Just got my refurbished kitchenAid stand-up mixer yesterday. I am attempting to make my own pizza and pretzel this week! GO CARBOHYDRATES!

I've been reading Cecilia Chiang's memoir "The Seventh Daughter" (with recipes), so this week is all about Chinese food! Kung pao chicken yesterday, tonight is beef with broccoli, and tomorrow, Dan Dan Noodles and eggplant in garlic sauce. Good thing there's a decent Asian grocery even here in VT!

Further proof that burger concepts are gaining momentum:

http://aht.seriouseats.com/archives/2008/08/kanye-west-bringing-fatburger-to-chicago.html

Steak! On our new (tiny) charcoal grill, illegally (I think) parked on our fire escape in Manhattan outside our bedroom window. The husband and I were slightly concerned that the flames might cause the neighbors to call the fire department, but no sirens yet--and frankly, it'd almost be worth it--how I've missed grilling this summer!! We'll try to squeeze in a few more grilling adventures before summer really, truly ends--pork chops are next.

Cellophane noodles topped with oyster sauce, sauteed chicken, mini red/yellow bell peppers, onions, mini eggplants. yum!