Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 5.21.21

May 21st, 2021Hi friends,Thinking lately about the places we eat. There have always been sacred spaces I could immerse myself in food ritual. Restaurants, taking comfort in being a regular at my local haunts. Friends' houses, sharing wine at other people’s dinner tables. Outdoor picnics with a special someone and plenty of finger food. So many places to elevate a dish.As we ate more meals at home over the last year, eventually all of them, we lost those honored spaces. We’ve been relegated to the same kitchen table, or in all honesty, the same spot on the couch. Not to say I don’t live for cartoons and dinner but after all *this* I deeply miss my food experience feeling special. As regulations are lifted, I feel cautiously optimistic and realistic that it could be a long time, if ever, those sacred spaces are available in the same way. So, how to honor your daily bread during this transition? A few ways I’m creating food ritual for myself.

• Standing on the back porch while eating, whatever the weather. Grateful for some greenery to stare into while I down a smoothie.

• A candlelit kitchen table. Not sure where this candle came from but it’s here now.

• Light reading instead of screen time. Stocking up on some good books for future eats.

• Plating my food. Even if I’m feeding just myself, taking care to make something slightly more appetizing.

• Using dish ware or an actual glass. Transferring takeout to a ceramic bowl to dig in.

• Favorite meals to look forward to during the week. Breakfast burritos make it all worth it.

I’m looking forward to what shape new food spaces will take and in the meantime enjoying these minor kitchen rituals.Tell me how you honor your mealtime moments! #closedloopcookingStay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Sowing seeds. // @hawnuhlee

To-do’s and how-to'sMindfully removing myself from social media for a little while. Feeling validated / seen by this all too real article on the case for deleting everything. Working towards cultivating deeper connections through, literally anything else.

This week’s required reading Black led seed sovereignty. Love this write-up on vegan rapper and activist, Ietef Vita. Sending out beets with his beats, Vita is empowering as many listeners as possible with access to grow-your-own produce. #farmingwhileblackShocked but not surprised at the uncovering of prison food buyers relying on agricultural work arounds. Big corporations exploiting incarcerated laborers for big gain. State prison farms need to be held to reliable, just, working standards. Fascinating deep dive.John deBary is leading the queer, non-alcoholic spirits movement in NYC. Having helped found the Restaurant Workers’ Community Foundation (RWCF), deBary is well versed in meaningful food activism. Excited to follow this liquor-free libation movement.From our friends over at Zumwalt Acres, On Strawberry Planting makes me ache for a summer steeped in community, the patience to work through a tangle of roots, and ripe, sweet fruit.

Here’s what’s for dinner (yes dinner)Oldie but a goodie, repurpose your leftover almond bits from DIY mylk into this swirled vegan strawberry cheesecake with almond pulp crust. It is SO good y’all and easy as heck. We’re about to be flush with berries and this plant-based, refined sugar free sweet treat is everything you could ever want in alternative cheesecake form. A warm weather favorite, just make sure you save your strawberry tops!

We’re cooking withAspirational picnic packing with this recycled bamboo 10 piece set. I am so ready for a multitude of dips, spreads, tiny sandwiches, and more. Don’t forget these blush linen napkins for ultimate finger food indulgence and keeping it classy.Will be needing an all purpose outdoor blanket for deletable picnic outings. I’m ready to get wrapped up in this stunning torguga verde upcycled blanket (that’s cute as heck, handwoven turtles y’all.) It’s AMAZING!

AttendOoh sign me up for this free series on the neuroscience of stress and wellbeing (next event is Mon 6/7.) I am always looking to learn more on my own neuroplasticity and ways to build on mindfulness.       

Listening inMy middle school self is reeling at the mention of hot cheetos. Planet Money takes us on a journey to uncover the truth behind the spicy doodles.     

Can't stop staringDeeply wish I could flip through this god damn culinary treasure, Cooking with Cher.Look I can not stomach melted cheese but I would drop everything to watch this person make a pan pizza out in *nature*. So soothing.Ok, I’m convinced. Seasoning your baking sheets is about to be all the rage (unless I’m last to know.) Very helpful cooking tip for making the most out of your baking surfaces!

Make changeEven when you just can’t, you can. 5 realistic tips for environmental activism from our gal Polly Barks for when the crushing weight of existence is well, just that. Small moments make all the difference y’all. Keep me posted on what you get after. 

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