Appetizers

I had refused to serve anything called a “charcuterie board” for Thanksgiving for years. Seven years, to be exact. Then last November, my sister-in-law walked … Read more

I was standing in the grocery store aisle last October, staring at a bag of pretzel sticks like they held the secrets to the universe, … Read more

There used to be a tiny sports bar in my neighborhood called The Rusty Anchor that made a buffalo chicken dip so good, people would … Read more

It was 11:47 PM on a random Wednesday in October, and I had a very specific craving—deviled eggs with a serious kick. I didn’t have … Read more

The neighborhood block party was in two hours, and I’d completely forgotten. Everyone else would be bringing elaborate dips, homemade breads, and slow-cooked meats. I … Read more

I was standing in the middle of my grocery store’s baking aisle last Tuesday, staring at a bag of pre-shelled pumpkin seeds, when the smell … Read more

The school Halloween party was in two hours and I’d completely forgotten. I mean, I’d remembered to buy the candy for trick-or-treaters, and my kid’s … Read more

There used to be a tiny tapas bar tucked away on a side street in Portland called The Little Pepper that made these smoky spiced … Read more

My sister-in-law, Jen, wasn’t trying to impress anyone last December. I’d stopped by to drop off a casserole dish I’d borrowed, and the smell of … Read more

My sister-in-law, Jen, swore she hated Chex Mix. For years. Like, since childhood. She’d scrunch up her nose at holiday parties and mutter something about … Read more