A Spoonful of Promises: Stories & Recipes from a Well-Tempered Table is a collection of mouthwatering stories with intimacy--between family and friends, parents and children--as its common thread. Here, food is a metaphor, a sixth sense that binds to the drama of our lives and to moments that might otherwise be forgotten. Chang's food stories explore facets of the human condition, whether nostalgia, romance, loyalty, love, guilt, envy, or hope, each in its most delicious form.

The book—comprising thirty-three essays and recipes—begins with food scenes from Chang’s childhood, memories that forever tie her to the mother she lost to cancer early in her life, and to the family that helped shape who she is today. This is followed by practical recipes for the weeknight parent and lessons Chang learned along her own parenting journey. Finally, Chang dips into more adventurous cooking for special occasions: once-in-a-lifetime recipes and experiences meant to be shared with family, friends, or even strangers--who, as the saying goes, are only friends who have not met before.