Introducing Un Poco de Relajo, a SalviSoul Newsletter
Hard-launching this project, finally!
Bienvenidos!
This is the very first edition of Un Poco de Relajo Newsletter, and I am so glad you are here with me to celebrate this exciting new project in the SalviSoul ecosystem.
Relajo is the name of a Salvadoran spice blend that has many elements in it which get toasted and then blended with roasted vegetables to then be cooked down into what is known as a recaudo sauce. Relajo is also a Salvadoran slang word for chaos, mischief, or even to say, “make some relajo!”.
I named this newsletter after relajo because, like it’s namesake, it will cover many elements of what is going on in my head while figuring out how to represent Salvadoran foodways better in the current world we live in. A little bit of this and that. I’m endeared to the word, the spice blend, the entire concept and I thought this was the most apt and suitable word to describe this newsletter.
What You Can Expect to find in Relajo is a collection of articles, essays, and other writings regarding the things that are currently on my mind and on my desk as a food historian. There will also be fun virtual events for subscribers to join and build community in.
Mainly, I want to give you an inside look at my process and daily professional life after publishing a best selling cookbook, The SalviSoul Cookbook.
I hope you enjoy this first issue and the journey we will share together in this offering. I hope it nourishes your soul and provides a map to your roots no matter your background.
Como siempre, con amor y SalviSoul,
Karla Tatiana Vasquez
News
SalviSoul is gearing up to launch a food product line!! In order to do so successfully, however, I need your help and input.
A waiting list has opened for those who cook Salvadoran food and want to be the first to know about tasting events and other exclusives.
What I’m Reading (or listening to)
I’ve always loved reading and now especially after writing a whole book, I want to build a community around the love of reading and books. This means I’ll be sharing what I’m working through.
When The Body Says No, The Hidden Cost of Stress by Dr. Gabor Mate - I’m listening to this book and quite frankly it’s changed my life. I am different and so grateful to have come across it. I started it last month and every person I’ve seen since I started it I’ve told them they should read it.
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and The Pathway to Mending Our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem - I’m reading this one every night and so far, I’ve really appreciated how Menakem talks about “clean pain” vs “dirty pain.” When we talk about trauma and unpacking the harm that it causes “clean pain” is the effort to understand it and confront it, however hard it is, it is the better thing to do. Whereas, “dirty pain” refers to the trauma that is never dealt with, so it produces constant pain and discomfort that neither helps us understand our trauma much less confront it.
Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey - I just got this. I read the intro and then stayed for two chapters, so its such an enjoyable read so far. I can across The Nap Ministry years ago and was so moved by the founders mission so I’m thrilled to read her book now.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas - this is not my usual non-fiction read but I’m trying it out. I’ve read about seven chapters and I’m not loving it but I’m also not ready to call it quit either. Will report back!
Just finished…
Heartburn by Nora Ephron - if you love her rom-com movies, you will enjoy this book for her familiar voice and pacing. I love her writing style, so while I could not stand her characters in this book, I stuck around because who else is as charming as the great Nora Ephron. The way food and love are tangled for the main character Rachel was also what made it a worthwhile read.
Meryl Streep narrates the audiobook of Heartburn if you are ever interested in re-reading it. I listened to it last year after watching the movie for the first time.
Amo todo lo que haces. Mi mamá is from La Libertad, Tacachico💗