Editoral

Welcome to the tenth issue of Baffling Magazine.

This is our first intentional theme issue, on the subject, quite simply, of “Food.”

“Prix Fixe Menu” by Aimee Ogden was the way we wanted to open the issue from the moment we read it. It’s wistful and grounded, evocative and mundane. (Aimee’s story, full title “Prix Fixe Menu: Seared Unicorn Sirloin With Lentil Salad, Butternut Squash Puree, and Cilantro Pesto (Add Featured Wine Pairing for $16),” is also the inspiration for our cover by Cassie Daley).

After that opener, both “What You Want Before You Know It” by Matt Terl and “They Commune With the Dead Using Biscuit Crumbs and Wine” by Elou Carroll explore yearning in very different ways alongside surprising fast food delivery and occult ritual. “Unsound Heart” by R.S. Saha explores imperfect healing alongside perfect comfort food—grilled cheese and tomato soup. “Turducken” by Lindz McLeod is a slipstream morsel with pitch perfect tone, while “Icariana” by Wen-yi Lee brings you the most perfect strawberry you’ve ever dreamed of. And “It’s Just a Date” by A. Tony Jerome is the hot chocolate dessert to bring it all home.

We hope these stories sate your appetite, regardless of palate.

Enjoy!

dave ring
Co-Editor, Baffling Magazine

P.S. Myself, Kel, and the associate editors are hard at work reading stories for Issues Thirteen (unthemed) and Fourteen (“Performance”).