so "summer" and I really like the simple and yummy way you prepared it! Way to go!

BakingWithoutABox said...

Love the kangaroo story. My parents and even my husband now "neglect" to tell me that there are veggies in my dish until after I've eaten it.

Yum papaya!

Kim (Liv Life) said...

I have a similar kangaroo story that has to do with rabbits. ugh!
As for the papaya, I've only eaten it fresh, as is. Never thought to do anything else with it, but I really love this idea. I'm drooling over that papaya pic!

Eileen said...

Were are our parents related? My parents would constantly (yes, constantly) try and trick me with venison. Being the clever girl I am began to go through the trash can to find the meat wrappers! I can so relate... Never had papaya -they were too busy tricking me with venison... Your's looks delicious!

Belinda @zomppa said...

That's hilarious. =) Kangaroo! This I bet they would eat - looks awesome.

Monet said...

Papaya. I hate to admit it, but I've never tired it before! After seeing your lovely photos though...I want to go pick one up right now! Your kangaroo incident definitely made me chuckle...thank you for sharing!

Anonymous said...

I've never tried papaya before either...I think because I really didn't know how to prepare it! This is definitely a step in the right direction!

Linn @ Swedish Home Cooking said...

I've actually had kangaroo meat in Australia, it's not bad! It's like their everyday meat. It just feels a bit weird though..

Karen said...

What an interesting way to prepare papaya...it looks yummy! I love it, but always just eat it raw. I've put it in fruit salsa, which is good.
Congrats on the Top 9!

Gwen said...

That's too funny. I have a very similar story involving rabbit, or that poor little bunny as I remember it. It had the opposite effect on me however and now I have a general aversion to most meats. ;-(
I adore your papaya recipe! Now I am very sad that my papaya has been dehydrating now for a few hours.... boring. ;-)






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