Friday Favorites 12/12/14

Hope you all had an amazing week! I'm ashamed to admit how much of mine was spent in bed. The weekend packed with clients and an awesome nutrition class with the lovely ladies at Pure Barre Greenville, I took a lazy Tuesday afternoon off work and watched documentaries in bed (Virunga is a must see for everyone!). Then I woke up Wednesday morning with a horrible cold and simply couldn't get myself out of bed. Although part of that struggle may have been because we just the most comfortable new mattress. I can't believe we ordered on online, but Tuft & Needle was reasonably priced and had great reviews. Highly recommend if you're in the market!

Other than being sick and whiney, I have managed a little fun this week. Monday night, I went out to dinner to celebrate a friends birthday. Tuesday we picked out our Christmas tree, then spent the evening decorating it while watching Love Actually, which of course had me crying about 30 seconds in. That Heathrow Airport scene kills me for some reason! And last night, I doused myself in antibacterial gel, changed out of my fleece Christmas PJs and dropped in at a Christmas party for a club I do volunteer work with.

Send lots of healing thoughts and green juice my way because two of my dear friends are getting married this weekend!

Alas, here's my weekly roundup of favorite links from around the web. For more throughout the week, hang out with me on twitter, facebook and pinterest where I share inspiration regularly.

Photo Credit: Gretchen of Kumquat

Potato, Beet & Ambrosia Apple Tian (Kumquat Blog) --> I can't get over these gorgeous colors. This dish would be a stunner to serve at your holiday meal!

Chocolate Chip Latte Cookies Stuffed with Almond Paste (Yeah...Imma Eat That) --> I made some really decadent chocolate chip cookies with almond paste a few years ago and they were some of the best I've ever made. Might need to break this healthier version out this year!

Photo Credit: Kylie of Yeah...Imma Eat That

Mushroom Bolognese with Sweet Potato (The Adventures of MJ and Hungryman) --> This is exactly the kind of comfort food I'm craving right now.

Photo Credit: Min of MJ and Hungryman

Spicy Sofritas Veggie Bowls (Pinch of Yum) --> Chipotle is the one fast food restaurant I will frequent, specifically for their tofu bowl. Now that I have this copycat recipe, I never have to go back!

Photo Credit: Lindsay of Pinch of Yum

Baked Miso Glazed Tofu with Wild Mushrooms (The New York Times) --> Like me, Martha Rose Shulman of The NY Times also visited France during mushroom season and fell in love with cepes. I drooled over all the recipes in her ode to wild mushrooms, especially this dish.

Photo Credit: Andrew Scriviani of The New York Times

How Food Affects Your Brain (Mind Body Green) --> When I tell people one of my specialty areas is the relationship between diet and mental health, they're often surprised to learn food can have such a powerful effect on the brain. This short talk by one of my favorite authors is a great intro to the concept.

Why We Might Want To Worry More About Sugar Than Salt For Heart Health (Yahoo Health) --> When it comes to reading the food label, sugar is the very first, and sometimes only, thing you should look for.

The Problem With Cheat Meals (Claudia Zapata) --> "Saying you're cheating assumes every other meal you eat that week basically sucks. And if it does, you need a new approach and new recipes." LOVE this!

Joy From The World (The New York Times) --> I love to learn about traditional holiday meals from around the world - this article kinda made me wish I was Mexican or Jewish-Japanese! Also, check out that smile on the Southern guy cooking grits. It's the epitome of joyful eating!

This week on Avocado:

This week I rolled out a new, limited time program - New Year, New You! This program allows you to make a total wellness transformation in a step-by-step over the course of the year. It includes twelve 45-minute sessions in person, over telephone or Skype, healthy recipes and handy guides. Space is limited so email me at AnAvocadoADayRD@gmail.com to sign up or for more information.

Caramelized Cauliflower with Golden Raisins and Capers --> Roasted cauliflower is delicious on it's own, but even better with golden raisins, capers and crunchy toasted walnuts.

Brussels Spouts Salad with Ambrosia Apples and Tempeh Bacon --> Enjoy my new favorite apple variety in this fall-inspired salad.

No Added Sugar Cinnamon-Spice Raisin Cookies --> You won't believe how insanely delicious vegan, gluten free cookies made with no added sugar can be. Plus, you can make them in the food processor!

What were your favorites this week? Leave a link in the comments below!