In 2017 Kitchn published some great personal essays from writers we admire. In the sea of recipes, tips, and shopping guides, you might have missed a couple that are really worth reading. That's why I rounded up 10 of my favorite essays that I edited this year. There's an essay on what it was like growing up on Weight Watchers by Arianna Rebolini, an essay from Jess Thomson about cooking clafoutis with her kid who has cerebral palsy, and a funny story about drinking for the first time at 36 after leaving the Mormon church by Tiffany Beveridge.

Maggie Battista shares how an elimination diet helped her lose 70 pounds and see her body in a new, positive way.

Arianna Rebolini tells us how she grew up trying all the diets as a kid (Weight Watchers, Atkins) and how it ultimately led to disordered eating habits.

Lauren Friel shares how she broke up with her lousy boyfriend and how she perfected Julia Child's roast chicken as a result.

Tiffany Beveridge walks us through taking her first drink at the age of 36 (Fireball!) after leaving the Mormon church.

Jess Thomson shares how she helps her child, who has cerebral palsy, develop executive function skills by making clafoutis.

Ann Babe shares how she took her first stab at adulthood in Korea (where she was adopted from) and discovered the simple joy of a sweet potato latte.

Michele Sponagle shares how she was dumped by her boyfriend after they made her favorite soup, and how she reclaimed that soup (and found a better boyfriend).

In this essay Saadia Faruqi remembers what it's like to make fresh roti with her mother in Pakistan and talks about trying to bring that tradition to her new family table in America.

Jessica Murnane shares how she helped her endometriosis through adopting a plant-based diet.

Polina Chesnakova lost her hand one year ago, and since then has taken big steps to relearning her way around the kitchen.