MANGO BLOSSOM The primary mango season is from May through September. You'll recognize a ripe mango. It is bright in color, yields just slightly to the touch, and has a strong floral aroma. 4 mangoes 1/2 of a 15-ounce purchased angel food cake 1/4 cup butter or margarine, melted 3 tablespoons molasses or honey Vanilla ice cream (optional) Using a sharp knife, cut mangoes lengthwise down both flat sides, keeping the blade about 1/4 inch from the seed. Score mango pieces, making cuts through the fruit just to the peel in a crosshatch pattern. Set aside.

Carefully remove and discard the peel remaining around the mango seeds. Cut away as much of the fruit from each mango seed as you can; discard seeds. Place the fruit portion in a food processor bowl or blender container. Cover and process of blend fruit until smooth. Transfer pureed fruit to a small covered container; chill.

Cut angel food cake in half horizontally. Brush all sides with half the melted butter or margarine.

For a charcoal grill, place cake on the grill rack directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered, for 2 to 3 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Cut grilled angel food cake into large, irregular-shape croutons.

Brush fruit side of reserved mango pieces with remaining melted butter or margarine and molasses or honey. Place mango pieces, cut sides down, on the grill rack directly over medium coals. Grill, uncovered, for 4 to 6 minutes or until brown around the edges and heated through.

For a gas grill, preheat grill. Reduce heat to medium. Place angel food cake and mangoes on the grill rack; cover and grill as above.

To serve, carefully bend back the peel on each mango half, pushing the inside up and out until the mango cubes pop up and separate. Place each mango blossom in a shallow dessert dish; surround with several cake croutons and, if desired, vanilla ice cream. Drizzle with mango sauce.

Makes 8 servings.

1 Serving - Calories: 215, Fat: 4g (Saturated: 1g), Cholesterol: 33mg, Sodium: 249mg, Carbohydrate: 45g, Protein: 3g.

[Simply Perfect Grilling 2001, Better Homes and Gardens Special Interest Publications]