Madam Pele's Gift!!

On the Big Island of Hawaii is a volcano called Kilauea, where the Hawaiians say Madam Pele lives!!! The name was given to her by the Islanders and means, "Goddess of the Volcano." Every now and then Pele reminds us she is there with a lava eruption!!

When you drive around the rim sometimes you can smell sulphur which is emitted from the volcano. If you are not there during an eruption, don't worry, you can see where the lava previously left its mark.

In the national park I stopped at the visitor centre. There was a large glass case for you to view with objects people sent back. Many people felt they had bad luck or were cursed by Madam Pele for taking things such as pieces of rock or lava from her crater. One Japanese lady sent her shoes back for forgiveness, believing her bad luck resulted from walking on the edge of the volcano.

Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, loved the Hawaiian Islands. Today in my little collection of books is "Mark Twain's Letters from Hawaii." I bought it on my trip to the Big Island and treasure it very much.

They say the Islanders used to throw gifts into the volcano for good luck. Today I am not there, but I write a recipe as a gift for Madam Pele, hopefully she will send me some luck!


Scallops with Spicy Mango Macadamia Salsa

Serves 4 people

Ingredients

2 dozen scallops (allows 6 per person)

2 large mangoes, diced

2 tablespoons lime juice

3 tablespoons chopped coriander
1 small red onion, chopped

1 red chilli finely chopped with seeds removed

One third of a cup chopped Macadamia nuts

1 teaspoon of fish sauce

1 teaspoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons olive oil

Method

Make Salsa first.

In a bowl place lime juice, fish sauce and brown sugar. Lightly beat together with a fork until mixed.

Then put in the diced mango, coriander, onion, chili and lastly the macadamia nuts. Mix well and then place in fridge to chill.

Warm a grill on low heat. Wipe with olive oil  so scallops don't stick.

Place on the scallops and cook one minute each side.

To serve place on a scallops in the middle of the plate with a salsa on the side. Decorate with a small sprig of coriander.

Enjoy!