Food to Bridge Cultural Differences with Special Guest Mahsa Darabi

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Food to Bridge Cultural Differences with Special Guest Mahsa Darabi</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">In Episode #21, co-hosts Bita and Beata welcome special guest Mahsa Darabi of The Moody Persian to reflect on experiences immigrating to the U.S. from Iran as a young child, and how food bridged a gap and became her ‘why’ for everything she does around teaching, cooking, and Persian food.  Mahsa is a self-taught culinary instructor out of Portland, Oregon.  She has a passion for passing down her culinary knowledge and sharing it with her community.</span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Mahsa’s Back stories</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Immigrating to the U.S. and feeling alienated at age 7</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">The school lunch box story - how Persian food became Mahsa’s secret weapon for bringing people into her home, her life, and her culture; Persian food is her ‘secret weapon’</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Appearances and curly hair - embracing all natural, wildy curly hair after 25 years and especially after having children of her own.  Going from feelings of being not enough to embracing who you are!</span></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Favorite Persian foods to share with others</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Persian breakfast foods and our special herb platter, Sabzi Khordan - simple yet elegant, breaking bread and enjoying a type of cheese is relatable.  Also is Mahsa’s favorite class to teach. Loves adding bacon to the platter for a modern twist.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Beata enjoys sharing ash reshteh with friends and neighbors for American and Persian New Years. </span></li> </ul> <p> </p>