Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, this oven-baked okra is a lighter twist on the Southern classic. Instead of frying, the okra is tossed with smoky paprika, garlic, and melted butter, then roasted at high heat until caramelized on the edges. The result is a savory, slightly crunchy dish that works beautifully as a healthy...Read More

Chef Hannah Cook of Coming Home Personal Chef Services demonstrated this elegant risotto at the Market to Table cooking event. Creamy and deeply flavorful, this classic Italian rice dish is made with Arborio rice simmered in stock and white wine, enriched with butter and Parmesan, and finished with fresh herbs and sautéed mushrooms. Comforting and...Read More

If you love quick pickles—affectionately called “quickles”—this pickled tomatillo recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Tangy, slightly spicy, and full of fresh flavor, these bright little bites are the perfect way to jazz up tacos, quesadillas, or even a simple cheese board. Prepping the tomatillos, garlic, and spices first ensures that your hot...Read More

Chef Owen Snyder, former chef-owner of Papa O’s in Capitola,  shared this beloved Eggplant Parmesan style lasagne, a signature dish from his restaurant. Bursting with the colors and flavors of late summer, it can be prepared as a lighter version showcasing the vegetables, or as a richer, heartier dish with layers of cheese. However you...Read More

Part of the key to keeping this recipe simple is choosing longer, slender eggplant such as Japanese, Chinese, or Italian varieties. Their shape makes them easy to cut into slices or chunks for skewering, and their tender skins need no peeling. A quick marinade of orange juice, lemon juice, or white wine infuses bright flavor,...Read More

This hearty Bayou-inspired stew is a true comfort dish, brimming with bold flavors and Southern soul. Tender chicken, smoky andouille sausage, and garden-fresh okra come together with aromatic vegetables, spices, and long-grain rice to create a one-pot meal that’s as satisfying as it is flavorful. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it captures the essence of...Read More

Few sauces capture the taste of summer as perfectly as classic basil pesto. With its vibrant green color, fresh herbal aroma, and nutty, garlicky richness, pesto is a staple in Italian cooking that has earned a beloved place in kitchens worldwide. Traditionally made in a mortar and pestle (hence its name, derived from the Italian...Read More

Fragrant, savory, and tangy, this classic Chinese braised eggplant with garlic sauce is a comforting dish that comes together quickly. Tender cubes of eggplant soak up the bold flavors of garlic, ginger, and a rich, slightly spicy sauce. Traditionally made with a bit of pork, it’s just as delicious as a vegetarian dish—simply leave the...Read More