One-Pan Butter Parmesan Pasta
I was standing in line at the train station café last winter, waiting for my coffee, when I struck up a conversation with a college...
Cinnamon Sugar Cream Cheese Rolls
One chilly evening after work, I stopped by a little roadside stand run by a cheerful woman named Nora, who sells homemade sweet rolls out...
Broccoli, Rice, Cheese, And Chicken Casserole
I first decided to make this casserole after a conversation with a neighbor’s teenage son who often mows our lawn for a little extra pocket...
Homemade Sweet Potato Cornbread
One chilly autumn afternoon, I stopped by the community garden after work to help a group of volunteers pull up the last rows of summer...
Smoky Maple Beef Jerky
I met a retired truck driver named Hank while waiting in line at the small-town butcher shop last winter. We both reached for the last...
Pumpkin Spice Gooey Cake
A few evenings ago, while I was waiting in line at our town’s small grocery store, I struck up a conversation with the young cashier....
Grilled Chicken And Broccoli Bowls With Creamy Garlic Sauce
Last spring, I was volunteering at a small Saturday clean-up along the walking trail near the lake. A couple of us—neighbors, parents, even a retired...
Million Dollar Bacon Goat Cheese Appetizer Log
One Saturday afternoon, I was standing in the snack aisle at our local grocery store, staring at a row of crackers, wondering what appetizer I...
Bolognese Gnocchi Bake
Weeks ago, I stopped by a small Italian deli on my way home from work to pick up a loaf of bread for dinner. While...
Brownie Sundae Cheesecake
The other afternoon, I was waiting in line at the grocery store when the clerk scanned a box of brownie mix and grinned at me....