tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21946538556361128122009-11-28T22:53:53.606-08:00Mango Power Girl is a dynamo Seattle food blogger of sustainable, fresh, organic, healthy, and delicious vegetarian cuisine sourced in farmers' markets.MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.comBlogger132125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-19396893077563017352009-11-20T06:00:00.000-08:002009-11-20T11:55:12.675-08:00

Since it has been raining heavily and non-stop in Seattle lately, I am regularly reminded of the day we walked around Vancouver's Chinatown. We were pulling our luggage and carrying our cameras, in the rain! but determined to shoot the neighborhood. In the distance we saw just a sliver of the Sun Yat-Sen Chinese Garden and set out for it, not knowing what it was but hoping to find something

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-49936889814543695412009-11-13T22:30:00.000-08:002009-11-15T16:17:26.064-08:00

I love the authenticity of exploring a city by foot. You discover places beyond tourists, joining natives in their daily lives.We recently went to Vancouver, BC by train, for just a couple days around the U2 360 concert. I also have 4 GB of photos from the show to process! and I will have to share our trip over multiple photo posts.This set begins on the train from Seattle, yes that was the view!

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-50484336322673499732009-10-16T21:04:00.000-07:002009-10-17T00:57:20.148-07:00

I'll keep this short, because I have pretty much lost my arm stirring this dish! I am so glad to be back with a bang for Diwali! Moong Daal Halwa (or Seera as we call it in Gujarati) is one of the richest and most laborious desserts you'll make. Of course I did not realize how hard it was until I had started! I asked my mother for the recipe, and she kept asking me in reply if I was sure I wanted

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-58577972188324614072009-09-15T19:30:00.000-07:002009-09-15T19:46:31.936-07:00

This has been the Summer of Sangria for us, to the point that I exhausted our liquor supply. I have been making them since the first market peaches in early July. Seattle, Pipitone Farms from Rock Island have had some of the best peaches in recent weeks. It's September and our markets still have incredible peaches, with two or three weeks left in the season, so bottom's up!Today they're also my

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-13485159042106570162009-08-31T01:30:00.000-07:002009-11-21T23:25:16.423-08:00

From a few recent trips to Pike Place Market: I love the colors of the market and here is this summer's homage, in a film that captures beautiful color. These were shot with two different kinds of Kodak Portra over the last two weeks. Hover over the shots to see their titles.

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-1864318678469025402009-08-23T22:00:00.000-07:002009-08-24T22:15:27.541-07:00

I've been joking lately that I found a new motto ... "Writing is great, but there's so many words ..." it's something that Eddie Vedder said in this (must-see!) short clip by Danny Clinch, that I'm in love with.I'm struggling with words right now, but photos have never been more satisfying ... expressing through images has always been easier for me ... I hope you enjoy some of these shots from

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-23246392042228147362009-07-22T17:25:00.000-07:002009-08-23T01:23:56.557-07:00

I won't even explain why it's taken me so long to share this simple post, but you should enjoy this raita while you can still get fresh radishes and mint! I'll write more stories about raita another time.I used:2 cups thick (Greek-style) yogurt1 bunch radishes, thinly sliced (I used a tiny mandolin or you could try big shreds.)1 teaspoon sugar1 tablespoon mint leaves, finely chopped1/2 teaspoon

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-31027846968599147402009-07-14T14:37:00.000-07:002009-07-15T00:36:02.264-07:00

The other day I saw one my favorite modern Indian chefs in NYC, Suvir Saran, make this roasted cauliflower dish on the Martha Show. In my own home I do a similar dish, but with potatoes and a shortcut -- I skip grinding the spices. At other times and for many Indian dishes, I would do it all from scratch as that's why Indian dishes are so intense in flavor.My Oven Roasted Aloo Gobi, however is

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-78127491937956813322009-06-14T14:33:00.000-07:002009-06-14T23:52:12.095-07:00

In the summertime in India, I grew up drinking baflo. It's popular in Gujarat and made from green mangoes. Baflo packs a fresh punch of flavor unlike anything else you'll taste. The raw mango is tempered with raw Indian sugar and cumin spices it up. It's a thick drink enjoyed cold which cools you off and helps prevent heat stroke, too. I finally found green mangoes here in Seattle, and the

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-34563695706704973922009-05-31T21:00:00.000-07:002009-05-31T21:27:00.070-07:00

I'm feeling dirty-bloody full of anti-oxidants as I write this! Not that we don't eat enough vegetables, but it's always good to up your anti-oxidants in drinks too, right?! Oh whatever! the wonderful warm and sunny days have inspired me more than anything. I also have to say that all the lovely readers and fellow bloggers, who've left me some kind words, have kept me going. So we're drinking it

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-57625788508585003152009-05-25T21:25:00.000-07:002009-05-26T01:12:13.149-07:00

This all started out as experimentation, from my need to do something different with rhubarb every year! Rhubarb crisp and compote have been classic favorites in our house. I kinda did that again, starting with a rhubarb strawberry compote, then put one of my new books, Ratio by Ruhlman to good use. With his ratio, I mixed and improvised as usual and we ended up with a few too many pastries and

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-80326751309020669352009-05-18T00:00:00.000-07:002009-05-18T06:42:00.451-07:00

The asparagus have been beautiful out here, and in Spring so have so many other things, like the Washington Park Arboretum! Pictures are always easier for me to share than words. Inspiration in words has been hard to find among tough times in life. I won't bore you with the details, that's life!Aside from that, there is a disheartening drag I'd like to mention -- people stealing photos and other

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-27743692635874462702009-04-12T23:11:00.000-07:002009-04-12T23:30:27.494-07:00

My oven has been busy, but it helps keep the home warm and smelling great in this slow-coming Spring. Here's another cake to look at, but this time I picked something personal & unique to my native Gujarati cuisine and hence, not as widely known outside India and perhaps even Gujarat.We call it handvo -- pronounced either "hahn-d-vo" or "ahn-d-vo" with a silent 'h'. Handvo was the perfect

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-77994051902324365122009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:002009-03-30T07:22:06.225-07:00

Ever since I read pages 44-45 in A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg, her Chocolate Cupcakes with Bittersweet Glaze were in my mind. More because I've been dying to eat chocolate cake so much lately, that's a normal craving right? [Ferrania Solaris 400 film]One day I started making the cupcakes only to realize I did not have enough chocolate for the glaze. I still had enough chocolate to make the

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-70505397123963150222009-03-22T13:00:00.000-07:002009-03-25T18:55:43.774-07:00

I've been dying to post this, but I hadn't received the official copy of the magazine until now. I'll cut to the chase -Italian architecture magazine, Il Giornale dell' Architettura, recently wanted to use my photo for the cover of their February issue. They did a cover story on John Arthur Morefield of Architecture 5 cents from Ballard Farmer's Market.This shot was also featured in this month's

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-441493115201543052009-03-07T21:00:00.000-08:002009-03-31T12:46:20.946-07:00

Could I do any more breakfast and brunch posts? The answer is always yes! I love and savor my weekends and every minute I get to cook when I am relaxed and at home!Ever since we watched an episode of Jamie at Home with Jamie Oliver cooking all these root vegetables into a delicious mash, Brian has been squeaking about it! Jamie called the dish Bubble and Squeak which is traditional in England. My

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-86055161298227535352009-02-21T21:58:00.000-08:002009-03-21T10:56:02.610-07:00

I love beets and eat them in many ways. I usually make these muffins with carrots, but recently I had too many roasted beets leftover. I decided them to turn them into a delicious breakfast and snack that I can take to work. Beets add natural sweetness, stunning color, and most of all, they are so rich in iron.I especially love using beet powder for frosting cookies and other things, because I do

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-36755119444280707462009-02-08T15:28:00.001-08:002009-02-17T21:59:57.594-08:00

Have I said often enough that "I don't fry?" Ok, I take that back. When you live in one of the most overcast, drizzly, damp cities, sometimes you need to fry just to have some fun and warm you up. Once in a while an exception is ok, if you eat in moderation and don't go crazy! In India we fry bhajias during monsoon. I only wish that every time we fry, it could recreate the charm of monsoon!I

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-40564146838091254202009-01-31T21:00:00.000-08:002009-02-05T22:54:56.151-08:00

One of the best things about living in Seattle is freshness and finding it in many different ways each season. There aren't that many fruits in winter, but apples are abundant here.I tried to create a dessert for those who hate dessert. I used local apples, raw milk cheese, honey, and pastry sheets, then spiced it up! It has a savory edge to it and the real star ingredient is the Chinese 5 spice

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-34572908804939356992009-01-25T22:00:00.000-08:002009-01-26T15:31:30.377-08:00

It is winter and I miss warmth, the sun, dryness, and of course mangoes! Honestly, it's been hard to find inspiration to blog. No, I haven't stopped photographing or cooking or eating! for that matter, but putting it all together takes energy, and who isn't a little lethargic this time of year!So what do I do in winter, when I miss mangoes? Stock up on this stuff :) I enjoy dried mango slices.

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-64129598358154599842009-01-10T15:03:00.000-08:002009-01-11T13:38:37.482-08:00

If you have visited Pike Place Market in Seattle, then you must have been to Market Spice? If not, then you must go to Market Spice the next time you are at Pike Place Market. They make some of our favorite teas and blends, which we love so much that we even had people send their eponymous "Market Spice Tea" to us before we moved to Seattle. They were also one of the first market shops I visited

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-12444045603641220312008-12-15T22:12:00.000-08:002009-02-26T10:27:48.806-08:00

It is fun to learn about the holiday traditions of friends and family. Especially when it comes to food, I am impressed by traditions from all over the world. Brian's family has some wonderful traditional recipes, and every year we try to take one old recipe and make it our own. We stick to some aspect of the old recipe such as the food's look, but vary it with ingredients we like or find

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-83678166621773671162008-12-14T12:56:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:54:07.409-08:00

Nigella Lawson's Pistachio Fudge is one of the easiest fudge recipes I've seen. It comes out of Nigella Express, a book Nigella personally signed for me :) I was originally a bit skeptical about this book, but once I bought it, I caught myself making more things out of it than I had expected. Mind you, I don't just make things as in the recipe, but Nigella Express has been great inspiration.My

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-62851447777447331422008-12-10T16:19:00.000-08:002008-12-23T16:53:48.111-08:00

Roasted Masala Cashews are a quick nutritious snack, or a popular bite to pass around with drinks when you warm up your guests. In India we eat many different types of spicy nuts and this is a method my mom used to make cashews a bit more interesting. You will need some self-control when you make these though, as they are so simple & tasty. I suggest making them for a party so you're not the only

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2194653855636112812.post-64301066090182719222008-12-07T14:41:00.000-08:002009-08-24T22:16:26.710-07:00

We recently visited the Philadelphia area to spend time with my brother and his wife for the holidays. One weekday we took the local train into the good City of Brotherly Love. We saw some historic sites and turned Old Philly's Reading Terminal Market inside-out. It was brisk and chilly for Philly on foot that day, so we were happy to enter the market right at the Old City Coffee espresso stand -

MPGhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17978342999500783533mangopowergirl@gmail.com6