But first, coffee. And community. And a moment of gratitude.
Managing food allergies isn’t for the faint of heart. Find your people.
Friends, food allergies are no joke. For most folks who manage them, or who love someone who does, it’s a lifestyle—and lifetime—of making informed, smart, safe choices. It begins with how each of us values our time and with whom we choose to spend it.
At Kettle, one of our core values is community, and we care an awful lot about finding it and growing it. We have a practice of Friendship Fridays where we dedicate that morning each week to talking, listening and learning from each other over coffee, preferably iced, but really any beverage of choice works. The point is, we need both power and connection to keep us all going.
A big thank you and bottoms up to these amazing folks—and our favorite coffee shops—who keep us caffeinated and in good company. We couldn’t do what we do without you.
The perfect iced cafe cubano, poured by the Conch and the Cuban near the Southernmost Point. This is the cup that starts and ends every trip to my home away from home, Key West. I hope it's still there when you visit...
This kid. She's my everything and the inspiration behind Kettle Provisions. This (gestures wildly) is all for her. And there's more to come, Boo. This mama loves you. And yes, we can go to Volante Farms for an affogato.
Hi Mom! I did a thing and have you to thank for my love of all things baking. I know you'll deny it, but you're a GREAT cook and baker and cheerleader and I could not be doing all of this without everything you've taught me in and out of the kitchen. Thank you, I love you so much.
I first read Thoreau in high school and came back to it after driving by Walden Pond day after day in 2025. Self-reliance and intuition are common themes in my life and especially in my early years of parenting through food allergies. Reading it now feels profoundly relevant and true. Find it at the beautiful Hummingbird Books!
My sister-in-law is the best. When my brother and his family lived with us while they renovated their house to make it use geothermal energy, this is what waited for me most every morning. Just the way I like it, too. It's the small things, 100%. Love you Kat.
Oh Chicka, I can't believe you're not here to see this thing fly. Thanks for taking me in and giving me allllllll of the chances to grow my creativity. I know you're up there with Dolly and Jimmy adding rum to your coffee and sending good waves my way. I know you're with me, 143. Thank you for everything and introducing me to Larb Gai all the Little Spoon beverages.
Meet my favorite cuzzy, Erin. She's always up for a coffee en route to the beach. Here we happen to be at Blue Heaven and not only is the coffee XL, the banana bread is out of this world. And, she's famous for her coffee ice cubes and leaving sticky notes on the pot, so I remember to use them. Love you cousin, hugs.
When the South End Buttery opened in 2005, I practically lived there (literally, just two doors down). Twenty-one years later it still has the best mocha in town and I drive in from the burbs when I really need a good one. Thank you and see you soon, Richard...
This is such a beautiful book, I hope you'll enjoy it over a cup of coffee, too. Indigenous community teachings from the brilliant teacher and writer James Vukelich.
When it's 5 o'clock somewhere and you've still got work to do, having a wildly talented studio mate with this attitude made all the difference. Thanks AJ!
I take an annual road trip each fall and wind my way down the Hudson Valley to see my BFFs in PA, VA and MD. Bartlett House is one of my favorite way points. Their croissants are lovely and striped awnings and cool, shady tables make me want to stay awhile and people watch. If you're in the neighborhood, pop in!
If you're from Boston, you're either a North Shore, South Shore or Cape person. Gloucester and Rockport are my go-to beaches for my monthly dips, and for years Mayflour was on my route. Gorgeous pours, Surfrider Foundation member and the best late summer zucchini bread on the planet. I'm always hoping for a new iteration of your beautiful shop...
Mondays. Amiright? Baby's Coffee required. I get one pound of Cuban Roast delivered once a month and reserve it for moments of need. Get yours here. Even better ordered in person.
If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.
— An African Proverb of unclear origin
Making a cup of coffee for someone “the way they take it” is the simplest example of inclusion—we don’t think twice about delivering it exactly as they’ve asked for it! It’s the same with food allergies: all it takes is a willingness to learn how to get it right. We’re here to help you do just that.
It’s easier than you think.
© Kettle Provisions 2023
All photography and food styling by Sara Kaminski except where otherwise credited