Recipes I Never Shared (second edition)

Prologue: The Last Recipe I Made for Them

I used to cook to be accepted.

Not just to fill empty plates, but to fill empty spaces between us—between me and them.

I learned early on that food was language in their family. It was the way love was measured and bartered.
A dash of salt meant you cared.
An extra helping meant you belonged.

So I seasoned meals to please their tastes, not mine.
I baked pies with the right crust, roasted vegetables until they were soft enough for their liking, and followed recipes handed down with unspoken rules.

I brought dishes to their gatherings, hoping for a nod of approval, a smile, or even a “not bad.”

But the nods never came. The smiles were rare. The “not bad” was the best I ever got.

I cooked for their approval, for their acceptance, for their love.
But I wasn’t tasting my own food anymore.

One night, standing in their kitchen with a casserole I made from a recipe his aunt dictated, I realized something.

This was no longer about food.

This was about me—shrinking, fading, losing pieces of myself in the name of keeping the peace.

And I couldn’t do it anymore.

So I left.

No note. No explanations. Just a packed bag and a quiet exit.

A promise whispered into the dark of my new apartment:

I will eat to feel. I will cook to heal.

Because this time, the recipes were for me.

The House That Shined

Chapter 1: The Key Under the Mat

Part 1: Returning to Grandma June’s House

The house smelled like old wood, lavender, and time.

I stood on the porch with the key in my palm, its edges worn down from years of use and silence. It had lived at the back of my kitchen drawer for five years, ever since Grandma June passed and left everything to us—“the grandkids,” as her will simply stated.

There were five of us in total. Me, my sister Rhea, our cousin Marcus, and the twins—Kenny and Liv. We hadn’t all been under one roof since her funeral. The house had sat untouched, the mail stopped, the power shut off, and the garden left to go wild.

Whispers of the Radiant Tides

 (A Story of Cleaning and Freedom)

Prologue: The Dustbound Curse

For generations, the land of Solavara was trapped beneath the Dustbound Curse. The skies hung gray with ash, the rivers ran thick with sludge, and the air clung heavy with the weight of despair. It was said that long ago, a vengeful sorcerer named Drenav unleashed this blight upon the kingdom, binding its people to servitude under his will. Everything they touched, everything they built, crumbled into filth and decay.

The Dustbound Kingdom

Prologue

Deep within the kingdom of Varlwyth, magic danced in every corner of life. From sparkling rivers that whispered secrets to golden skies that shimmered at dusk, the realm thrived in a perpetual state of enchantment. Yet, not all was as pristine as it seemed. The castle of Ardenvail, a magnificent structure of glistening white stone, bore a dark secret. Beneath its grand halls, magical dust crept and clung, a sinister force waiting to be unleashed.

The Legacy of Midnight Locks

Prologue

In the land of Althria, where the rolling hills met the vast, endless sky, a secret had been guarded for centuries. The people of Althria bore an extraordinary gift: hair as dark as the night itself, known as the Midnight Locks. This hair was not just a symbol of beauty or lineage, but of ancient power. It was said to carry the magic of the world, passed down from the earliest ancestors, each lock a thread in the eternal tapestry of the universe.

But this power was not a blessing given lightly—it required balance, love, and unity. For if the Midnight Locks were to be severed from their ancestral bonds, the power would dissipate into the void, leaving its bearer vulnerable.

The Art of Beauty: A Story of Radiance

Prologue: A Shattered Reflection

The mirror stared back at Mariam, its fractured surface multiplying her face into a mosaic of distorted images. Each shard reflected a different version of herself—none of them familiar.

As a child, beauty had felt as natural as breathing, something she saw in every smile, every sunrise. But somewhere along the way, beauty became something to chase, something measured by standards she could never meet.

Bound by understanding: Acceptance

Prologue

Acceptance is not a single moment, nor is it an endpoint. It is a journey, often winding and filled with unmarked paths. For some, it begins with a question; for others, it starts with a moment of vulnerability. This is the story of five strangers, each navigating their unique challenges and discovering that acceptance isn't just about being seen—it's about seeing oneself clearly.

The Gift of the Neem Tree

Prologue

In a small village surrounded by lush forests, there stood a majestic neem tree at the heart of the community. The villagers called it the Tree of Life, for its presence brought them countless remedies and solutions to their ailments. The neem tree, with its sprawling branches and evergreen leaves, was not just a part of their landscape but an essential piece of their way of life.

The Perfect Balance

Prologue

Jade had always been interested in health and wellness, but the reality of everyday life often left her feeling more tired than energized. She’d heard that taking a daily multivitamin could be the perfect boost, but her past attempts hadn’t gone so well. More often than not, those vitamins had come with unpleasant side effects: nausea, a nagging headache, and a bit of disappointment.

The Heart of Home

Prologue

Family—it's a word that can carry both warmth and weight. Sometimes, the ties that bind are strong, while at other times, they feel strained, fragile. But even in the most difficult moments, there is something undeniably important about the people we call family. For some, it’s the safe haven of shared history. For others, it’s a complicated mix of love, frustration, and a thousand unspoken words.

Tuna Fiesta: A Health-Packed Celebration Prologue

Prologue

In the lively seaside town of Sunhaven, where the sun always seemed to shine brighter and the waves danced merrily against the shore, the locals were known for their love of fresh seafood, particularly tuna. The vibrant culture of Sunhaven was steeped in colorful festivals and celebrations, with food at the heart of it all. Among the many culinary spots, “Tuna Fiesta,” a cheerful and whimsical restaurant owned by the exuberant chef Luisa, became the go-to destination for families and friends to gather, feast, and learn about the wonderful benefits of tuna.

Tuna Triumph: A Seafood Journey to Health

Prologue

In the vibrant coastal town of Sandy Cove, where the ocean met the sky, the local cuisine was heavily influenced by the fresh seafood that was caught daily. Tuna was a star player in this culinary landscape, celebrated not just for its delectable taste but also for its numerous health benefits. The local eatery, “The Tuna Stop,” run by the enthusiastic chef Alex, became a beloved destination for residents and visitors alike, eager to savor the wonders of this nutritious fish.

Tuna Tales: The Journey to Wellness

Prologue

In the coastal town of Harborview, where the ocean's waves kissed the shore, fresh seafood was a way of life. The townsfolk prided themselves on their connection to the sea and its bountiful gifts, particularly tuna. Known for its rich flavor and numerous health benefits, tuna was a staple in the local diet and a source of inspiration for many culinary creations. At the heart of this vibrant community was a charming little eatery called “Tuna Twist,” owned by the passionate chef Marina.

The Pizza Paradox: Deliciously Nutritious

Prologue

In their small town, pizza was more than just a meal—it was a way of life. The townsfolk believed in the transformative power of food, especially their beloved pizza, which became a canvas for creativity, community, and health. It was here that a unique pizzeria, “The Wholesome Slice,” was renowned not just for its delicious pizzas but for its commitment to nutritious ingredients and wellness.

Harvest Harmony: The Healthy Homemade Pizza

Prologue

In this town, the air was fresh and the gardens flourished, the townspeople took pride in their ability to cultivate a healthy lifestyle. The heart of this community was a cozy little kitchen known as “The Harvest Nook,” where culinary magic happened daily. This was where Eleanor, a spirited and inventive chef, turned simple ingredients into healthy meals that brought people together. One of her specialties was a homemade pizza that became a symbol of the town’s commitment to wellness.

A Slice of Wellness

Prologue

In the bustling town of Flavorville, where culinary delights painted the streets and aromas wafted through the air, pizza reigned supreme. But this was no ordinary pizza; it was the centerpiece of a vibrant community dedicated to promoting health through deliciousness. From thin crust to deep dish, each pizza held a secret: not only did they satisfy cravings, but they also packed a nutritional punch that kept the townsfolk vibrant and lively.

The Lighthouse of Solace

Prologue

On the rocky shore of the small coastal town of Windmere, the old lighthouse stood tall, weathered by the salt and storms of decades. Once, it had been the heart of the town, guiding fishermen and travelers safely back to shore. But in recent years, it had been retired, left to stand as a relic, with its light extinguished and its keepers long gone.

The Garden of Acceptance

Prologue

Beneath the tall, swaying trees in the town of Willowside lay an old, overgrown garden. It was a forgotten place, hidden behind the remnants of a stone wall, where wildflowers and weeds tangled together, creating a riot of color and life. Most people in Willowside saw the garden as an eyesore, a relic of the past, too messy to bother with. But for those who dared to look beyond the brambles, the garden was something more—a place that held the possibility of transformation, a space waiting to be cared for, waiting to blossom.

A Place to Call Home

Prologue

The town of Hearthwood was a place many people would describe as “quaint” or “charming.” With its red-brick buildings, winding streets, and tidy gardens, it gave the impression of warmth and unity. But Hearthwood was also a place where everyone knew everyone else’s business, where people preferred life to remain predictable. In Hearthwood, being different meant standing out—and standing out was not always welcome.

Threads of Belonging

Prologue

Nestled between mountain ranges and endless plains, the small town of Bramblewood seemed frozen in time. With its century-old buildings and close-knit community, Bramblewood was a place where change arrived slowly, if at all. It was a town of unspoken rules, where people lived within the limits set by those who came before them. To belong in Bramblewood was to fit the mold. For those who didn’t—whether by choice or by nature—belonging felt as distant as the mountains on the horizon.