Friday Round-up

What I'm reading and eating this week:

I finally watched Chef last night. A lot of solid food-nerd moments in there, but my favorite was when the Jon Favreau character showed me exactly how chefs (and food stylists) make pasta look so pretty. (Like what you're looking at above.) You wind the noodles around one of those long two-tine forks while it's still in the pan, then tip it perpendicularly on to your plate.

Top 50 Scariest Short Stories of All Time

Genius or a Cry for Help? Place cards made out of stenciled butternut squash. (Verdict: genius.)

My 12-year-old is addicted to Serial, the new podcast series from This American Life -- think true crime meets documentary meets Ira Glass. (Note: I recommend parents listen to the first episode to determine if it's appropriate for your kids.)

I'm coming back as Mimi Thorisson in my next life.

Enough with the food fetishizing? (Boy, someone's cranky)

Speaking of which, we can all relax now that Crinkle Cuts are back.

This pie dish is perfect.

Leftover Candy Cookies Thin, chewy, crispy "galley" cookies with chocolate, pretzels, and then some.

How to Eat Cheap By Eating Vegan

Does calling someone a "mommy blogger" delegitimize her? One badass Mommy Blogger weighs in.

Gochujang Pork Shoulder Steaks: OhBoyOhBoyOhBoyOhBoyOhBoy

Baking Nerds rejoice: Dorie Greenspan's latest is finally here.

I love these dinner plates -- not just because they are designed by Massimo Vignelli, but because they remind me of my best friend's childhood kitchen. (Whaddup Rosa?)

Lastly, Mazel Tov to my beautiful chocolate-loving niece who will become a bat mitzvah tomorrow. We are all so proud of you Alison! xoxoxo

Photo by Dana Gallagher for Kitchen Repertoire.