Literature

Sean Dietrich invites us into his quirky collection of small-town cookbooks—hand-bound treasures filled with everything from squirrel recipes to “Bra Burner Casserole.” Between the laughter and the oddities, Sean uncovers something deeper: the way food carries history, identity, and love. From Baptist Crack to his wife’s cherished Junior League recipe, this story reminds us that sometimes the best recipes aren’t just about what’s on the table—they’re about the people who gather around it.

What does a Cracker Barrel logo have to do with war, fate, and a Packard with a hood ornament you can’t unsee? In this unexpected tale about perspective, an old farmer’s steady response to every twist of fortune might just reframe how you see the world—and your inbox. Caps lock optional.

We were newlyweds, living in a grungy apartment. Each morning, I would wake before her. I would pass my morning hours writing poetry on a yellow legal pad, sipping coffee. Mostly, I’d write the kinds of god-awful things you’d expect newlyweds to write. I’m talking painfully corny stuff. I’d leave these poems on slips of paper scattered throughout our apartment for her to find.