Celeriac, or celery root, may be one of the most knobby, unattractive vegetables at the market, but don’t let its looks fool you—its flavor is crisp, fresh, and delicately earthy, with a brightness similar to celery. In this salad, thinly julienned celeriac is softened by a lemony vinaigrette, then tossed with tender greens for a...Read More

This Sour Cream Apple Pie with Walnut Streusel is a creamy, crunchy twist on the classic apple pie. The filling combines tart Granny Smith apples with a smooth, custard-like sour cream base, while the walnut streusel topping adds a sweet, nutty crunch. The result is a pie that’s comforting yet elegant—perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday...Read More

Sometimes the simplest dishes make the biggest impression. This recipe was inspired by a small plate a chef once sent out on a sweltering summer night nearly thirty years ago—a thrifty little appetizer of chilled broccoli stems drizzled with a silky, nutty sauce. What was meant as a kitchen experiment became unforgettable: crisp, cool broccoli...Read More

This Creamy Cider Vinaigrette blends the tang of cider vinegar with Dijon mustard, shallots, and thyme, balanced by a touch of sweetness and a creamy finish. Unlike standard vinaigrettes, it has a smooth, velvety texture that clings beautifully to crisp greens and slaws. It’s especially delicious with apple-based salads, where the cider vinegar and subtle...Read More

These Roasted Root Vegetables are caramelized to perfection, bringing out the natural sweetness of parsnips, carrots, yams, and butternut squash. Tossed simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then finished with fresh parsley, they’re a colorful, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday feasts or easy weeknight dinners.Read More

Cabbage and apples are a natural pairing—their shared crispness and sweetness complement each other beautifully, while cabbage’s earthiness highlights the apple’s floral notes. This fresh, colorful slaw is quick to prepare and perfect for fall, though it’s welcome year-round as a bright side dish. Tossed with a tangy Creamy Cider Vinaigrette, it’s crunchy, refreshing, and...Read More

These moist apple muffins are lightly sweetened and full of fresh apple flavor, making them perfect for breakfast, brunch, or packing into lunchboxes. With a tender crumb and just a hint of cinnamon and vanilla, they highlight the natural sweetness and tartness of good baking apples. They can also be adapted for more savory uses—omit...Read More

This award-winning apple pie, baked by Eileen Poppleton, took first place at the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. Beloved for its rich caramel-like filling, buttery crust, and tender Granny Smith apples, this recipe combines tradition and indulgence. The trick is pouring a buttery...Read More

Few dishes are more comforting on a cold evening than French onion soup. Slowly caramelized onions, a hearty stock, and a splash of wine and brandy create a rich, deeply flavorful base. Finished with toasted bread and a blanket of bubbly Gruyère or Comté cheese, this timeless classic is perfect as a cozy supper with...Read More

White balsamic vinegar may be a modern invention, but its light, mellow flavor makes it a versatile pantry staple. Unlike traditional dark balsamic, which develops its deep complexity through long aging in wooden barrels, white balsamic is milder and less assertive, making it perfect for dishes where you want to highlight delicate flavors. This vinaigrette...Read More