If you are familiar with my work, you’ll know that I have a desire to provide a refreshing narrative to our conversations regarding race and ethnicity. In short, I desire for us to do more delighting, celebrating, and enjoying our differences. One way that I’ve personally embraced celebration is through my family’s intentional approach to observing Black History Month. Although we observe Black History Month during February, these exercises have spilled out into other months and various ... [keep reading]

The doorbell ringing jolts me wide awake. Shooting up in bed, I look over at the clock. It illuminates 4:02 am. My abrupt movement wakes my husband, David, so I turn to him and whisper, "Someone is ringing our doorbell." We both stumble out of bed and walk the short distance from the bedroom through the living room to the front door. David looks through the peep hole and then exhales a little. "It's Cheryl," he says. I'm both relieved and concerned. Cheryl is a good friend, but why ... [keep reading]

Most North Americans I know are so busy. We’d do our souls well to intentionally slow down and appreciate the smell of a bushel of strawberries, or savor all that’s going on in a gorgonzola salad adorned with the perfect amount of dressing, walnuts, and raisins. The late Robert Capon encouraged his readers to really become present in the simple things in the kitchen: "Peel an orange. Do it lovingly—in perfect quarters like little boats, or in staggered exfoliations like a ... [keep reading]

In today's fast-paced world, finding time to connect with family and friends can be challenging. We often get caught up in our daily routines, leaving little room for the moments that truly matter. As someone who has always cherished the simplicity and tradition of home-cooked meals, I've found a way to bring those moments back into focus: through the art of preserving meals in jars. Growing up, my fondest memories were built around the kitchen table. It wasn't just about the food; it was ... [keep reading]