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?

This Blueberry-Lime Coconut Frozen Yogurt is vegan, dairy-free, and full of vitamins and probiotics! Not to mention it is delicious, refreshing, and incredibly easy to make - all you need is a food-processor! Find the recipe on WWW.PEDANTICFOODIE.COM!

Dairy-Free Blueberry-Lime Coconut Frozen Yogurt

Several weeks ago, after posting this incredible ice cream which feels like the epitome of indulgence, I received several requests for a dairy-free frozen treat that felt a little healthier.

Now, health food is not exactly my métier. Here at the Pedantic household, we eat healthfully, primarily using whole ingredients and running away from words like “processed,” but I would never claim to be a health junkie. That said, dietary limitations are becoming more and more ubiquitous in this world of ours, and I firmly believe that everyone should be able to make themselves a delicious treat, no matter their restrictions!

Fudge-Swirled Red Wine & Black Cherry Ice Cream

The words “record-breaking” used to illicit thoughts of Rapunzel-esc hair, giant rubber band balls, and jump-roping contests, but no such awe or excitement has been present this week when the record-breaking heat is the topic of everyone’s conversation.

ROASTED PINEAPPLE SORBET

Run up to your neighborhood Aldi’s because we are turning cheap wine into something extra special.

Saint Patrick's Day is looking prettier than ever with this Lucky Charms Ice Cream! Sweet, Lucky Charms cereal milk forms the base of this easy-to-make ice cream! Find the recipe and many more on www.pedanticfoodie.com!!

Lucky Charms Cereal Milk Ice Cream

The cutest and most festive ice cream coming at you!!

BAILEYS PUMPKIN MILKSHAKES WITH GINGERSNAP CRUMBS

There’s a little something I do. It’s a habit of sorts, but, unlike most of my habits, this is one I strive to maintain rather than suppress.

Brown Butter, Peach & Spiced Pecan Ice Cream

Summer is fleeting fast and I realized that I have shared exactly one ice cream recipe with you this year.

That's a problem. We all need more ice cream. The whole world needs more ice cream.

This faintly-sweet watermelon kombucha slush is the perfect mocktail for summer afternoons! [ www.pedanticfoodie.com ]

Watermelon Ginger & Grapefruit Kombucha Slush

Let's whip up something pink, refreshing, and healthful for these hard-working bodies of ours.

KIWI-LIME SORBET

I have several layers of a soon-to-be assembled cake baking in the oven and Spotify is bringing my soul peace with a little Hawaiian playlist.

It's a Friday afternoon and I am typing steadily at my desk. I can hear Sabine chewing on something I very much hope came from her toy basket. My ears are perked to detect an often-unreliable oven timer. It is all very much as usual, but my heart is far from settled.

Roasted Strawberry-Lime Frozen Yogurt

There they sit, resting threateningly on the edge of optimal consumption and shriveled disappointment.

White Mocha Milkshakes [ www.pedanticfoodie.com ]

WHITE MOCHA MILKSHAKES // MEMORIES THROUGH A STRAW

Growing up, my father faithfully took my sister and I on dates. Sometimes separate; sometimes together. Trips to the mall for browsing and food court cheesecake, or ventures to the local pet shop for puppy ogling and, if we were lucky, a run through a favorite drive-thru would follow.