Closed Loop Cooking Weekly Newsletter 6.4.21

CLC Weekly šŸ‘ƒ Future funks

June 4th, 2021Hi friends,For many years Iā€™ve considered myself avert to a green thumbā€“believing fervently in my inability to keep anything alive. Only furthered this week after a sad farewell to yet another potted herb. Was it over-watered? Under-watered? Did it hate the sound of my voice? Whatever the err, I couldnā€™t stop the fungal spread and even Iā€™m not about to try and salvage those leftovers.I could only ever aspire to plant daddy status. That is, until cultivating my sourdough starter last year. A full turn around the sun later, Dough-rthy is going strong, leavening up weekly loaves with a funky kick. Still amazed that just by mixing flour, water, and air I could create a new living thing, albeit, born from spores.But thatā€™s just itā€“itā€™s thriving. Usually, (save my last kraut) Iā€™ve got a knack for ferments. Homemade vinegars and crusty loaves, Iā€™ve always been an acid fiend. And maybe, just maybe, thatā€™s where my natural ability lies. Not in the delicate balance of ferns, succulents, and herb gardens (not to say I wonā€™t keep trying) but in a different kind of organism. Entities living in the in-between of preservation and decay. But most definitely, brilliantly, alive.Hereā€™s to future funks and fermentation zaddy status.Excited to test out new experiments with this summer's bounty and report back. Pray tell, reply with your FAVORITE fermented condiment to get some inspiration going.Stay hungry,Hawnuh Lee | Founder, Closed Loop Cooking

Lemon wedge. // @hawnuhlee

To-doā€™s and how-to'sShow your support for the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act. Read through @zerowastechefā€™s illuminating guide of the legislation that will phase out unrecyclable materials and place a ban on exporting plastic waste to developing countries. And get in touch with your elected officials.

This weekā€™s required readingGetting our hands back in the soil and re-reading Maiaā€™s interview with Granor Farms on small scale soil care. From cover crop rotation to phasing out tillage, land stewardship is about the long haul yā€™all.Itā€™s about dang time for a shift in the restaurant industry. Even better hearing from ACTUAL food service workers in this thoughtful piece on unemployment benefits crackdown.Custom compost. From worm bins, to a general heap, or tumbler which mulch is the right mulch? Love this infographic on figuring out the best way to breakdown your plant matter.A celebration of collard culinary history, this leafy green is making its way back into the hands of local farmers through The Heirloom Collard Project. In awe of the thoughtful documentation of more than 20 varieties and wishing I could experience all the fun of Collard Week in person.

Hereā€™s whatā€™s for dinnerIn this Portland heat? Enjoying an iced version of this festive citrus sage ginger toddy. Feels right for a porch hang reading or with friends.Just starting to see the first of the zucc haul. Will be serving easy roasted summer squash with just about every dish until the leaves change. Add some red onion quick pickles and throw ā€˜em on top of a limey cabbage cilantro slaw and weā€™re summer eatinā€™ baby!

Weā€™re cooking withWoah, ok this beautifully patterned Maya ochre pouf is giving me all kinds of feels. If I didnā€™t have enough totally fine and functional places to sitā€¦ I can do work from pouf, right?Secretā€™s out, I am a pattern obsessive. Letā€™s be real, itā€™s not a secret. But I stopped in my digital tracks for these vibrant, cotton placemats. Just imagine sipping libations out of this chiseled mug with these mats in view.

AttendBit of an aspirational workshop but Iā€™m very into the motivation behind this anti-burnout artists spa. No special drawing skills or materials needed.      

Listening inDr. Jane Goodall and Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson TOGETHER ON THE SAME PODCAST. Iā€™ll be infinitely fan-girling as these two powerhouses dive into the meaning of collective action. Everyone can take meaningful steps, together.      

Can't stop staringTiny existential crisis over how to make countertop coffee. Self roasting, commences. Need a monthly tortilla subscription indefinitely from here on out. Obsessed with the potential ā€œlittle tacos packageā€ we could be sharing.Someone tell me the strangest nut milk youā€™ve made. Getting back on GifTok for all your #plantbased animated needs.Aspic aspirations, but just for the pictures because weā€™re not ready for this comeback. Maybe an agar agar version?

Make changeMutual aid IS a lifestyle choice! Great work from the Consistent Money Moving Project. Donations provide recipients 15 consecutive weeks of reliable income to help 10 families in Washington D.C. pay for anything they need, no strings attached. Give a little and / or tell a friend if you can! 

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