Appetizers

This was supposed to be a slow-cooker chili. I had all the beans browned and waiting, the spices measured out in little bowls like I … Read more

My neighbor watched me struggling with a grocery bag that had just split open in my driveway, cans of chicken broth rolling every which way. … Read more

I was standing in the freezer aisle at my local grocery store last Tuesday when the cold air hit my face and—I swear—I was twelve … Read more

The office holiday party was in six hours and I’d completely forgotten. Everyone else would be bringing those elaborate, multi-day preparations—the kind of thing that … Read more

There used to be a little diner off Highway 99 called The Rusty Spoon that made this addictive snack mix. When they closed—suddenly, with a … Read more

I was standing in the frozen foods aisle last November, staring at a bag of pearl onions I definitely didn’t need, when the smell hit … Read more

“Mom, why can’t we just put the cheese in a pile and let everyone grab what they want?” My seven-year-old, Ellie, asked this while I … Read more

The woman at the farmers’ market stall watched me pick through her Brussels sprouts, probably looking a little too serious about the whole thing. She … Read more

The Halloween potluck was in twelve hours and I’d completely forgotten. Everyone else would be bringing those elaborate, Pinterest-perfect treats—you know the ones. The cake … Read more

Last October, my neighbor Janet wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I’d stopped by to borrow a muffin tin—mine had mysteriously vanished after a church potluck—and … Read more