Top Stories
Stories in Feast that you’ll love, handpicked by our team.
Who's Going To Make The Cookies Now?
Today, I’m thinking of marshmallow squares. Delicious little plain-based, sweet topping cookies that Mom made every Christmas. For as long as I can remember, and most certainly before I was even a twinkle in my dad’s eyes, my mom had baked those same treats every holiday season. Along with her shortbread, her dark and light fruit cakes and her Christmas logs, she was nothing if not a woman of routine.
By Cathy holmes9 months ago in Feast
Single Mom. Georgia Heat. Icebox Cake
Growing up with a single mom in Marietta, GA was tough. My twin brother and I would see our dad every other weekend and then spend two weeks in the summer with him. Unfortunately, mom was bitter and this caused her to lash out at us, berating him and whoever he was with. After a while, we would just stop saying anything about our time with him but this made the atmosphere at home so dark and depressing. This summer was hot and we had just returned from our two weeks with Dad in Florida and our air conditioning was not keeping up with the sweaty Georgia heat. We were not looking forward to the onslaught of mom’s ranting about dad when mom came out of the kitchen with a smile on her face. “I made your favorite,” she said. “Favorite what?” was all I could think. She went back into the kitchen and brought out a plate my grandmother handed down to her and perched on top was a big mound of Icebox cake. “Your grandmother used to make this for us in the summers – they call it Icebox cake because we would put it in the icebox to keep cold back before refrigerators,” she said proudly. She sliced off two large pieces for us both – careful to cut across the cake so the result was a zebra stripe effect that made it look even better. “Some people just keep it in the fridge,” she continued, “…but I like it better in the freezer. Plus, it lasts longer!” It didn’t last longer with us. Next thing I know we are going back for seconds, and mom had the sense to put it back before we could devour it. Simple. Cold. Refreshing. Fun. I forgot about how hot it was, and mom focused on putting a smile on our faces instead of interrogating us. What a wonderful, simple treat that was.
By James Schaeffer9 months ago in Feast
It's the simple things.
Thinking back on all the beautiful dishes I’ve had throughout my life, I could write about chicken and dressing, tamales, pumpkin pie, or many other entrees I have had. Fancy dishes that would have your mouth watering like crazy. Instead, I will write about a simple, plain chocolate cake made for me with so much love.
By Mother Combs9 months ago in Feast
Zucchini and Red Onion Pasta
Hi friends! Did you know that I have a recipe blog? JK! I don't... I don't even have a lot of recipes hanging out in my brain. I am always embarrassed to admit and slightly infamous for never actually having a recipe to give anyone who asks!
By Donna Renee10 months ago in Feast
The Pastor Needs a Plate
IT WAS THE FIRST FULL DAY of our annual, family, summer vacation on Hilton Head Island – a 69-square mile piece of land that sits in the low-country region of South Carolina. After a long drive from Washington, D.C., the day before, I was looking forward to a recuperative, lazy Sunday morning of sleeping in and lounging poolside, luxuriating in nothingness, not even pretending to read a book. That was my plan.
By Michelle Petties10 months ago in Feast
Olives and Chips; The Only True Pairing
Potato and an offshoot of a shrub. You cannot get more humble, or basic. And yet. Odes have ben written in their honour; paint to their pleasing Still Life credentials - they feature on every menu. But truly. When was the last time you stopped to revel in the joy that is the simple chip and olive? Fear no longer, cos here comes a little essay with my two cents to my most beloved of evening starters.
By Jessica Bailey10 months ago in Feast
Gluten-Free Adventures in Uzbekistan
As an avid traveler, I've had my fair share of journeys, but writing about my experiences in Uzbekistan has been the most daunting yet, especially when it comes to being gluten-free. Before embarking on my trip to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, anxiety loomed large, knowing I was venturing into a nation renowned as the "world's bread basket." As a coeliac with wheat/gluten intolerance, the prospect of navigating local cuisine filled me with dread.
By Spencer Hawken12 months ago in Feast
The Right Sauces For The Right Foods (If You’re Not A Maniac)
Do you ever see someone put tomato sauce on a bacon sandwich and just stand there, blank-faced, dumbfounded by the irritating dimwit stood before you, and think, “what the actual fuck have you just done?”
By Gary Ragnarssonabout a year ago in Feast
What’s the Deal with American Cheese?
I was recently scrolling the Vocal Top Stories and came upon this delightful culinary odyssey, by Rasma Raisters, highlighting the best cheese dishes from around the world. I was immediately hungry, but also inspired to write about the neon orange specimen native to my homeland. I am talking, of course, about American cheese.
By Leslie Writesabout a year ago in Feast
Just Say Cheese Please
Europe Sweden Vasterbottenostpah is a traditional cheese pie. The crust is made with flour, butter, and cold water. The pie is filled with a mixture of eggs, milk, cream, Vasterbotten cheese, salt, and white pepper. The cheese consists of cow’s milk and has a firm, granular texture with a sweet and savory flavor. Once prepared the filling is poured into the baked pie crust and baked in the oven until the cheese is melted and the pie is golden brown.
By Rasma Raistersabout a year ago in Feast