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A new beginning




This post is about a new beginning in more ways than one. I'm finally going to start blogging about recipes now (hello...it's a food blog..what was I thinking so far?), and the first recipe is about a new beginning in my life. My parents have consented to my decision about my marriage. I'm sure there are plenty of Indian girls out there, who understand exactly what a huge relief this is. I came up with this recipe to celebrate this wonderful milestone with L. I was visiting L. for the first time on the weekend following Dashera, a week after my parents broke the news to me. So this had to be something really special.

There are several different inspirations for this recipe. I love mangoes, so I had to make something with Mangoes. My eldest Masi taught me how to make chocolate walnut fudge (similar to the one sold by Cooper's in Lonavala). So, I decided to make Mango fudge, and felt that Cashews would go well with Mango. So, it's a Mango - Cashew Fudge.
The decoration is inspired by the typical decoration of 'Kalvo'. Now, Kalvo is the basic Besan sweet, decorated with nuts and gifted to the bride and the groom by the families. I think the final look of this dish does resemble a 'Kalvo' that my family would one day bring for L. Here's to new beginnings...

Mango - Cashew Fudge:

1 can Mango pulp (I used Kesar, but Alphonso might work better)
1 can condensed milk
1 can full milk
1 cup coarse cashew powder
3/4 cup sugar
1 stick butter (unsalted)
1 tsp. cardamom powder
1/2 cup mixed nuts powder (almonds, pistachios, etc.) (optional)
Nuts for garnish.







In a thick bottomed or nonstick pan, mix all the ingredients, leaving out 1/4 stick of butter and cardamom. Mix well and stir on medium heat. Keep stirring till the mixture becomes thick and starts leaving the side of the pan.








Add the remaining butter and cardamom powder. This adds a nice shine to the fudge. Set it in a buttered dish, cool, and garnish.






I assume this recipe might work well in the microwave too, although I haven't tried it. In case you're wondering about the chocolate walnut variation, replace Mango with chocolate powder, cashew nuts with finely chopped walnuts, and cardamom with vanilla. It really tastes like the one at Cooper's.

L. and our friends absolutely loved it. What I was singing in my heart though was the gujarati wedding song about Kalvo.."Kalvo khavdavava aavyaa honshe honshe".
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