Sunday Paper Recommends—Week of February 18, 2024

At The Sunday Paper, we're always discovering books, podcasts, films, and other works that move the needle and spark inspiring change. We hope these suggestions—plus this this one item we've been turning to lately—open your heart and mind and encourage you to come together for meaningful conversations

What We’re Reading

Author Patti Davis has released her latest book, Dear Mom and Dad: A Letter about Family, Memory, and the American We Once Knew, to dazzling acclaim that is so deserved. Davis, the daughter of President Ronal Regan and Nancy Regan, writes deeply about the grief, tenderness, family dysfunction and dynamics, pain, loss, and joy that all weave into the quilt of their family, all in the form of a letter to her parents. She pens with her trademark clarity and empathy, inspiring the reader to dig into their past and heart. (For more of Davis's writing, be sure to read her columns for The Sunday Paper here.)

What We’re Watching

The news of the death of Alexei A. Navalny, the high-profile anti-corruption activist opposed to Vladimir V. Putin's leadership in Russia, sent a chill across the globe on Friday. Navalny died in a maximum security prison, which prompted President Biden to later say in a press conference, "Make no mistake: Putin is responsible for Navalny's death." 

If you're curious to learn more about Navalny, we suggest the award-winning documentary Navalny. For more than 10 years, the passionate activist, dissident, and lawyer spoke loudly against Putin, leading investigations into the corruption of Russia and attempting to run for the presidency in 2018. Navalny survived a poisoning in 2020 and was imprisoned in 2021 The film tells of his dazzling commitment to calling for liberty and justice.

 

God & Country, the new documentary directed by Dan Partland and produced by Rob Reiner, looks at how Christian nationalism influences American policies, ultimately begging the question: Is there a separation between church and state these days? When looking at the critical issues of education, immigration, marriage, abortion, and others, the film reveals the role religion has been playing in each to feed partisan goals. This well-researched documentary is chilling and unsettling but also offers a hopeful take. To find a screening near you, click here.

What We’re Listening to

There is no competition for who knows the most about the NBA, but if there were one, Sloane would take the gold medal. The 16-year-old NBA fanatic knows the NBA deeper than any we've seen—and she has a knack for interviewing. These two traits are why she's attracted some of the NBA's greatest (hello, Draymond!) to her show. This is a fun, dynamic podcast filled with sports trivia and laughs.

What We’re Loving

Let’s be honest, we can all use a reminder that we are amazing! So, grab your own 'You Are Amazing' mug, pour yourself a hot cup of coffee, and read along with us these beautiful Sunday mornings. We hope this mug inspires you, reminds you of your light, ignites joy and help you move humanity forward.

"Today, I hope you spend less time worried about what you're not doing and more time imagining what you and only you, can do. Because you are amazing." — Maria Shriver

Our Sunday Dinner Recipe

VEGGIE FRITTATA MUFFINS

Who doesn't love breakfast for dinner? For those days when it’s nothing but go, go, go, I’m always grateful to have a breakfast option that can be enjoyed while in motion. These muffins are made with protein-rich chickpea flour and can be customized to whatever veg and fresh herbs you like or have on hand (see Note). Plus, they can be enjoyed hot, cold, plain, or slathered in dips. This recipe can also be made into a single quiche (see Variation), which is great for serving company or bringing with you to a picnic—it’s a great bring-a-dish dish.

No matter how fast-paced your morning is, I do suggest taking just a moment to pause and say a prayer of gratitude before diving in.

MAKES 12 muffins 
TOTAL TIME: 45 minutes

Olive oil cooking spray, sunflower oil, or avocado oil for the muffin tin
2 cups chickpea flour (chana lot)
1 cup tightly packed chopped spinach
2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning, plus more for topping
1 tablespoon sunflower or avocado oil 1 teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon asafoetida
1 cup finely chopped red bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped fresh herbs, such as basil, parsley, or dill (or a combination)
1/2 cup chopped pitted green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and/or pickled or fresh jalapeño peppers
3/4 cup crumbled vegan feta cheese
Muhammara or your favorite sauce or dip, for serving (optional)

Preheat the oven to 375oF. Lightly coat 12 cups of a standard muffin tin with cooking spray.

In a large bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, chopped spinach, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, Italian seasoning, oil, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and asafoetida. Add 2 cups water and whisk until the batter is completely smooth. Fold in the chopped bell pepper, herbs, olive mixture, and 1/2 cup of the feta.

Scoop about 1/4 cup of the batter into each cup of the muffin tin, mixing gently between scoops to make sure the vegetables stay well distributed in the batter. Dividing evenly, top the muffins with the remaining 1/4 cup feta and a small pinch of Italian seasoning.

Bake until the muffins are set, 25 to 30 minutes. Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then gently remove them and transfer to a wire rack. Serve warm or at room temperature with a sauce or dip, if desired.

NOTE: Feel free to swap out the bell pepper and herbs for any other vegetables or herbs you have in the fridge!

Excerpted from JOYFULL: Cook Effortlessly, Eat Freely, live Radiantly. Copyright @ 2024 by Radhi Devlukia-Shetty. Photography Copyright © 2024 by Alanna Hale. Reproduced by permission of Simon Element, and imprint of Simon & Schuster. All rights reserved.