Appetizer Recipes

This was supposed to be a classic cheese ball. You know, the kind you roll in nuts and serve with crackers at holiday parties. I … Read more

My sister-in-law wasn’t trying to throw a party. I’d stopped by on a random Thursday evening to drop off a book I’d borrowed, and the … Read more

I was standing in the grocery store parking lot last October, fumbling for my keys, when the smell of fresh dill from someone’s open trunk … Read more

My brother-in-law Mark had sworn off themed food for years. “It’s gimmicky,” he’d say, crossing his arms at every Halloween party. “Food should just taste … Read more

The school fall festival was in two hours and I’d completely forgotten. My daughter had been talking about it for weeks—the games, the bounce house, … Read more

The woman at the next stall watched me staring at her display of tiny, perfect pumpkins—the ones that look like they belong in a fairy … Read more

It was 11:47 PM on a random Wednesday, and I had a very specific, very ridiculous craving. I wanted something spooky, something snacky, and something … Read more

I had this whole thing about buffalo sauce. For years. I claimed it was too aggressive, too one-note, too much of a “guy thing” at … Read more

Jen wasn’t trying to impress anyone. I’d stopped by her house on a Tuesday afternoon to pick up a book I’d lent her, and the … Read more

I was standing in line at the hardware store, of all places, holding a new garden hose, when the woman behind me—an absolute stranger—started talking … Read more