Appetizers

“Why don’t you just layer the tomatoes directly on the pastry without pre-cooking the base?” my friend asked one humid Saturday afternoon while I was … Read more

The neighborhood book club was in just under two hours, and I had absolutely nothing ready to bring. Everyone else was showing up with these … Read more

“The breeze shifted just as I was loading groceries into the car last Saturday, and suddenly this sharp, tangy zing of lime hit me — … Read more

This was supposed to be a quick grocery run snack fix after a hectic Thursday at work. I grabbed the wrong jar of olives — … Read more

The summer air was thick with the scent of grilled corn and fresh-cut grass last July 3rd when the sharp, tangy aroma of sharp cheddar … Read more

This was supposed to be a simple batch of stuffed jalapeños for a casual Friday night snack. I grabbed the wrong cream cheese—unopened but still … Read more

Introduction The summer I moved into my new apartment, I found myself at a bustling Fourth of July block party, juggling a plate of snacks … Read more

There used to be this little sports bar tucked in the corner of a bustling strip mall in downtown Dayton that made the most unforgettable … Read more

“Hand me that bowl,” my neighbor said, tossing a handful of crab meat into a mixing bowl like it was no big deal. I’d stopped … Read more

Introduction “You won’t believe what I found scribbled on a crumpled napkin at the corner coffee shop last Thursday,” my friend Mark said as he … Read more