I've seen a lot of the recent news - watching videos, reading articles, and most importantly, listening to the individuals in the streets protesting against the killing of so many innocent lives over the decades.

I cannot write an article on food and recipes when there are two pandemics happening in America right now. To do so would only be to pretend it isn't happening, and that is a profound injustice.

I reflect on the protests and unrest during the civil rights movement during the 1960s. The country was deeply divided over the end of segregation, civil rights, and the Vietnam War; and yet, even as it was struggling with those issues we were educated, inspired, and uplifted by leaders who sought to heal our society and bring people together.

I don't think anyone today would oppose the advances made then, though there were plenty of voices in opposition, calling for maintaining separate water fountains and bathrooms for different classes of Americans.

History is being written now, a sequel aiming to finish the job started then. Police brutality, systemic disenfranchisement, and loss of opportunity for African Americans are still problems left unfixed. Pull yourself out of the frenetic Twitter news bubble and think about how today's protests are only another ripple in a wave that has been crashing over and over again for the last two-hundred-and-fifty years.

Take a moment to focus less on the wrongs a few bad actors are committing in theft and arson - the what that is going on - and think about why this is happening right now.

I've been feeling helpless, sad, angry, and useless these last few days. I'll instead write you a quick recipe for feeling a tiny bit better, if you'd like to learn a little more about the deeper issues or would like to donate: visit JoinCampaignZero.org for information about how we can make law enforcement safer; The National Bail Fund Network to give funds for individuals unable to afford bail in your area or around the country; the Official George Floyd Memorial Fund to support Mr. Floyd's children and family; search for the New York Times article “Teaching Ideas and Resources to Help Students Make Sense of the George Floyd Protests” (subject says it all); and please, please, do not forget to return your ballot request and vote when the time comes.

Black Lives Matter.

Claire Stabbert is an accomplished cook who loves to try new recipes. While she does enjoy eating at restaurants, she also loves to whip up a good meal at home. Claire gets some of her cooking inspiration from her grandfather and grandmother, Fred and Shirley Stabbert as well as Great Grandma Nellie.