Even though this vinegar will have a lovely cherry flavor after infusing for a week, allowing the cherries to steep in the vinegar a few more weeks will result in a much deeper, robust flavor. It’s definitely worth the wait! INGREDIENTS: 2 cups cherries, washed, pitted, and coarsely chopped 2 cups good quality, dark balsamic...Read More

Use this delightfully tangy vinaigrette to dress up a spring green salad made with baby spinach, arugula, or mesclun with a few whole mint leaves added to the salad mix.  INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1/2 cup freshly squeezed ruby-red grapefruit juice 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint 1...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 – 2 1/2 pound Romanesque cauliflower, core removed and cauliflower broken up into florets 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt Several grinds of black pepper METHOD: Preheat the oven to 425°F. Place all ingredients in a bowl mixing bowl. Toss and mix the...Read More

Fresh artichokes are available year-round in California, but some claim the “frost-kissed” chokes you find in January and February are the sweetest. However, spring is the official season for artichokes and you’ll find them in abundance at the farmers’ markets. Medium to large artichokes are best for steaming — save the smaller ones for roasting....Read More

INGREDIENTS: Crust 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, chilled and cut into pieces 1/2 teaspoon sea salt, fine 1 teaspoon Leopard black tea, coarsely ground 2 to 3 tablespoons of ice water 1 egg 1 tablespoons water Filling 1 cup basil leaves, fresh 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/2...Read More

INGREDIENTS: Cake 2 large carrots, finely shredded or grated 1 large parsnip, finely shredded or grated 1 medium zucchini, finely shredded or grated 1 apple, tart, peeled, cored, and finely shredded or grated 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon,...Read More

This pasta dish is a delightful melange of earthy flavors. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup olive oil 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1 teaspoon crushed red chile flakes 1 lb. sweet Italian sausage, (no casing) 1 bunch kale, washed, stemmed, and roughly chopped 2 1/2 cups half and half 1/2 teaspoon...Read More