When you and your girlfriends get together, do you share food?

Generally, when women get together we share stories, laughs, sometimes tears, with a side of favorite foods and beverages. Actually, that’s the recipe for a great girlfriend get-together.

Research shows there is a complex relationship between women and food. It’s not just a sign of being hungry, it’s a ritual we enjoy with other female friends. (Think about it – we can eat what we want without a partner or subordinate judging our caloric intake, etc. Bring on the birthday cake, bacon or bourbon!)

We’ll talk about this relationship between women and food on Monday night, LIVE on Twitter (4-6pm EST/1-3pm PST, December 14) as we join our girlfriends Molly, Kelly and Caitlin from ‘Cooking with Caitlin‘ for #FNI – ‘Foodies Night In’ on Twitter. We’ll be tweeting and talking food with a bunch of foodies and friends who will share their recipes and tips for girlfriend get-togethers. It’s a Twitter party – join us!

To get us started, my girlfriend Lissa (whom I met on Twitter), shared this tasty recipe that she makes for her girlfriend parties:

Mango Salsa, submitted by LISSA BOLES

2 ripe (not over-ripe) Mangoes – peeled and diced
1 dozen ripe cherry tomatoes – washed and diced
OR 1 sweet red pepper – washed, cored, seeded
1/4 Spanish Onion – finely diced
Cilantro – washed, patted dry, finely chopped – add to taste (I often use ½ a bunch – I’m a cilantro nut)
1 Jalepeno pepper (optional) – washed, cored & seeded, finely diced (wear gloves & don’t touch your face!)

Mix all ingredients in a ceramic or glass bowl.  Cover and let flavors marinate for at least two hours before serving.  If you know it’s likely to be eaten, marinate at room temperature.  If you suspect you’ll have left-overs, marinate in the fridge and add an extra hour. Great for corn chip dipping!  Also wonderful as a dressing. Yummy on fish or chicken tacos – or as a condiment with fish or chicken entrees.

Lissa added: “It doesn’t last long, so I tend to make it in double batches – and often give a batch as a gift with a bag of home-made corn chips.”

Thanks Lissa! (Check her out – Lissa Boles, True Callings Coach)

Join us on Monday from 4-6pm EST on Twitter. Foodies and friends are invited!