To our village~
Giving Tuesday is one of my favorite days of the year—right alongside Earth Month in the west~bourne calendar. Born in 2012 as a simple call to turn the energy of Black Friday into something generous, it is now the single largest global movement of collective giving. Last year, Giving Tuesday generated an astounding $3.6 billion in the U.S. alone with over 36 million people participating. It's proof that when we act together, small gestures collectively become something transformative.
At the heart of regenerating our soil lies an inherent generosity of spirit that defines everything we do at west~bourne, from the ground up. This year, we partnered with Food Forest Collab, a remarkable nonprofit working with female-led farm communities in Kenya, soon to expand globally. Their mission is one that resonates deeply with ours: supporting these female growers to form enriched cooperatives, integrate regenerative agriculture, and build necessary infrastructure. This means healthier soil, a future-proof food supply for their local communities, and the opportunity to forge businesses that reach far beyond using surplus crops while protecting biodiversity.
I'm especially passionate about supporting women farmers—there is powerful data showing that investing in women multiplies the impact, boosting local economies, food security, and climate resilience. For us, this is our mission in action: nurturing the land and uplifting the hands that care for it. That's why this year, it is our time to show what's possible—a time when we sharpen our focus and rally for outsized impact. Our pledge this year is simple and specific. We're launching a fundraiser to help Food Forest Collab reach a pivotal milestone: raising $10,000 to help these Kenyan farms achieve international Regenerative Organic Certification. This is a big lift—and a big leap toward a future where regenerative practices and generational prosperity go hand in hand. Here's how you can give—to sow the seeds for the future.
As the season of celebration unfolds, we've been reflecting on new ways to gather. Donabe cooking, a homestyle tradition in Japanese culture, to me, is the perfect blend of humility and elegance; a single clay pot at the center of the table, inviting warmth, connection, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal (with the bonus of effortless cleanup). Inspired by this spirit, we recently welcomed friends and collaborators gathering around a fire and hot pot for a festive evening with Carly Maltzman of Donabe With Me. I'm delighted to share the recipes that came from that gathering—may they bring a little extra comfort to and spark joy within your own holiday table.
Donabe Rice with Chanterelles and Shaved Black Truffle
Baby Gem, Arugula, Watercress & Avocado Salad with Soy-Sesame Dressing
Yakitori Chicken Tsukune with west~bourne Chili Oil
Avocado Oil Buckwheat Cake with Roasted Figs in Tagine Donabe & Fig Leaf Oil
Baby Gem, Arugula, Watercress & Avocado Salad with Soy-Sesame Dressing
Yakitori Chicken Tsukune with west~bourne Chili Oil
Avocado Oil Buckwheat Cake with Roasted Figs in Tagine Donabe & Fig Leaf Oil
For added inspiration, these are the produce picks gracing my table this month:
Shallots and Alliums
Chanterelle Mushrooms
Artichokes
Figs and Fig Leaves (I love making fig leaf oil using west~bourne Extra Virgin Avocado Oil and use it on everything.
I also love to swap fig leaves in place of parchment when baking.)
Lastly, I've recently been embracing a few key beauty picks with a touch of gleam—metallics that feel elevated and just the right amount of fun. In that spirit, I've put together a Holiday Beauty Edit for a little extra glow to celebrate the season.
As always, thank you for giving, gathering, and growing with us—here's to a holiday season that feels grounded in every way.
With gratitude,
Camilla
Chef and Founder, west~bourne
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