(by Rakhee Verma) The London borough of Twickenham is known for a film studio, a rugby stadium, and the homes of A-listers like Mick Jagger. The neighborhood has always been white and affluent. So, when my Indian family moved there in 1979, nobody looked like us. Working several jobs at once between them, my parents had scrimped and saved up enough to buy a small shop that sold newspapers and magazines, but everyone called it the “sweet shop” for the rows and rows of jars filled with what...

(by Rakhee Verma) Potato filling: 2 large russet potatoes 1 medium white onion, finely chopped 1 t. cumin seeds 1 t. ajwan seeds 1/4 t. turmeric 1/2 t. garam masala small handful of finely chopped coriander 1 in. cubed ginger, grated 1 t. salt 2 green chilies or 1/2 t. red chili powder Boil potatoes until fork-tender. Let cool, then mash with remaining ingredients, except the salt (salt goes in just before cooking or the mixture becomes watery). Cover and refrigerate. Dough: 2 c. flour 2...

(by Aimee Lee Ball) I was on a business trip to my hometown of Philadelphia. After my meeting at the Four Seasons Hotel in Center City (what Philadelphians call their downtown), I went to the lobby…and walked right past my unrecognizable mother. What I didn't know was that my mom had started wearing a short blond wig. After two fender-benders that made her realize it was best to turn in her car keys, plus moving to a new neighborhood, it was less convenient to get to her long-established...