Hello friends, I thought it was time for a favourites list because I haven’t posted one since September!
It’s been a pretty scary couple of months in the world of politics. I am generally quite engaged in Australian politics, but this last year I have also been following along with what’s happening in the US – it’s hard not to be with all the craziness, and how much it always ends up impacting things here too.
It’s been quite a dark time, but at the same time there’s been many things bringing hope to my life. To begin with, we saw a beautiful sign of the strength and resilience of all those who identify as/with women just yesterday with the women’s marches.
I hope to see more government policies that are brought in because they are the right thing to do, not because some big dirty business is funding their political campaigns. I don’t think that’s a lot to ask for as a voter. In 2016, a major coal plant in Victoria (my state) was closed down, and the owners are now reinvesting their money in renewables. It’s been a long time coming, we signed numerous petitions to close Hazelwood power station over the past couple of years, and maybe it’s happening because of money rather than science, but at least it is happening.
On the home front, my brother is having his first child in the coming weeks (my first nephew/niece), and my good friend had a baby boy over New Years. My brother and friend are both intelligent, loving and inclusive individuals, and if more people like them are going to be raising the next generation, then I feel like things are going to take a turn for the better.
We’ve got to have hope, because really, what are we without it?
I am holding my breath posting this because there’s bound to be a couple of people who don’t think a food blog is a place for politics. To them I say this: food is about people, politics is about people. Food is a great democratiser and conversation starter. Food is a language that crosses cultures and mends rifts. We all eat, and three times a day we get to choose what we support and what we want to see as the standard available to us. Want to see more environmentally friendly practices? Want to see more support for your local farmers? Want to see animals treated more humanely? Want to see more businesses run by women, LBGTIQ people and people of colour? Vote with your fork. If that’s not political, I don’t know what is.
And here’s the list!
My favourite thing I’ve read this year: Why time management is ruining our lives
Dutch trains are now 100% wind powered
An interesting perspective on millenials
Beware the protein hype – shoppers literally flushing money down the toilet
All about burn out (and some good tips on how to avoid it)
For weight loss we need to focus on stress, not food
Pink collar jobs is where the work is
New names spice up veggies for kids
Lovely Emma has written a great post, that I can relate to, regarding the lack of appreciation and sense of community online (it also features a lovely looking plum cake recipe, because cake makes everything better).
Recipes
For my Summer babes:
I am loving Heidi’s black sesame otsu recipe at the moment, I even made it for my friend who recently gave birth.
A delicious take on the ol’ potato salad by Lindsey.
Ashley’s black bean tostadas look totes legit.
It’s too hot for coffee, here’s Laura’s recipe for cold brew (ex-barista certified, that is, by me!)
I’m waiting for my new popsicle moulds to arrive so I can make Sarah’s amazing looking fudgsicles.
As well as these healthy coconut, peach and turmeric popsicles.
For my pals in the midst of Winter:
Smokey cannellini beans on garlic toast? Yes please.
Two wintery soups by Anna Jones.
Izy’s vegan, wholemeal choc chip challah sounds too good to be true.
A cinnamon and raisin version of the life changing loaf.
How about dem apples? I am waiting for autumn so I can make this roasted apple butter.
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