If you grow moonflowers, July is the month when everything either clicks into place or gets frustrating fast. I’ve learned that the hard way in my own Midwest backyard, usually sometime after a hot workday when I head outside with a watering can, hoping for those huge white blooms by dusk and instead finding lots … Read more
PART 1: The Sister Who Held Us Together There were once three sisters. Me, Leila, and Nora. People often assume time heals every wound, but some losses simply learn how to hide beneath the surface. Ours was one of them. After Nora died, strangers started referring to Leila and me as twins. It was easier … Read more
Ingredients 2 cans (28 ounces each) thick-style baked beans with molasses or brown sugar 3 cups water 2 cups dry elbow macaroni (about 8 ounces) Directions see continuation on next page
Baking is often a precise science, where the right ingredients and measurements can lead to a masterpiece, or a mishap. However, sometimes culinary creativity calls for experimentation, especially when you’re out of a key ingredient. That’s exactly what happened in my kitchen when I found myself without vegetable oil, a common staple in cake recipes. … Read more
PART 1 — “TAKE YOUR SISTER AND RUN” My father sent me a text at 2:03 in the morning. Take your sister and leave immediately. Do not trust your mother. The light from my phone burned against my eyes in the dark. For several seconds, I simply stared at the message. My father, Kevin Brennan, … Read more
Easter is a time for traditions, and one of the most delicious traditions is the Easter ham. Normally, this centerpiece is glazed with a sweet and savory mixture of brown sugar and spices, creating a caramelized crust that complements the savory meat. However, this year, I decided to take a creative detour. Inspired by the … Read more
Lobster is often considered a delicacy, a luxurious treat that graces the tables of fine dining establishments and special occasions. However, the preparation of lobster is as crucial as the cooking itself, as it involves not just culinary skills but also an understanding of the anatomy of this crustacean. One of the most debated aspects … Read more
Dishwasher pods have revolutionized the way we clean our dishes, offering a convenient and efficient way to achieve sparkling results with minimal effort. But did you know that these little cleaning powerhouses can be used for much more than just dishware? Their potent combination of detergents and enzymes makes them a versatile cleaning tool that … Read more
Ingredients 1 (9-inch) unbaked pie crust, fitted in a glass pie plate 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 2 cups room-temperature water Directions see continuation on next page
When you’re wandering through your yard and suddenly spot a large, papery ball under your trees, it’s natural to wonder what it is. These curious objects can appear almost overnight, and their lightweight, hollow nature might have you thinking you’ve stumbled upon a mysterious creature’s egg. But before you start imagining fantastical creatures or rare … Read more
