INGREDIENTS: 8 thick slices of egg bread or whole-grain bread 2 tablespoons butter, softened 8 slices turkey 1 tablespoon walnuts, chopped 4 slices Havarti cheese 1/4 cup cranberry chutney METHOD: Butter one side of each bread slice. Turn 4 pieces butter-side-down on a work surface. Arrange 2 slices of turkey on each piece of bread....Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 kabocha squash, well-scrubbed, cut into 1-inch thick wedges (no need to remove skin) Sea salt and pepper, to taste 2-3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil METHOD: Preheat oven to 425°F. Place kabocha slices in a large, zip-top plastic bag. Drizzle in the olive oil and salt and pepper generously. Seal the bag and...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 cup onions, chopped 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon pepper 1 tablespoon mild Thai curry paste (or hot curry paste, if desired) 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 4 cups pumpkin, cubed 1 cup walnuts, toasted and chopped 2 cups light coconut milk or regular milk Garnish: Plain yogurt Cilantro...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup walnuts 2 tablespoon dry breadcrumbs 2 tablespoon grated lemon rind 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill) Salt and pepper, to taste 4 salmon fillets, skin-on, about 1 lb. 2 teaspoon Dijon mustard Lemon juice METHOD: In a food processor, process walnuts, breadcrumbs, lemon rind,...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon salt 3/4 cup granulated sugar 2 eggs 1/4 cup vegetable oil 1 tablespoon orange juice 2 teaspoons grated orange rind 1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla 1 cup walnuts, chopped finely 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1 egg white Granulated sugar METHOD: In a medium mixing bowl,...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 lbs. whole potatoes, unpeeled (about 3 large) 1 tablespoon canola oil 1 teaspoon black mustard seeds 2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced 1/2 cup minced onion 1/4 cup minced cilantro 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped 2 tablespoons lemon juice 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup frozen peas, thawed 1 cup chopped walnuts 1 package...Read More

A simple pastry dough envelops this delectable duo, pairing the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the subtle nutty flavor of walnuts. Serve these savory pastries with a simple salad of baby greens tossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch or dinner or serve at your next tea party with a dollop of...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 small kabocha squash, thoroughly washed 2 small sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks 1 onion, roughly chopped 2 cloves garlic, roughly chopped 1 stalk lemongrass 1 1-inch piece of ginger, roughly chopped Zest of one lime 2 cans coconut milk Pinch of salt Dash of brown sugar Squeeze of lime METHOD: Preheat...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 1/2 cups walnut pieces 2/3 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup dried cranberries 1/2 cup dried banana chips 1/2 cup carob or chocolate chips, optional METHOD: In a medium bowl, toss ingredients together to combine. Store in a covered airtight container, or divide into 1/4 cup portions and fill individual small bags for quick-grab...Read More

This past fall, the Aptos Farmers Market had the honor of hosting Fran Gage, a noted author, baker, and olive oil aficionado, as a guest speaker that included a book signing of her newest book, The New American Olive Oil. We learned how to choose olive oil, tasted olive oil (two excellent oils from our...Read More