Pork shoulder is one of the cornerstones of American barbecue--right up there with brisket and ribs. It's certainly the most flexible: you can smoke it. Indirect grill it. Spit-roast it on a rotisserie. It's also the most forgiving: it stays moist even when you overcook it.

My older son left for college in mid-August. Five days later, I applied to train to become a yoga teacher. I had been been practicing yoga for six weeks. I had no business wanting to teach it.

We would've thought these bottled ingredients were unacceptable, but they're exceptional.