How are you doing, friend? I have been giving my own little world a quick, panoramic inspection and it seems as though this week came at lot of us with boxing gloves and far too little coffee. In an age where we are surrounded by letter boards telling us to live each day to the fullest, it seems frivolous to wish away a week. But, however uninspiring it may be to say, I am very glad to be putting the last few days behind me. Moments have been sorted and the ickiness packed away with mental duct tape, perhaps to be reopened and remembered after the years have chiseled away at its heaviness a bit.

Now, let's do this Friday thing.

I realized recently (and by recently, I mean seventeen seconds ago) that I have yet to discover the perfect red velvet cake recipe. This is a problem because aside from angel food cake - my signature birthday cake - it is my favorite cake. Yes, cream cheese frosting has a lot to do with that. No, I will not just buy a boxed mix. We are bakers. Strong, confident, and fierce enough to resist the wiles of "just add oil" promises. So, if you have a good recipe, pass it on. And thank you.

Don't hate me, but the impending change of seasons is on my mind and I found myself scrolling through boot options earlier this week.

Beer. Battered. Avocado. I do not even know what to do with myself. I have never encountered a fried avocado before, but I am planning a very special rendezvous for the two of us next week.

This macaroni and cheese entered my life last summer and I have been a truffle addict ever since. Welcome this beautiful gateway drug into your life.

I really need to get on the ball this weekend and at long last give this "revolutionary" bread a try.

This zucchini rice gratin is calling to me and I cannot get it out of my mind. Summer comfort food at its finest. Ah, I want it RIGHT NOW.

Have you tried my favorite skirt steak with chimichurri yet?

These breakfast polenta bowls are some of the most brilliant dishes I have seen in quite a while, and, incidentally, the breakfast of my dreams.

I really want to add a milk frother to my kitchen arsenal. Do you have a favorite? Of course I own one of the ubiquitous battery-powered frothers, but I am dreaming of something a tad bit more sophisticated. Recommendations welcome.

We are anticipating quite the influx of rain this weekend and I am hopeful that a Saturday of baking-interrupted-by-laundry-and-movies awaits me. Yes, laundry is apart of my fantasy. I find folding clothes strangely comforting, especially on stormy days. Oh yes, Netflix is always invited to my laundry adventures, I'm no savage.

Happiest of weekends to you all!

Sincerely,

Pedantic Foodie

P.S. You might want to brush off that patio and give a few of your favorite humans a heads-up because I'll be sharing another simple summer dinner tomorrow that is sure to be the highlight of your weekend!

hungry?