The Christmas Pie Incident

asked for your recipe. I thought she liked it.” I laughed bitterly. “Maybe just to catch me in a lie.” Later, I called my mom, who said something that stuck: “Some people bake to love. Others bake to compete.”

Growing up, our holidays were simple—store-bought cookies, boxed stuffing, and plenty of laughter. But something in me shifted after that night.continue reading …