Appetizers

Last Saturday afternoon, I was parking my car outside the local grocery store when the unmistakable aroma of melted cheese and spicy pepperoni wafted from … Read more

There used to be this little Tex-Mex joint tucked behind a faded mural in downtown Austin that made the most unforgettable crispy loaded sheet pan … Read more

Introduction Last Saturday afternoon, I was reorganizing my cluttered home office when my usually quiet next-door neighbor, Mr. Jenkins—the retired plumber who rarely utters more … Read more

Introduction The office potluck was in less than an hour and I’d completely blanked on what to bring. Everyone else was showing up with these … Read more

The Saturday farmers market was bustling with its usual weekend chaos when the quietest person in our neighborhood, Mr. Jenkins—the accountant who rarely spoke beyond … Read more

Introduction “Hand me that bowl,” my neighbor said, tossing me a mound of grated zucchini like it was nothing. I wasn’t even planning to stay … Read more

Introduction The other afternoon, I was slicing cucumbers for a simple salad when that unmistakable sharp tang of garlic and dill suddenly hit me — … Read more

“I wasn’t expecting much that Sunday afternoon,” I remember thinking. My neighbor, Carlos, wasn’t making a big deal out of firing up his grill. I’d … Read more

Introduction “You want something quick for the kids?” my coworker asked as I stared helplessly at my overflowing freezer, hunting for a snack. She didn’t … Read more

Introduction “Hand me that bowl,” my neighbor said, barely looking up from chopping tomatoes on a sunlit Thursday afternoon. I was just there to borrow … Read more