First up: A food writer's reflection on loss and grief—and the untold power of a mother-knows-best birthday cake.

"I think food can serve so many important functions, specifically in grief. It is a way to nourish us, physically nourish us, at a time when we are just feeling so weak and so sad and so, maybe incapable of nourishing ourselves well." —Lisa Ruland

Referenced in this episode:

• A Chocolate Cake That Celebrates Mothers—Lost & Found (Food52)
• Chocolate Cake with Whipped Cream Frosting recipe

Find more My Family Recipe episodes here.