Sorry to be posting weekend reading late, everyone! The last two days seem to have flown by–but not too fast for me to bookmark a couple of outstanding recipes and compelling reads.

We all know that I can’t resist an avocado toast recipe. This one–slathered in homemade dukkah–looks almost too awesome to be true.

While we’re on the topic of spice blends, za’atar is one that I wish I used more often, because it’s wonderful. These hemp za’atar sorghum crackers with parsley hummus make for the most incredible looking snack.

I know it isn’t tomato season, but Evi’s Mediterranean mashed potatoes with grilled tomatoes is so beautiful and enticing that I may have to get my hands on some hothouse tomatoes. And soon.

It most certainly is the season for citrus, and this raw chocolate mousse with marinated citrus is a perfect way to celebrate it.

I would like to be introduced to this strawberry chai cashew milkshake. Immediately, please.

Reads

1. A fascinating article about current research into the spontaneous genetic mutations that seem to underly autism–especially copy number variants, vast tracts of repetitive segments within DNA. The article also touches upon the double-edged evolutionary sword of our having DNA that is prone to repetition and deletion and rapid change, a tendency that allows novel genes that may confer advantages to emerge, but may also make us vulnerable to disadvantageous mutations.

2. NEDA week is coming up (Feb. 22-28). In preparation for that, I wanted to share some information about the Marginalized Voices Project. It’s aim is to call attention to underrepresented ED experiences and communities in order to create a platform for people to communicate what it means to suffer (and recover) from an eating disorder. The mission statement is as follows:

Mainstream media often portray eating disorders as a “young, privileged white woman’s disease.” We know this is simply not true – eating disorders affect people from all different backgrounds, ethnicities, gender identities, sexuality and ages. It is our hope that this project will dispel these myths and misconceptions about eating disorders.

We’re also organizing this project because it’s dangerous for people to believe that their eating disorder “doesn’t count” or that they’re “not that sick.” Through these stories, we hope to spread the message that everyone’s experience is as equally valid and equally deserving of care and recovery.

I love this.

If you’d like to learn more, you should check out this video, which features some of the individuals who are spearheading this important movement.

3. My friend Sayward shared some very personal thoughts–anchored in her own experience as a mother–about the loaded topic of vaccinations. The comments are incredibly thoughtful, and the whole post is well worth checking out. I’ve written about vaccinations from a vegan perspective before (I’m in favor of them from a health standpoint, but very eager to see more egg-free vaccines emerge), but Sayward offers a unique perspective as someone who is at the intersection of science, self-proclaimed “hippie” leanings, and motherhood.

4. A frightening article about a rare, genetic disease that causes progressive and fatal insomnia, and one couple’s race to spread awareness and help encourage the race to a cure.

5. If ever you’ve wondered whether your choices as a consumer really have an impact, let this article give you hope. The packaged food industry is experiencing losses thanks to more peoples’ interest in cooking and selecting fresh foods. This is obviously not black-and-white news; the companies who prepare these foods employ a great many people. But perhaps it will encourage companies in new directions, directions that create healthier options for consumers, and I think it’s great news that more and more folks are rekindling an interest in eating closer to the earth.

Final bit of news: remember the retreat I told you about, at Hacienda Del Sol in Costa Rica? Sadly, my schedule has shifted around this spring, and I won’t be able to participate in person. But I’m still helping out with the raw food curriculum, and if you’re interested in a culinary certification that includes raw foods, healing diets, and plant-based eating, this is a fantastic opportunity. Check out the details here!

That’s it for tonight. Till soon, folks.

xo