Mango Chutney

This is a recipe for mango chutney by Chandaneśwar Prabhu. I wrote it down to share with a friend, and realized that we hadn't posted recipes in a while. In this recipe: T = tablespoon, t = teaspoon, c = cup, and < = less than.

One large mango will yield 4 chutney servings.
1. Peel and slice the mango into thin slices.
2. Sprinkle with a pinch of turmeric  and salt, set it aside for a couple minutes.
3. Boil two cups of water in a small sauce pan.
4. Blanch the mango for one to two minutes in the boiling water.
5. Strain the mango and discard the water.
6. Gather 2 red chiles, 1 t cayenne pepper, 1/4 t mustard seeds, 1-2 T sugar, 1 t oil
7. Heat your oil in the sauce pan, fry the red chilies and mustard seed until the pop. Reduce the heat to low.
8.  Add in the sugar, cayenne pepper, and mango.
9. Stir, add 1/4 t salt and < 1/2 c water.
10. Cook until the mango is soft and remove from heat.

Offer your chutney on the side of savory snacks, Krishna Chandra suggests samosas. Chandaneśwar prabhu suggests pappadam or chips.

Taxing Tasks

Today we had the elaborate task of installing a television wall mount to free up space on our desk-table. Unfortunately, it involved having to locate the studs, and for that we needed specialized equipment. As it turned out, drilling and hammering the entire wall did nothing as we had no god damn clue what the hell we were doing. We ventured down to the hardware store to purchase an electronic stud finder, which would make the task simple and efficient. I consider myself a stud-finder, but not the kind we were looking for. After messing around with the gadget, and re-drilling all over the damn wall, we came up with jack. I hope we can get our money back. We were supposed to mount a full-length mirror as well, so I could start practicing violin, and work on my bowing. We didn't accomplish that either. I still have a couple more tasks, in fact, I have to post something on my blog too. Blah. Organize my wardrobe, crafts, and fabric bins. Also I have the intention of repainting my Gaura-Nitai deities, sewing Deity outfits, sewing new apparel, and installing a clothes hanger for all the saris I already gave away. Oh yes, I gave away most of my nice cotton saris and skirts. Wonderful.

Two More Rounds...

Devotees always have "two more rounds left" when you ask them for help with some seva.
If you're curious and ask them, "How many rounds do you chant?" they'll say,
"Oh, I chant so many rounds every day."
Oh, really, that many rounds? That's very nice.
Next day if I ask, "Can you help me with this service?"
 "Not now, prabhu, a little later. I still have to finish my rounds."
"Okay, no problem. I'll come back in the evening."
Later in the day I will ask him, "Can you come help now, prabhu?"
"Oh, prabhu, I still have two more rounds left." and this is the same reply you'll get each hour, on the hour, when you ask again.