Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 3.19.21

I’m passing the mic this week to one of my favorite people + CLC contributor, Kaitlyn Chock. 

March 19th, 2021Hi y’all, On Tuesday, eight people, six of whom were Asian women, were murdered in a series of attacks on massage parlors in Atlanta. As we’ve all seen, acts of violence have surged since the beginning of the pandemic and anti-Asian hate crimes are up 554.47% from March 19, 2020 to Feb. 28, 2021 (according to the latest report from Stop AAPI Hate).I saw a Tweet about the attacks that hit me really hard. The tweet read, “It’s not all Asian people either. I think we need to be really honest that a lot of the most visceral violence is happening to poor asians (these women were not microsoft employees), elderly asians, and women.” I don’t really feel like I have a place in this discourse because I am not and have never been as vulnerable as the women who were attacked on Tuesday. As a mostly East Asian person who grew up somewhere where she was the majority, I don’t feel qualified to talk about discrimination of any variety and frankly this is white supremacy in action. I think this is an afab thing (and honestly being an Asian woman probably has a lot to do with this) but I always feel incredibly uncomfortable talking about any hardships I’ve experienced because someone else always has it so much worse. It doesn’t feel fair to take any space away from other historically marginalized groups by talking about the issues my community is facing but this is, of course, incredibly problematic. With my absurd ranking system (well, this trauma is worse than this trauma), I’m perpetuating white supremacy. We need to talk about the attacks on the Asian community because every single life that is lost is a tragedy in and of itself. Delaina Ashley Yaun, Paul Andre Michels, Xiaojie Tan, Daoyou Feng, Julie Park, Hyeon Jeong Park and countless, countless others should still be here with us. They were killed in a senseless way because of a complicated and disgusting cocktail of racism, objectification and fetishization. The racism that affects Asian women specifically is particularly insidious and it’s taken me too long to realize that. And it’s also taken me too long to realize how racism against any group negatively impacts all of this. For example, as a result of these attacks, the NYPD has decided to deploy more police officers “out of an abundance of caution,” which will likely result in further criminalization of already marginalized communities. I am a person with a tremendous amount of privilege and I’m going to do everything I can to draw attention to the various ways white supremacy, sexism and fetishization hold us all back and I encourage you to do the same. We’re all responsible. The work starts with us. This week, take time to think about the ways you perpetuate white supremacy, educate yourself with anti-racism resources and fight to decriminalize (and destigmatize) sex work. We’re sharing a few resources in this week’s newsletter that you can use as a jumping off point. If you have resources you’d like to share with the community or need extra support this week, please reply to this email. Sending love,Kaitlyn

Shape language // @hawnuhlee

To-do’s and how-to'sBecome an empowered bystander and help de-escalate xenophobic harassment. You can take this free bystander intervention training to support our Asian-American community.Spread the word on these other Anti-Asian violence resources. You can support Heart of Dinner to keep Asian elders fed in NYC. Show up as an escort in Oakland for your neighbors. Gather (virtually) in solidarity and love to heal and discuss.This is an incredible resource list from @sasponella for research, readings, ways to get involved, support, donate, and practice anti-racism. 

This week’s required readingClimate questions continue. Are your carbon offsets doing anything? This beautifully illustrated comic highlights just what, exactly, your eco-ride share benefit means. We need more accountability in carbon offsets people, so keep asking questions.A spot of good news–$40 million in funding has been allocated for The Great Outdoors Act. Preserving Pacific Northwest Forests and recreation economies.This one hit home. We control how we choose to invest in ourselves, and self care should include boundaries. Rethinking what our tool kit for finding balance looks like with Minaa B.

Here’s what’s for dinnerSt. Patty’s day or literally any day ending in Y is appropriate for these delicious, travel-friendly shepherd’s hand pies from the food pocket pro @micks_magic. A savory cocoon of mixed veggies, mashed tubers, and TVP, I’ll be making up a double batch this weekend to enjoy indefinitely. This is a great recipe to try out with the fam, someone in your pod, or to porch drop for those neighbors you like so much. Get creative with the produce you have on hand, with enough starch, you can’t go wrong.Want your veg fix out of pocket? This winter slaw with creamy tahini dressing will get ya sorted. And probably be a good idea to balance out a lotta dough.

We’re cooking withWrapped up in this stunning, geometric patterned throw. Mustard triangles all the way down y’all. Will be trying to pan fry from under this blanket, will report back.Getting Passover ready with this beautiful, woven bread-turned-matzo basket. Kosher for Pesach, and perfect for filling up with a mountain of crackers.Eyeing and buying these Spanish, recycled wine glasses to adorn our virtual Passover table. Great for another round of Mogen David or the lesser of two evils, grape juice. We won’t tell.

AttendThis Saturday (3/20) join our foodie friend Christine Wong to make dumplings and #stopasianhate. Half of proceeds will go to @aafederation to promote policy advocacy and public awareness.Get into a zero waste mindset with a free class from our friend + sustainability expert, Moji Igun of Blue Daisi Consulting. She’s one of the BEST in the biz and can help shift your thinking when it comes to creating an impactful small business.  

Listening inWhat would a real minimum wage mean for restaurant workers? Having lived off tips and $2 an hour for over 10 years I can tell ya a HECK of a lot. This latest Planet Money ep digs in.  

Can't stop staringThank Julia, Lani Halliday has finally started her own YouTube channel. I would like nothing more than to watch her make those famous miso choco chip cookies, all day everyday. Watch party, anyone?Having a quiet moment with these pastel, pansy summer rolls.

Make changeLots of work to do this week. One thing that will make a difference is promoting justice for Asian and migrant sex workers. Sign this declaration of support and make it known. Sex work IS work and these individuals have a right to improve health, safety and to work with dignity.

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