Tag Archives: taboo issue

Issue 7 – Editor Letter

Posted on by

I grew up in a conservative Midwest home where opinions on taboo topics were generally regurgitated thoughts from whatever far-right guest was featured on that week’s Meet the Press. Conversation around our holiday dinner table usually (only) involved Big 10 college football standings, never heavy issues that had the potential of raising voices or flinging food (although the latter might have been a better use for the canned cranberry).

The summer I turned 16 I took a five-week trek to Papua New Guinea. From the moment the little Cessna touched down in the green mountains of Goroka, my world view changed. Forever.

Everything my Midwest upbringing had taught me about women’s rights, corporal punishment, spirituality and sexuality were challenged and solidified, narrowed and broadened, stretched and reshaped. My childhood ideals of ‘how things should be’ were turned on their heads.

I spent those weeks deeply immersed in tribal culture. I mourned for the sick who lay suffering on woven mats in their smoke-filled huts, with no chance of recovery. I beamed when given the honor of naming the newborn baby I held in my arms. I came to understand human interaction in a way I never had before, despite the language barrier, and I lived among a people group whose taboos were so vastly different from any I will ever have reason to discuss around my own dinner table.

The idea for this ‘Taboo Issue’ came about while I was driving back from an out of town meeting. Typically I drive in silence (when you have three boys, silence truly is golden), but over this particularly long stretch of bluegrass highway I was listening intently to a podcast about a Wisconsin cop turned Buddhist teacher. As the conversation progressed between host and guest, the female officer shared how she weaved her spiritual practice into her daily work habits, with its positive ramifications eventually transforming her precinct.

And it got me thinking….why don’t we talk about this stuff at work? Why do we avoid asking someone’s take on a piece of legislation in Congress? Why does it feel so awkward mentioning my latest spiritual readings during the initial chit-chat of a business meeting?

These taboos, these topics that we avoid like the plague in the name of “political correctness,” are the very topics that allow us to set superficiality on the shelf.

And the women behind these taboos? That’s what interests me the most. They are the wise and powerful movers and shakers, many of them choosing to remain behind the scenes, laying the groundwork in the industries that we so trepidatiously run from.

Within the pages of this issue, I’m inviting you to join me at the dinner table. Let me introduce you to some of my guests. We may not all agree on the topics at hand during the course of this meal, but I bet we’ll find some common ground. And maybe, just maybe, your view of ‘how things should be’ will be turned on its head. If nothing else, at least we’ll all enjoy the cake and whiskey.

Jane West: Queen of Cannabis

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Drugs
Words by Robbie Clark
Photography by Rebecca Stumpf

For a long time cannabis has been considered a societal scourge, a gateway drug that leads to harder substance abuse―or, at the very least, a detriment that leads to cotton mouth, an empty bag of Doritos, and a wasted afternoon on the couch in front of the television. But slowly the plant and its use have been gaining some credibility, especially in the medical and creative fields, and as states are easing their laws regarding cannabis, businesses are starting to envision the possibility of an entirely new, multi-faceted industry opening up in the country.

Jane West thinks it’s more than a possibility; she thinks it will become a reality in the near future. She’s so sure, she made a complete professional about-face.

To read more about Jane West and her mission, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Dawn Weleski: Conflict Kitchen

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Politics
Words by Melaina Balbo Phipps
Photography by Conflict Kitchen

Pulling into a parking spot, I wasn’t surprised when my stomach started to growl. It was, after all, the first time I’d driven seven hours for Venezuelan food…okay, for any food, really. But I’d made the day-long trek to Pittsburgh from NYC to find Conflict Kitchen, and Venezuelan cuisine was what they’d be serving me.

At the takeout window Quinton, a native of Arkansas with a background in food and editing, pointed me to the Chivo al Coco con Mofongo (slow cooked goat with fried green banana mash), Jugo Naturale (a papaya), and, for dessert, some Besitos de Coco (“Coconut Kisses” or sweet coconut cookies—a bit like mini macaroons). While I waited, we talked about the food, the project, and the biggest surprise he’s encountered while being a Conflict Kitchen employee: “It’s amazing how many people just don’t read the news.”

My order ready, I collected a menagerie of colorful pamphlets offered to educate me—the diner—about hot-button issues in Venezuela: crime, oil, internal polarization, race/class, and the perception of the U.S. government and U.S. citizens.

And just like that I became part of the project.

To read more about Conflict Kitchen, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Artist Profile: Clare West

Posted on by

I think deep down I always knew that I would have a career in which I was creative. I never dreamed it would be photography. A degree in ceramics, numerous temporary office jobs, a year spent travelling, an adult education course in photography, a stint working for a photography studio and a teaching qualification later, I have finally landed in my happy place. I realized that I simply can’t not take photographs. I thrive on capturing people in an honest and true way so that the viewer sees them as they would if they were to sit and have a conversation with that person. I guess you could say I like to capture their essence as well as their presence.

The variety of things that my job allows me to photograph keeps me constantly interested and focused on producing the best work I possibly can in any given situation. It’s such a privilege to be invited into so many people’s lives; learn new things every day; encounter new cultures and thought processes and open myself up to new experiences.

To see more of Clare’s photos, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Camelle Daley: The Clergy Couturiere

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Religion
Words by Linnea Zielinski
Photography by Clare West

After finishing her degree at the London College of Fashion, Camelle threw herself entirely into the label she started with a family friend. For more than two years, she knew she was draining herself, taking on not only design but marketing and finances for the infant company. Gone were the university days when she had time to flex her creative muscles, to cut a pocket differently and just see where the design led her. It was only after the pending arrival of a second child that she found the impetus she needed to let go of the company that had swallowed her.

Despite the opportunity to rest her strained creativity, letting go of that first business wasn’t easy. She wasn’t just freeing up her time; she was losing her business mentor.

The transition was eased with a humble request. She was asked to design a clerical dress for a  recently ordained youth pastor who was excited by her new job but underwhelmed by the boxy clerical shirt. She hadn’t been wearing her collar. Desperate to reconcile style with career, she turned to her friend for help. It couldn’t be too fussy, so Camelle focused on making small design changes. People raved about the result, an elegant A-line dress. The positive reaction illustrated just how long women of the church had been ready for a change. Not everyone was happy, though, and many were quick to voice their disproval.

In spite of the controversy, Camelle’s clothing line for female members of the clergy, House of ilona, was launched.

Want more on ilona? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Brian Hersch: The Guy Feature

Posted on by

Interview by Molly Hays
Photography by Mariah Shope

Hersch, whose wildly entertaining word game Taboo has sold 20 million copies (and counting) is founder and General Partner—and chief game guru—of Hersch and Company. His eponymous game design firm is heading into its third decade, boasts a backlist well in excess of 40 titles, and has booked retail sales north of $850 million. The man knows how to make play pay.

Fun and games aside, Hersch takes the business of play seriously. His back story certainly figures in. From a first career in real estate development, Hersch made the unorthodox jump to game design after recognizing a huge untapped market. Thirty years later, he continues to develop hit titles and successfully navigate a wildly dynamic gaming landscape. Here’s his story.

To read more about Brian Hersch and Taboo, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Jameson Ginger and Pear Coffee Cake

Posted on by

Words by Michelle Gayer
Photography by Pamela Sutton

Jameson Ginger and Pear Coffee Cake (Because Jameson is good at all hours.)

Jameson Ginger Syrup

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 cup Jameson Irish Whiskey
  • Scraped Vanilla Bean pod

Bring all three ingredients to a simmer. Stir until all the sugar is dissolved. Take off heat and let sit for 30 minutes. Strain through a fine mesh sieve.

Oatmeal Streusel

  • 4oz Cold Butter
  • ½ cup Brown Sugar
  • 1 cup All Purpose Flour
  • ¾ cup Rolled Oats
  • Pinch of Salt

Cut your cold butter into ½ inch cubes. Mix all ingredients until crumbly.

Flat Icing

  • 1 cup Granulated Sugar
  • 2 cups sifted powdered sugar
  • 2-3 tablespoons of Jameson
  • 1 teaspoon Pure vanilla extract

Whisk everything together until smooth. Add more sugar if too runny.

Crème Fraîche Cake

  • 8oz Unsalted Butter
  • 2 cups Granulated Sugar
  • Zest of 1 Lemon
  • 1 Vanilla Bean, Scraped. (Save your pod!)
  • 2 Eggs
  • 10 oz Crème Fraîche (or sour cream)
  • 2 ¼ cups Cake Flour (sifted)
  • ¾ teaspoon Baking Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • 1-2 Ripe Bartlett pears, peeled and sliced

Cake Instructions:

Cream butter, sugar, zest and vanilla bean. Add eggs one at a time. Scrape your bowl! Add half of your sifted dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Add Crème Fraîche and mix on low until combined. Scrape your bowl again! Add the remaining dry ingredients and mix until just combined. Scrape your bowl one last time!

Pour batter into well-greased medium large bundt pan. Layer pears evenly on the top and push them down slightly so they are nestled in the batter. Sprinkle chopped candied ginger over the pears and cover everything with oatmeal streusel.

Bake at 375 degrees F. until cake tests clean when you poke a toothpick in the middle. About 45 minutes. If the top of the cake is getting too dark you can cover it with tin foil for the remaining time.

After Baking:

Allow cake to cool slightly before flipping it out of the pan and upside down onto the serving platter. Poke holes in the sides and the bottom of the cake and brush generously with the Jameson syrup. Repeat brushing it with the syrup every 15 minutes, 3 times. Save the remaining syrup for serving.

To Serve:

Flip cake onto your serving platter so that the streusel is on the top. Drizzle with flat icing. Top with more candied ginger.

Drizzle a small amount of Jameson syrup on each slice of coffee cake.  Enjoy!

Want more sweet treats? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Whiskey Drink: The Beautiful Little Fool

Posted on by

Words and Photography by Emily Vikre

2 oz Bourbon (I used Bulleit when I was developing it)

3/4 oz fresh grapefruit juice

3/4 oz Lillet Blanc

3 dashes citrus bitters

Shake these together with ice for 30 seconds, strain into a cocktail glass, and garnish with lemon peel (roll the lemon peel between your fingers over the cocktail to release the oils before dropping it in). If you feel daring, you can rinse your cocktail glass with a peaty Laphroaig before pouring in your cocktail.

Want more spirited recipes? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

How the Light Gets In

Posted on by

Words and Photography by Morgan Day Cecil

My husband and I have a story made for daytime television.

Whenever a new acquaintance asks how we met, I cringe for half a second, anticipating their reaction. I try not to assume they’ll think “Scandalous!” and kiss our friendship goodbye, but I fear it every time. Our “how we met” story is kind of scandalous, and, yes, the soap-opera parallels are obvious.

But our story is also the very thing that shines the brightest in our lives as a beacon of hope and love and redemption.

You want to hear it?

To read the rest of Morgan’s story, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Kendra Montejos: The Immigrant Educator

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Immigration
Words by Renee Boss
Photography by Sarah Jane Sanders

Clutching a small blue purse with a single coin inside, a gift from her Peruvian grandmother, six-year-old Kendra Montejos and her family boarded a plane bound for the USA. They touched down in a new country to a brand new life in a new language, their belongings fitting modestly into two large suitcases.

Kendra spoke no English when she started public school in Hopkinsville, Kentucky, but she was an eager student, and she was soon asked to help translate conversations between other families and administrators in her elementary school. The rural school system was unprepared for a growing population of Spanish speakers, due to the influx of migrant workers in the area. Kendra took notice, and it eventually became pivotal to her future career.

Curious about Kendra’s career path? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Krista Tippett: The Wisdom Seeker

Posted on by

Words by Megan Smith
Photography by Pamela Sutton

It’s unusually muggy for a September day in Minneapolis and hair around the city is paying the price. Krista Tippett’s red locks (so I’m told by her assistant) are no exception. Which is why when she darts in the back door of the large Minneapolis studio, behind schedule, she’s apologizing profusely for her tardiness.

Maybe it was just the light from the floor to ceiling windows facing Hennipen Street behind her, but I swear that this mother of two and recent White House Humanitarian Award winner standing in front of me in her smart black sheath dress, wedge heels and September hair, was also donning a halo.

She excuses herself for a moment, and while I finish slicing coffee cake for our afternoon chat, her footsteps echo across reclaimed flooring as she makes her way through the upstairs loft. Minutes later, she’s back on the couch beside me, shoes in hand. “I always have my shoes off here in the office” she confides.

I feel like I’m settling in for an afternoon with my sister.

Trying to tell the story of Krista Tippett within the confines of allotted magazine space is like trying to eat an elephant during lunch hour. Impossible. Her journey is vast and deep and complex, and her interests range from science and politics to history and Netflix show marathons. Her career path has taken enough twists and turns over the past three decades to send a resume writer running for the hills.

Yet, Krista remains grounded, real, funny,  sweet. She’s wickedly smart and keenly observant. And her laugh is as contagious as her humility.

Interested in reading more about Krista Tippett? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Candan Yazar: The Sobriety Savior

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Alcohol
Words by Esther Zunker
Photography by Merve Hasman

First published in 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous documents the organization’s 12 key concepts toward recovery from alcoholism and tells the stories of those who have overcome the disease. The book is considered the most widely used resource for millions of individuals in recovery.

Recovering alcoholic, Candan Yazar spent a year translating it into her native tongue.

At 72, Candan’s smile is infectious and warm, and her voice is full of hope. Rightfully so. She will celebrate 30 years of sobriety this year.

As she goes through such daily rituals as drinking coffee, reading the newspaper, visiting her grandchildren and taking a walk by the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul, Candan thinks of those that are still on the road to recovery, for it wasn’t long ago when she was one of them.

She turned to alcohol while living in Brussels with her husband, ashamed of the way she depended on it, yet unable to give it up. Most disturbingly, she didn’t realize it was a disease that could kill her.

“I thought my liver was a sponge, and it wanted alcohol,” said Candan. “I was becoming crazy. I was very ashamed of myself, but I didn’t know what was happening.”

A knock at her door would change her life. Two women, who would later become her AA sponsors, had heard about Candan’s struggles through a mutual acquaintance and shared their own recovery stories with her over a cup of tea. “I sat with them and listened to their stories, and it was as if they were telling my own story,” Candan reminisced. “I was crying… I was very hopeless, but I begged them to take me to their AA meeting, where my sobriety started.”

Read the rest of Candan’s story by subscribing to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Maria Mejia

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: HIV
Words by Bethany Miller
Photography by Sonya Revell

Maria Mejia is a powerhouse, even when she’s fragile. The deepest valleys that she has trekked are what make the mountains she is climbing so important. She’s a Sherpa, climbing them not just for herself, but for every person who’s ever heard the words “You’re HIV positive.”

Colombia born Maria is a 25-year survivor of HIV/AIDS. She is healthy because she takes care of herself: she has her daily dose of medication; she routinely sees her doctors; she practices positive thinking and nurtures her body with sleep, nutrition, and yoga. There are moments of fatigue and enervation, so she has learned when to say no and give her body rest.

Her definition of living a full life has much more weight than just physical health. Her strength stems from the love in her life, her travels, and a productive mission:  advocating for HIV awareness.

Those are her words, “productive mission.” I soon found that “productive” is an understatement.

Interested in Maria’s story? Subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

LeNora Fulton: The Native Leader

Posted on by

Taboo Issue Topic: Politics
Words by Laura Zolman Kirk
Photography by Keith Pitts

We found her by chance: a search for small-town female politicians. The more we researched, the more complex and diverse she became. “Surely this cannot be the same woman,” we thought. A run for president of the Navajo Nation, a mother of six , a grandmother to four, a member of the Navajo Nation Council, a unifying leader in her community and the current Apache County Recorder. Does a mother of six really run for president?

The answer we soon discovered was “yes.”

LeNora could easily be described as the Navajo Leslie Knope. You name it, she’s done it, with poise and a “that’d be fine” attitude. She is not the type of grandmother to sit around and let others take over the firewood delivery for her; she’s the one rolling up her sleeves to deliver it herself. She is a woman in the service of people: her family and her nation. What we need to do with our lives, LeNora told me through a tender smile, “is to help others, to love and have love in our hearts for other people.”

To read more about LeNora Fulton, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.

Marian Anderson: Ambassadress for All

Posted on by

Words by Lanie Anderson
Imagery provided by University of Pennsylvania Special Collections

We. The word can have powerful implications depending on its context, and so it did on April 9, 1939, when contralto Marian Anderson sang her own rendition of “My Country, ‘Tis of Thee” on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial.

When Anderson arrived at the third line of the familiar song, she belted “to thee we sing” rather than the original lyric, “of thee I sing.” The audience—a sea of tens of thousands that stretched from the steps of the Lincoln Memorial to the Washington Monument—might have considered the lyrics a misstep in her performance, but Anderson’s alteration was purposeful.

To read more about Marian Anderson, subscribe to CAKE&WHISKEY magazine or purchase the single issue here.