Appetizers

So, here’s the thing. I was making my usual batch of spiced nuts for a Halloween party, feeling pretty confident about my method. My friend … Read more

I was standing in the grocery store aisle last October, staring at a jar of olives, when the smell of vinegar hit me—and suddenly I … Read more

The power went out halfway through my anniversary dinner prep last February. I’d planned this whole fancy three-course thing, candles everywhere, the works. Then, boom … Read more

My brother-in-law, Mark, had a very firm stance on fondue. He swore he hated it for years. “It’s just melted cheese you have to work … Read more

My neighbor Mark asked me why I couldn’t just skip the baking soda bath for pretzels. I started to explain why that wouldn’t work — … Read more

My neighbor Carol watched me fumbling with a block of Velveeta on a Tuesday afternoon. I was trying to unwrap the plastic without getting cheese … Read more

There used to be a little sports bar on the corner of Elm and 4th called The Rusty Mug that made the best buffalo chicken … Read more

My husband asked why I couldn’t just pile everything on one big board instead of making separate plates for each of us. I started to … Read more

The Super Bowl party was in six hours and I’d completely forgotten. I mean, who does that? My neighbor, Karen, had been planning her buffalo … Read more

This was supposed to be buffalo chicken dip. You know, the classic, gooey, scoop-it-with-a-chip kind. I had the cream cheese softening on the counter, the … Read more