My husband and I spent a whole day hunting porcini in the Italian Alps. And came home with nothing. Even the children filled their baskets. The dinner that followed still shapes our autumn table on Maui, and every October we bring pappardelle ai porcini back to Sale Pepe.

My husband thinks that some things are too special for restaurant service. I think that is exactly why people should get to eat them. On Monday, the argument started again. This time over two trays of focaccia.

After Hurricane Lala left you without power, cell service or information, you realized that what you had in the house and what you actually needed were two different things. Here’s what you’re changing before the next storm rolls in.