While You’re In: Cook with banana peels, listen to the Bard, and get back to hugging

Makin’ bacon (sort of)

TikTok trailblazer Tabitha Brown has a way with food. A vegan and a devotee of both comforting classics and garlic powder, Brown makes “bacon” from carrots and also from — wait for it — banana peels. (Marinated and air-fried, they look like bacon, at least.) But it’s not so much her recipes as her super-comforting and matter-of-fact manner that have made her a video sensation. It seems that Brown knows just how to soothe America during a global pandemic. Though her North Carolina accent is as sweet as peach pie, she’s sassy, too. Among her favorite catchphrases are “ ’cause I can” and “ ’cause that’s my business.” Brown gets full marks for style, too, sporting impeccably manicured fingernails so long you wonder how she keeps them intact while cooking and, in one video, earrings that coordinate with the recipe.

Locals share Shakespeare, stories

Though restaurants and retailers are beginning to reopen, live theater looks to be several months away. But there’s no need to despair. The dedicated actors of Animal Fire Theater and storytelling inspirations Elizabeth Lord and Amy Shephard, the duo behind StoryOly, are serving up local talent on Zoom. Animal Fire’s “Shakespeare 201: The Comedies” launches with “As You Like It” at 6 p.m. Sunday, June 14, on Zoom and Facebook and also includes “The Comedy of Errors” June 28, “The Tempest” July 12 and “Love’s Labor’s Lost” July 26. Meanwhile, StoryOly’s next story slam, with the theme “Obsession,” happens from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, June 16, on Zoom. If you want to tell a story, email storyoly@gmail.com, and get more information at http://facebook.com/storyoly. The events are free, with donations appreciated.

Hugs reconsidered

For people living alone, hugs have been in short supply since mid-March, and though Thurston County is now in Phase 2, social distancing is still de rigueur. There is some hope for those who are craving human touch, though. Quite a few creative types have come up with such solutions as hug shields and even, in one case, wearing a sanitized hippo suit. For those wishing to hug without going that far, New York Times reporter Tara Parker-Pope sought expert advice on how to hug with minimal risk of infection. Turns out giving a quick hug might be less dangerous than a lengthy conversation.

Freelance writer Molly Gilmore joined TikTok. She talks about local happenings with 95.3 KGY-FM’s Michael Stein from 3 to 4 p.m. Fridays.