Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 4.7.23

CLC Weekly 😈🌷Villain Era Spring.

April 07, 2023

April 7th, 2023

Hi friends,

Snarky newsletter quips written without ChatGPT, thank you. But well aware AI could take over y’all’s inbox at any moment. Fingers crossed Bing’s recipe recs never pick up on my subtle food pun strategy… 

Come Spring, I’m embodying Villain Era Energy–i.e. I’m re-assessing my people pleasing tendencies and establishing boundaries to support my neurospicy bod. Seasonal shifts hit different this year and that means spring cleaning my routines to make space for intentional daily practice. If you’re like me, that deep commitment to self can truly feel like miscreant behavior. Takeout for one from my favorite vegan deli, despite having food at home. A secret stash of pilfered work snacks I do not care to share. Protecting creative time at all costs and letting go of unfulfilling obligation. You know, normal villain stuff.

So while I’m working on my intrapersonal relationship, I’m eating like a baddy. Flavors that excite me, dishes and cookbooks that satiate and serve as kitchen meditation, and sharing only from a full cup, when I have enough to pour. A newly self-anointed villainess, I’m recognizing the necessity of self-sustaining practice, and honestly, dinner tastes even better as an antagonist.

Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Sustainable Sabs. // @hawnuhlee

The dish >>

Sabs Katz's controversial snacks and stepping into Spring

We’ve been fans of Sabs Katz for her ethical OOTDs and NYC vegan recs for years, and if you’re not already following this low waste queen on YouTube and IG, we simply must insist you join us. Whether she’s sharing tips for how to be a more mindful shopper, or taking us along a day in her life as a cofounder and content creator, Sabs always brings her thoughtful perspective and a healthy dose of joy. 

In honor of Passover beginning this week, we asked Sabs what the holiday means to her and what the vibes are in her kitchen as we head into spring.

Do you have a favorite Passover memory from growing up?

Passover was the one holiday every year my family hosted. Readying our home for 30 plus people, watching my mom cook all day, setting the tables for so many folks, and being surrounded my family will always stand out in my memory. My mom making matzo meal pancakes on the weekend also sticks out. 

Are you cooking anything for the holiday this year?

Unfortunately I won’t be — ever since I went vegan, I’ve found it especially difficult to keep kosher for passover. I tried to a few years ago and transparently, it didn’t make me feel closer to Judaism or to my ancestors. What works for me is attending a seder (or FaceTiming my parents so I can ‘join in’ on theirs) and that feels like enough for me.

Are there any rituals or traditions that are especially meaningful to you this time of year?

I don’t have any Jewish rituals in particular, but around this time of year with the weather warming, I always look forward to spending time in Prospect Park. Whenever I think of my happy place, I think of myself sitting on my park blanket with some music, maybe a book, on a sunny day. Connecting with nature in that way brings me so much peace.

Any controversial K for P snack opinions?

Not a snack opinion, but maybe a controversial one is that (before I went vegan) I used to LOVE gefilte fish and would look forward to eating it every Passover. Maybe this will be the year I try to create a vegan version!

What are you looking forward to as we enter into spring?

Spring produce and spending more time outside! I’m a morning person and seeing the sun out brings me so much joy. One of my favorite things is to wrap up work as soon as possible so I can head over to the park and spend the evening there until the sun sets. There’s truly no better weekday activity!

This season I’m obsessed with: wearing whatever the fuck is already in my closet.

Anything you're working on at the moment that you're especially excited about?

Not a project per se, but in this era of my life I’m working on my own healing. Learning to fulfill my needs, being unapologetic about my boundaries, and building community with folks who care is something I’m excited to dedicate more of my time and energy to.

What's on your kitchen playlist these days?

I love this question! I’m a music fanatic, lately it’s been a lot of low-fi hip hop, neo soul and R+B. Folks like Summer Walker, Megan Thee Stallion, Tems, SZA, Smino, Little Simz, are all bringing me joy at the moment.

Something you've read recently that you'd recommend CLC readers check out?

I’m currently reading Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin, I’m obsessed!

What is one way you are taking care of yourself this week?

Honoring my time boundaries. I’ve long struggled with chronically overbooking myself, so I’m being intentional about carving out Sabs time. I love taking care of myself in this way :)

In this era of my life I’m working on my own healing.

Thank you Sabs! We share the sentiment and appreciate the share. <3-

Curious how y'all are healing this season? Reply here with your latest tips.

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