Appetizers

The neighborhood BBQ was in less than a day, and I had absolutely zero pickles prepped. Everyone else was boasting about their multi-day brining adventures … Read more

My friend Jake had insisted for years that zucchini fritters were just soggy, bland excuses for vegetables. Five summers, at least. Then one Saturday afternoon, … Read more

Introduction This was supposed to be just a quick salsa to go with some chips for a lazy Sunday afternoon. I grabbed the wrong can—black … Read more

“I wasn’t looking for anything fancy,” my neighbor Nina said as she tossed a handful of mini bagels into the toaster oven. I’d just popped … Read more

Introduction The power went out halfway through an impromptu neighborhood game night, and honestly, I was more worried about the snacks than the blackout itself. … Read more

Last Saturday afternoon, I was wandering through the bustling produce aisle at my local market when a sudden sharp, spicy-sour scent hit me — and … Read more

“I never cared for figs,” my friend Anna confessed one lazy Sunday afternoon as we prepared snacks for a small gathering. She’d outright refused them … Read more

Last Saturday afternoon, my neighbor watched me wrestle with a stubborn flatbread dough that refused to stretch evenly. He didn’t say anything at first, just … Read more

Introduction The neighborhood barbecue was in just a couple of hours and I’d completely forgotten to bring a side dish. Everyone else was hauling in … Read more

Introduction There used to be a tiny deli tucked away on a bustling side street in downtown Portland that made the most unforgettable tangy dill … Read more