Appetizers

This was supposed to be a simple batch of classic Chex Mix for a Friendsgiving potluck. You know the one—the buttery, Worcestershire-laden version everyone’s grandma … Read more

My neighbor Karen wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I’d stopped by to borrow a lug wrench—don’t ask—and this smell hit me before I even got … Read more

My neighbor Carla watched me wrestling a giant butternut squash into my grocery cart last October and didn’t say anything at first. Then she just … Read more

There used to be a tiny bakery tucked behind a vintage bookstore in my old neighborhood called The Wicked Oven. They made these incredible witch … Read more

I had the whole thing planned out in my head. It was the week before Halloween, and my daughter’s class party was coming up. I … Read more

I was standing in line at the hardware store—of all places—on a drizzly October afternoon, holding a bag of lightbulbs I didn’t really need, when … Read more

My sister-in-law, Jen, wasn’t trying to impress anyone that night. I mean, honestly, she was just trying to get dinner on the table before her … Read more

There used to be a little bakery on the corner of Elm and 4th in my old neighborhood called “The Cozy Cauldron.” They made the … Read more

Honestly? I wasn’t even supposed to be there that long. I’d stopped by my neighbor Dave’s place on a random Tuesday afternoon to grab a … Read more

The Halloween party was in four hours and I’d completely forgotten. Everyone else would be bringing elaborate themed desserts—I’d seen the neighbor’s graveyard brownies on … Read more