26 Comments

Thanks so much for reading and thoughtfully engaging with that piece, Hetty! I love your approach and your articulation of these nuances.

I’d like to say that I’m 100% available to endorse dates, too 😂

Expand full comment
author

Thank you for putting words to, and interrogating, the challenges that we face in food media right now. I always value and appreciate your point of view. And 100%, give us all the dates!

Expand full comment
Mar 18Liked by Hetty Lui McKinnon

Totally agree about Medaluco dates. They are amazing.

Expand full comment
author

The best I’ve tried!

Expand full comment
Mar 21Liked by Hetty Lui McKinnon

Broccoli, dates and pistachio — the combination I didn’t know I needed! Very excited to make this salad!

Expand full comment
author

Right?? Many people seem to love it 🥰

Expand full comment

Thanks so much for mentioning my tempeh here, Hetty! This salad sounds RIGHT up my alley -- adding it to the queue!

Expand full comment
author

Thanks for inspo, as always 💕

Expand full comment
Mar 18Liked by Hetty Lui McKinnon

I purchased Rancho Medaluco dates for the first time last year and gifted some of their combo packages to friends with Raaka chocolate - another fave. I’ve been hooked since. I soaked some in espresso this morning per a friends suggestion and reading this newsletter reminds me to go sample! Love all things you do Miss Hetty - thanks for your approach. I’ll subscribe based on this article alone.

Expand full comment
author

That is such a thoughtful gift! Thanks for sharing the idea. And thank you for your kind words. Welcome to the community 💚🫶🏽

Expand full comment

Great post and recipe dear Hetty . Thank you for your honesty and brilliance!

Expand full comment
author

Thank you dear Susan!

Expand full comment
Mar 18Liked by Hetty Lui McKinnon

Love your recipes and books and your writings about your parents.

Expand full comment
author

Thank you so much, I appreciate your feedback ;)

Expand full comment

I am excited to try the broccoli salad. Sure, I love dates, I even buy date syrup...but it is the combination of spices in the vinaigrette that has me eager to make it! Very original.

Expand full comment
author

Yes the spiced vinaigrette really brings something different to the sweet dates!

Expand full comment
Mar 18Liked by Hetty Lui McKinnon

I just signed up for your page and love it already. I am so over social media hype regarding food! I am a private chef and struggle to photograph while trying to get the food out hot and beautiful. I don't have the time or patience for food shoots either, anyway, kudos to you for standing up.

P.S. will subscribe, this is my first email delivery!

Expand full comment
author

Welcome Arden! Yes that is the nice part of this newsletter format - it feels more personal, more of a community. Thanks for reading. I'm sure your food is delicious, beautiful photo or not!

Expand full comment

I do my best but my sourdough photos sing! Not moving and need to cool. Great subjects.

Expand full comment

THIS is the recipe you “teased” on IG that prompted me to subscribe! It will be on the menu tomorrow night as the main for my vegetarian daughter and hearty side for my carnivorous son and husband.

Expand full comment

♥️♥️ today I substituted dried persimmons in (a benefit of living in Asia!) and it was 🔥

Expand full comment

Hi Hetty! EXTREMELY pumped to make this salad tonight for dinner - the infusion of greenery is needed. But if I’m gonna swap golden raisins or crans for the dates, am I just going for a big handful since there’s not a measurement?

Expand full comment

for the record, I take this all as a "brand" endorsement for broccoli and dates. the right kind of endorsement <3

Expand full comment

I tried this on Tuesday and it was incredible!!! Thank you Hetty

Expand full comment

Loved the idea of this and made it today. We had a few slivered almonds but my back of the pantry pistachios were old and tasteless so I used hazelnuts instead, lightly toasted. It was absolutely delicious. Definitely making again.

Expand full comment

Ohh yes please.. dates + broccoli + pistachios sounds like an epic combo, and I'm excited to try the spiced vinaigrette! Also, I really appreciate your honesty about the nuances of brand endorsements as a food writer.. it's refreshing to know there are still people like you who only work with brands they actually use and believe in!

Expand full comment