Food is about more than just eating. Especially during the holidays. Aromas and flavors can evoke recollections, and unlock memories nearly forgotten. And there is nothing more nostalgic, no foods more worthy of reflection than those served up during the holidays....
There are many tipping points in life. The one I’ve most recently reached is that funny point when youth doesn’t seem all that long ago, but upon looking at a teenager, you can’t help think, “What a baby.” Maybe you can relate.This is a strange thing to reflect upon...
“What are the cookies for?” my husband asked as he picked one up from the counter. There were only a few left. All the others had been packed into tidy cellophane bags tied with baker’s twine. Building relationships and community is vital to living in an unfamiliar...
It’s mid-October. For some, this means carving pumpkins, putting chili in the crockpot, or eying Christmas décor. For me, mid-October means answering newcomers’ biggest question about Minot: What kind of outdoor gear do I actually need for a Minot winter? Once temps...
“I’m not from around here. What should I know? What’s your favorite stuff in town? Tell me the secrets.” These sentences seem to roll off my tongue in a rapid fire fashion. For a person who never wanted to move, or start over—I’ve become something of an expert at...
I snapped this selfie just before the meeting and sent it to my husband, with a text that said, “My palms are sweaty, but I think the PowerPoint came out okay.Amy Allender photo About two weeks ago I stood in front of a group of Minot’s leaders at the Military Affairs...
“Well, at least you’re getting out of here at a good time.” This sentiment, or something similar has been spoken to me countless times over the last six months. You see, my family will be packing up and heading out on an extended time away from our home in Minot. My...
I lived in the Dakotans nearly a decade before making a pan of scotcheroos for myself. Looking back, I guess I was just coasting along on the kindness of others. I’m quite spoiled by a plethora of from-around-here friends. It should also be noted that I never miss a...
Have I ever told you I hate change? When my five-year-old asks me what I’m afraid of, usually because he’s going to draw a picture of it, try to surprise me with something, my answer is always the same.“I’m afraid of change, honey.” By the ripe old age of five, he’s...
We went to our first Hot Tots game last week, and it brought back a flood of memories about the affinity North Dakotans have for tots. Photo, Amy Allender Let’s talk about tater tots. Is that a weird opener? To be honest, I’ve been battling a bit of writer’s block....