Caring for myself is not self-indulgence. It is self-preservation, and that is an act of political warfare.
Audre Lore, A Burst of Light
Happy summer, friends!
We are half-way through the year that’ll definitely go down in history books and all of the stories we tell from now on (“Remember that month we ate cabbage for days, wore PJs to meetings, and ate more sourdough than ever?”). But before all of that, I hope you have also enjoyed all of the stone fruits and berries this season. I’ve had my fair share but still on the desperate hunt for currants - if you have seen any, send me an urgent message ASAP (incredibly urgent; send out a light flare). And don’t forget the watermelon! I’m a firm believer that you can’t truly have a summer without at least a bite of watermelon.
What else is new in our lives this month? Making our own fruit gummies, watching Spongebob starting from Season 1 (this is Matt’s idea…), more picnicking around the Bay Area, a new book for our Church life group on the role of the Church and racism, testing out a variety of donut recipes (did you know potato donuts was a thing?), listening to Taylor Swift’s new album, slowly working our way through the freezer stash of at least forty cake slices, and playing Sherlock Consulting Detective with friends on video for hours. Quarantine living continues to evolve (devolve in some ways…).
AUGUST THEME
If 2020 shaped up differently, would you be summering in Spain right now? Imagine strolling through Park Güell, enjoying an afternoon snack of churros at one of the shops on La Rambla, and daydreaming about the day when La Sagrada Familia will finally be finished. Is that a fun thought experiment or a torture of what we can’t have right now?
But, we’re troopers and incredibly creative! We got this. Let’s bring Spain to San Mateo. Let’s go to Spain through food with this month’s Supper Club. From pintxos, tapas, paella, jamon, patatas bravas, to croquetas and churros - let’s feast! Get inspired by the saffron or the chorizo to cook up some dishes to share. I dare you to make paella, I implore you to serve up some gambas al ajillo, and I want us to enjoy it all together (socially distant, at least 6 feet apart at all times). Whether you’re cooking a dish from scratch or ordering food from a Spanish restaurant, bring it on. It’ll be a good time. Bonus points if you bring a pitcher of sangria or a Spanish flag.
AUGUST MENU & SPREAD
Valencia paella by Cherry and Sam
Pulo a la gallega by Janet
Gambas al ajillo by Aaron
Pan con tomate by Eileen
Spanish albondigas by Elisa
Spain-inspired charcuterie board by Elisa
Chorizo pasta by Elisa
Burnt maple, fig, lime, and black pepper galette with oat crumble by Elisa
Spanish flag by Matt
CONNECTING DETAILS
When: Saturday, August 15th at 11:30AM
Picnic at the park
