December 8th, 2023

Hi friends,

Preheating my cast iron for a weekend celebration in oil–Hanukkah kicked off last night and I will take any occasion to enjoy some fried potatoes. A seemingly simple endeavor, latkes have bested me on more than one crazy night. Whether it’s an excess of potato juice (is that just vodka?) or not quite mastering my fry, latkes are a practice in patience and I’ve learned to pass off the most challenging of tasks, the flip, to my younger sister.

For whatever reason her claim to Hanukkah fame always makes for a more savory pancake. Latkes are not a complete meal without her spatula prowess. And yes, applesauce, sour cream, and root vegetable are totally girl dinner. I’m grateful for our kitchen time together, lamenting brown potato bits and hot oil burns while we serve up flip after flip. 

Appreciating more than ever these rituals we’ve maintained and as we light holiday candles with mixed emotions this season. We can recognize the Judaism in which I was raised–empathetic, kind, caring for all humanity, and most importantly, each other.

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Pancakin'.

The dish >>

• Oh my god I am obsessed with the Plasticae classification group–HORG.

• I only want to go on dates at this repair cafe.

• Incredible 2023 restaurant trend report.

• Naming plant-based menu items–it’s all marketing.

• Wish I could go to this cookie decorating workshop with Abi Balingit in NYC.

• Hanukkah or otherwise, make your own vegan latkes this weekend!

• I would melt for this olive oil dispenser.

• Ditch the teflon, and make your stainless steel actually nonstick.

Cookbook corner

by Hawnuh Lee.

I can not recall how Aunt Fanny’s Junior Jewish Cook Book by YaYa Marlena Spieler landed in my collection–a cherished childhood relic? Or novel thrift store find? I am …loosing it. But a festive treasure none the less. The punchy red illustrations by Cyla London and off-kilter recipes encourage a gentle approaching to cooking and a fair bit of banana sculpting. I’ve collected the Hanukkah recipe section here to celebrate the holiday or just try a new venture and hope you can share in the flavors of the season! Enjoy.

And in case you needed an alternative...

Love this kid-friendly cookbook. Though not all 100% vegan recipes, with some simple swaps you can make the most of it. If you try any of these or are getting into any festive recipes this week, reply back!

And, amidst the lights of Hanukkah, we owe Gaza endurance. Whether that's solidarity in fasting, or showing up for hard conversations, every effort makes a difference.

Mugnorah garlands are my favorite decor this season.

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