Appetizers

The neighborhood block party was in less than two hours and I’d completely forgotten I promised to bring something homemade. Everyone else was hauling in … Read more

Introduction The neighborhood block party was in less than an hour and I’d completely blanked on what to bring. Everyone else would be hauling trays … Read more

“You want to try something different with corn?” my neighbor Carlos asked one bright Saturday morning as I wrestled with a stubborn ear of corn … Read more

My cousin once asked why I couldn’t just skip the mayo and use sour cream in deviled eggs. I started to explain why that wouldn’t … Read more

“The power went out halfway through a lazy Thursday afternoon, and I ended up at my neighbor Mia’s doorstep with nothing but a flash of … Read more

Introduction “Why not just thread the mozzarella and tomatoes on a toothpick and drizzle the balsamic later?” my friend asked one afternoon while I was … Read more

The power went out halfway through my Friday night movie marathon when my quiet upstairs neighbor, Mr. Thompson, started talking about his “secret weapon” snack. … Read more

Introduction “Why can’t you just toss the onion rings straight into the beer and fry them?” my friend asked one Saturday afternoon while I was … Read more

Introduction “Hand me that bowl,” my neighbor Mark said as I stepped into his kitchen last Saturday afternoon. I wasn’t expecting much—just dropping by to … Read more

Introduction “I don’t do party appetizers,” my good friend Mark declared every summer without fail. For years, he swore off those cute little bites that … Read more