We're finding that celebrating a holiday doesn't have to be a show. It just has to be what we want it to be. And this weekend is all about hope, good food, and time.
Ancient Rivalries Re: Various Fish Glops
What has lasted in her absence is what often seems to last: Food. Her perfect, perfect Salmon Soufflé. Now, because both Aunt Sue and Mamaw are beyond us, I can say what I'm about to say, without fear of an uprising. Aunt Sue's Salmon Soufflé wins. It is the winner of a life-long feud: Mamaw's Salmon Loaf or Aunt Sue's Salmon Soufflé?
Zucchini Soup & A Love Story
Tonight I made this soup with Mom for the first time. We talked through her youth. We did math and recollected dates. I corrected the order of the time before they knew one another in my memory.
Rootbeer Pulled Pork & And An Ode to A Beat Poet
I remember reading Lawrence Ferlinghetti's Coney Island Mind on the dock of my grandparent's summer home in Okoboji, Iowa one summer a lifetime ago. One of the last summers I had before obligation became year round.
A Reflection on Dad & His BBQ Sauce
Dad wasn't perfect. He was good. He was a good person. He did good for others. He saw people. He loved people. And he often surprised people with quiet thoughtfulness. He was a savior. He was a confidant. He was a vigilante for your individuality in the middle of the night. He always wanted to curate an experience.
Beet Risotto & Magawa the Mine Detecting HeroRat
When I'm afraid of or uncomfortable with certain things, it's generally because I lack understanding. When I push myself past that initial fear or discomfort, I am always pleasantly surprised.
Unlocking Traditions: Vali’s Blot
As spring creeps its head around the corner, the ground begins to loosen, the birds begin to return, winter dies. This winter seems to have lasted a year. But I feel apprehensive, yet renewed hope for a day, just on the other side of now, where I'm hugging my brother or strolling my daughter through the zoo. A day when I can go on a date with my husband or laugh in a movie theatre with my son.
Brown Butter Broiled Salmon, Asparagus with Crispy Leeks, & Cliff’s Sage Advice
It was one of the most important things Dad ever said to me. And in moments when I've struggled to meet a challenge, if I harken back to that moment and that success, I succeed again.
Glug’s Pork & Rice, Nicknames, & Recipe Reformation
My name is Maddie. Madeline Suzanne. My nicknames? Shuffy, Shiney, B-Sweet, Little Maddie Fu-Sue, Crainch-Grainch, Crumpertina Meff-Mertudy (she's the cutest of the cute-cute-cuties), Crunchy, Shine-a-lau, Sholly, Shollarific, Madelina Suzanna Maria, Midge, Scrummy, and everybody's favorite: Screebits.
Brau Brau’s Chicken, Mind-Blowing Creamed Corn, & A History in Food
My Momma is a damn good cook. She fed us so well all my life. And even though I began my life as a somewhat picky eater - and even though I continue to have a few of those early food quirks heldover - her ability to make things delicious inspired my life in ways I can't fully express.
Seat At The Table 