Sunday Paper Recommends—Week of July 14, 2024

This week at The Sunday Paper, we're sharing a conversation, book, series, newsletter, and recipe that move the needle and spark inspiring change. We hope these suggestions open your heart and mind and encourage you to come together for meaningful conversations!

What We’re Reading

Gretchen Whitmer, the Governor of Michigan, has gained national support for her gumption, grit, and enthusiasm. In her new memoir, True Gretch, she tells of her early days as a lawyer, her 2018 gubernatorial race, her bold approach in office, and her vision for America. She weaves in the light and dark, including stories about her grandmother, who taught her that there's always something good to find in people, and how she faced a plot to kidnap her. Few politicians are as widely talked about as Governor Whitmer right now—and her book offers a compelling and intimate look at why.

A Newsletter We’re Loving

Did you know that violent crime in America has fallen to its lowest level since the 1960s? Or, that an area of land larger than Florida has been protected across the United States in the last four years? How about the fact that global carbon emissions are on track to start falling this year?

There are thousands of news publications that tell you what's going wrong in the world. Fix The News is one of the few that focus on what's going right. Each week, they find inspiring stories of human and environmental progress and share them with 56,000 people from 195 countries. Subscribe to their free email newsletter and make your inbox a more hopeful place.

What We’re Watching

The story is almost too wild to believe, which is why it makes such a compelling (and popular) documentary: "The Man With 1000 Kids," a new Netflix feature, anchors in the journey of Jonathan Jacob Meijer, a content creator accused of lying about the number of times he donated his sperm. Authorities and families allege that Meijer has fathered up to 1,000 children, a number he disputes. (The Dutch Society for Obstetrics and Gynecology banned him from donating any more sperm in the Netherlands, but Meijer donated outside national lines.) This documentary includes the stories of many families who felt Meijer lied to them. It's a tale of betrayal, hope, deception, and more.

What We’re Listening to

Mara casually mentioned in our editorial meeting this past week that the new Maggie Rogers album "Don't Forget Me" is wonderful. We take Mara's sentiment and raise her a "fantastic." Rogers, a singer-songwriter from Maryland, brings her ethereal, moody, airy, eclectic voice to her new album with an energy that is both uplifting and grounding. Since attracting Pharrell Williams's artistic eye in 2016 when she was a student at NYU, Rogers has proven over the years to be a creative who is both unique and contemplative. This is a beautiful album to listen to during a long summertime drive.

Our Sunday Dinner Recipe

Meet Our Chef: Katie Lee Biegel

Learn about her mission: Cooking has always been a way of life for cookbook author and chef, Katie Lee Biegel. She’s long been lauded for her approachable, beautiful dishes and her popular cookbooks. Katie Lee is also the co-host of Food Network’s The Kitchen, and can been seen as a cooking judge and guest contributor on other various TV series. Here, she shares a recipe from her latest book, It’s Not Complicated, that is perfect for the 4th of July.

Get her recipe: Animal-Style Burgers

Get our Conversation Starter: What is your wish for America on its birthday?

Animal Style Burgers

Makes 4 burgers.

Ingredients:

1 onion, 1⁄2 grated, 1⁄2 thinly sliced
1 clove garlic, grated
1 large egg
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1⁄4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound (455 g) ground beef (80% lean)
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
8 slices American cheese
Special Sauce (recipe follows)
4 potato buns, buttered and lightly toasted
Iceberg lettuce
Sliced tomato
Pickles

Spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray. In a medium bowl, whisk together the grated onion, garlic, egg, salt, and pepper. Add the ground beef and use your hands to gently mix until combined. Divide the mixture evenly into four portions, then divide each into two, to give you eight total. Form each into a thin patty and place on the prepared baking sheet. The mixture will be wet and a bit sticky. Refrigerate for 20 minutes.

Heat a griddle or large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and sliced onion and cook, stirring every so often, until the onion slices have a nice sear to them, 4 to 5 minutes. Set aside.

Wipe the griddle clean and return to medium-high heat. Put the patties on the griddle, working in batches if necessary. Spoon about 1 teaspoon mustard (or squeeze directly from the bottle) onto the top raw side of each patty. Cook for about 3 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Top each with a slice of American cheese.

Spread some Special Sauce on each bottom bun, then add lettuce, one patty, some onions, a second patty, tomatoes, pickles, more sauce, and a top bun. Serve.

Special Sauce

1⁄2 cup (120 ml) mayonnaise
3 tablespoons yellow mustard
2 tablespoons sweet relish
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika

Combine all the ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well blended.

Reprinted from It’s Not Complicated by Katie Lee Biegel with permission.