Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 1.22.21

January 22nd, 2021

Hi friends,

“If we merge mercy with might,and might with right,then love becomes our legacyand change our children’s birthrightSo let us leave behind a countrybetter than the one we were left with”

From Amanda Gorman’s inaugural poem. 

Let compassion be our guide, for there is change on the horizon, and change in coming tides. In this moment, I am allowing myself hope, however flawed and naive it may be, for this new administration. And deep appreciation for Michelle Obama in belted monochrome wear.

Change is ours, and our children’s birthright. As we move forward in climate action and social justice I continue to come back to the Seventh Generation Principle. An ethos from the Haudenosaunee tribe that the decisions we make today provide a sustainable world seven generations into the future. It places us inside nature, asks us to reconsider societal structures. An imperative shift we must move towards to find balance.

We can do this in our daily lives. In the purchases we make, in the ways we show up for our communities, in the conversations we have with our families. We can reflect these ideals and support the people in power to bring legislation to life. We can put pressure on our leaders to follow through and if we see a void in our local system, we can rise to the challenge.

The Seventh Generation Principle is a commitment to community, to our own humanity. To our planet, our vital resources. It’s up to us to swing the pendulum. 

For today’s tomorrow y’all. How are you showing up? 

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Fresh faces by Hawnuh Lee

To-do’s and how-to'sRe-thinking our skin care routines (and the term “skinimalism”) for our pores and the planet. There’s definitely a trick to getting that glow with less packaging people. Read on for a lil’ primer on sustainable skin care.

This week’s required readingYour friendly Friday reminder that white people did not invent fake meat. Vice did a great write up about the culinary history of imitation meat in China. - KaitlynI assumed that with the pandemic consumers were creating more waste since bulk bins are closed and more of us are having our groceries and meals delivered. But surprisingly and encouragingly a 2020 global survey found that 60 percent of folx were making more eco friendly, sustainable and ethical purchases during the pandemic. - KaitlynRevisiting small scale farming practices with Granor Farms. As the pandemic breaks down larger food supply systems it is of utmost importance we look to local production for sustainable alternatives.

Seasonal eatingLove a beet to brighten up a January dinner. If you’ve already made this creamy and bright beet root soup, make sure you save your odds and ends for a beet to stem spread. Easy, use-it-up, and pink as heck.Shout out to bread for being the perfect spread pair.

Here’s what’s for dinnerYou need an easy winter grain salad in your rotation. This roasted broccoli bowl with pearl barley and orange shallot vinaigrette is just the fix. Get wild and sub your choice of veg and make the most of that bottom crisper drawer. I’ve recently discovered the delicious versatility of barley and will have a pot at the ready until warm weather.

We’re cooking withThe comfiest of thermal tops I can look Zoom ready wearing, prep dinner in, and fall asleep on the couch until 3 am, still cozy, in. More low maintenance, everyday ethical house wear please.Moments away from investing in this lovely, bamboo colander / bowl set to strain infinite amounts of winter time carbs. Envisioning matching dishware I can happily leave out on the counter while slurping noodles.Y’all my pantry is close to achieving organized chaos. Not perfect, but functional. Adding in a set of these recycled bamboo jars for storage to handle the aforementioned carb collection. What a treat.

RitualI’m reveling in the humanity of this piece on the Ciclovía—a weekly occasion in Bogota, Colombia where cars are not allowed on the roads and pedestrians and non-motor transport get top billing over the city’s main avenues and highways. It’s hard / sad / frustrating to recognize that most of us live in places where machines are prioritized over humans. If you have an opportunity to reclaim your right to take up space in your environment this week—whatever that looks like—I encourage you to take it. - Maia

Can’t stop staringPastry envy for everyone in proximity of this NYC all vegan patisserie. Need more plant-based baked goods in my morning routine.Not vegan but a necessary watch. Petty cheese history lessons featuring the round, orange decadence of mimolette. SayCheeseTok?

Make changeLooking for ways to support food equity after reading Moji’s latest piece on accessible healthy food? This comprehensive list of food and land justice groups for Black Americans is a great way to get started. You can support local orgs through donation, volunteering, and spreading the word. Read up on the Real Meals Campaign and sign the petition to get the top food service corporations to move away from harmful practices!

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