Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 2.28.20

February 28, 2020

Hi fam,

Our conversation with Jen Hung this week touched on what it means to be a vegan chef when you come from a meat-centric culture. How do you stay connected to your roots when you can’t participate in cultural traditions? Growing up in a kosher, Jewish household, I understood the importance around meat. The rituals associated with a schmaltz laden matzo ball soup or the annual synagogue corned beef sandwich fundraiser were of holy concern. Our recipes were derived out of necessity, giving value to each ingredient. I was thankfully supported, though not entirely understood, when I stopped eating meat (is any 5th grader that resolute?) and have come back to my traditional roots through Closed Loop Cooking. Like when we put on an entirely plant-based, low waste Passover dinner last year. Figuring out what it means to eat plant-based, Jewish food, Taiwanese food, Nigerian food, is all about creating new traditions. We get to recontextualize cultural dishes through a sustainable lens and that is truly beautiful. Most importantly we get to share a piece of our identity with friends and chosen family and make it our own.

What plant-based, cultural dishes have you made??

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

C O N V E R S A T I O N S

Food Curious with Jen Hung

We got to connect with Taiwanese American vegan chef, Jen Hung. She’s changing what it means to be a contemporary plant-based chef and stick to her roots. Ya gotta read it.

W I N S T A

Krystal C MackCan’t get enough of Krystal Mack’s beautifully curated tablescapes. Her recent trip to Oaxaca, Mexico highlights the intersection of contemporary foodways post colonization and preservation of local culture in her latest installation, “A Tale of Two Cities.” You should go and support her Patreon right this minute!

R E C I P E S

Limey Cabbage Cilantro Slaw

Purple cabbage doesn’t get enough love, it’s not just about the kraut game ya know. Give her some attention in this bright, herbaceous salad. She pairs well with just about anything and is a definite crowd pleaser. 

R E A D

How to Make Mindful DecisionsA short and sweet read from Soulbase Magazine intended to help you shift your mindset for those hard to make choices. We maintain sustainable habits when we come from a place of intention. Take a minute.

Have an idea we should feature in the newsletter? Want to support us? Drop us a line at [email protected] and tell your pals to sign up. We can’t wait to see what y’all cook up next! #closedloopcooking