Boston Menu Pages linked to a blog post and video made by this local guy, Andy. Andy took a trip over to the Fenway McDonalds, ordered a Big Mac, and then proceeded to eat the whole burger in one disgusting bite. His friend graciously documented the gluttonous event. Apparently this is Andy’s opening act for a series of “food feats” he’ll be posting in a new blog entitled, Andy Eats. He’s taking requests. So think up something ridiculous and dare him to comply.

Rachel has gotten her hands on one of those AeroGarden kits and is documenting the growing process at her blog, Food Maven. My mother and I are obsessed with this infomercial so I’m really looking forward to seeing what sort of real life results occur. Is it possible to really turn your kitchen counter into an herb garden and a cherry tomato farm? We’ll see.

Converse has designed a new Chuck Taylor All Star shoe called “The Diner.” For $46.99 you can have your very own pair imprinted with the black and white text of a nostalgic 1950’s greasy spoon-inspired menu.

Josh from Newlywed in Dubai details his experience having High Tea at the Burj al-Arab.

Don’t forget that Paul Pape is selling those adorable and delicious Mii Chocolates again. Give the guy a chance. My Mii’s arrived with lightening efficiency and in perfect shape.

Top 5 Recipes I’m Dying to Try this Week (If food didn’t have calories etc…)

Chuck’s Tofu Chocolate Chip Cookies at Sunday Nite Dinner
Amy’s Pushing Daisies inspired Apple Cup Pies at Eggs On Sunday
Gena’s Maple White Chocolate Fudge at Big City, Little Kitchen
Lindsay’s Golden Brioche at Love and Olive Oil
M&M and Padma’s Wonton Soup at The Secret Life of College Foodies

Disappointingly I’ve only managed to purchase two gifts for family members so far this holiday season and they were gift cards. Each day I spend quite a bit of time frantically searching online for ideas, (mainly via lots of link sharing with Anna on Google Reader) and I’ve found quite a few gifts that would be great if only my family members were…well…like me. So without further adieu no “Erin Cooks” Christmas could possibly be complete without the following ridiculous things that no one needs but we buy them anyway.

One of my favorite kitchen helper activities when I was a kid was grating cheese. If you know a kid who’s weird like that too then I’d suggest buying them this fab shirt from Threadless. I know I’m not the only one out there who prided themselves on their grating prowess so spill your guts!

Chris picked up a bottle of 2005 Keesha Pinot Grigio at Best Cellars and now I’m completely hooked. It has a very unique citrus taste that I didn’t think I liked at first but it totally grew on me. Everyone loves wine, especially your hostess with the mostess so stock up for all of those unexpected last minute gift giving moments.

To rev up the stockings of your adventurous gift recipients, mountain climbers, or even just people who use the stairs and not the elevator I’d definitely suggest picking up some of these special edition seasonal Cliff Bars. I bought Chris a few for his birthday last month. They come in Spiced Pumpkin Pie and Iced Gingerbread flavors.

Your lip gloss addicted little sister could probably use a pot or two of these tasty Ben & Jerry’s flavored lip glosses. Now If they made Cinnamon Buns lip gloss I might be tempted.

Fred Flare has a ridiculously over priced skillet for sale that has a Panda face painted on the side. It’s super cute, but in the interest of full disclosure you’d be much better off putting that $75 towards a nice piece of All-Clad.

And finally, if you have some crafty, Martha Stewart loving cousins to shop for these adorable embroidery patterns feature a Peppermint Fairy, penguins, deer and even a gingerbread house. But since I hate crafts don’t buy me these. Believe me, I’d much rather have the wine.

I’m quite aware that the Baker’s Edge Brownie Pan is an amazing feat of pure genius, especially since 75 people on my google reader have told me so. Unfortunately though I’m not an “edge” kind of girl. I like the gooey middle pieces, so chances are I probably won’t ever purchase the Goliath of all brownie pans.

However, their new lasagna pan is an entirely different story. Anything that cuts down on delicious food looking sloppy is “must have” in my book. PS: I saw an adorable Baker’s Edge drinking glass on a blog today. Does anyone know if this item is actually available for purchase because I really really want one.

Update: I received a note from Emily at Baker’s Edge and unfortunately the glasses aren’t currently for sale, but might possibly be made available for purchase during the holiday season. *Fingers Crossed* How cute would it be to give someone (whose really into those edge pieces) a gift set compiled of the brownie pan, some glasses, and a container of pricey cocoa powder.

Are these cupcakes life, imitating art, imitating life? My friend Gene made some pretty fabulous Jackson Pollack inspired cupcakes for a baking competition at his office. Yes, even though he did totally “cheat” and use canned frosting I’d still give him a gold medal, or at least a Starbucks gift card, wouldn’t you?

Speaking of dessert, have you seen the adorable new Threadless T-shirt? The expression on that Hostess snack cake is priceless. Obviously the horror of skipping dessert is just too much for some people (myself included). I know I feel personally wronged every time I lose out on an end of meal chocolate opportunity.