Measuring Up

On Saturday, there are six contestants left. The secret ingredient is a sweet potato, which Cici thinks is a good sign since “Taiwan is shaped like a sweet potato” (127). Things are awkward between her and Miranda.

Miranda makes sweet potato toast, and Cici makes “freckled potato pancakes” (128). One of the judges notices how Cici’s dish was influenced by Julia Child, while Mr. Bonce notes that she should have a crispier crust.

The judges announce that two people are being eliminated. He also announces that spinach is next week’s ingredient.

On Sunday, Cici video calls A-má, who wants to meet her American friends. They talk about how odd it is that American houses, many of which are made of wood, often burn fires inside.

After they hang up, Cici looks through Julia Child’s book to find a spinach recipe.

For the first time, Cici does not see Miranda before the competition and feels a little lonely.

Miranda starts to say something to Cici, but the judges begin speaking, interrupting her.

Cici has decided to make Julia Child’s Spinach Surprise, but she’s adding cheddar cheese rather than Swiss cheese and cinnamon as part of her own spin.