This panini takes the classic ham-and-cheese sandwich and gives it a gourmet twist. Sweet, juicy pear slices balance the savory ham and creamy Havarti, while honey mustard adds just the right tang. Pressed until golden and crisp, the result is a sandwich that’s simple to make yet feels special—perfect for lunch, a light dinner, or...Read More

This classic Italian flatbread is beloved for its golden crust, chewy texture, and fragrant toppings. The secret to this recipe is letting your stand mixer do the heavy lifting, producing a soft, slightly sticky dough that bakes into a beautifully airy bread. Infused with olive oil, sprinkled with fennel seeds, rosemary, and sea salt, and...Read More

These hearty muffins are packed with whole grains, natural sweetness from honey, and the mellow flavor of ripe pears. Moist, tender, and lightly spiced with cinnamon, they make a nourishing grab-and-go breakfast or a wholesome afternoon snack. The combination of wheat bran, oat bran, and whole wheat flour provides fiber and texture, while yogurt and...Read More

This Cheese and Bacon Cauliflower Casserole is rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy — comfort food that lets vegetables shine. Tender cauliflower is baked in a cheddar-sour cream sauce, topped with smoky bacon and scallions for incredible depth and flavor. Perfect for holidays, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners, it’s a hearty, crowd-pleasing side that’s both indulgent...Read More

This simple side dish comes together quickly yet delivers big flavor. The vegetables roast until golden, caramelized, and tender, while the maple–rosemary glaze infuses them with just the right balance of sweetness and depth. Use the measurements as a guide—adjust oil, butter, and seasoning to suit your vegetables and your taste. INGREDIENTS: 4 medium parsnips...Read More

This caramel apple pie layers tender, tart Granny Smith apples with rich caramel, a buttery crumble topping, and a flaky crust. It’s a festive dessert that tastes even better when made a day ahead, making it ideal for holidays and gatherings. The caramels add a decadent twist—cut them with kitchen scissors (or a sharp knife)...Read More

This rustic yet elegant braise layers seasonal vegetables, mushrooms, and chestnuts into a dish with deep, hearty flavors. Inspired by porcini mushrooms foraged near Lake Tahoe one Thanksgiving, it celebrates autumn’s abundance while remaining flexible—substitute mushrooms, omit asparagus, or swap roots as needed. Just don’t omit too many elements, or the dish will lose its...Read More

This rustic casserole brings together the earthy sweetness of parsnips, the subtle bite of rutabagas, and the familiar comfort of potatoes. Whipped with butter until fluffy yet slightly chunky, then topped with deeply golden caramelized onions, it’s a hearty side dish perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday tables, or whenever you’d like to elevate “plain” mashed...Read More

Look for sunchokes that are relatively uniform in size—ideally about 1 inch in diameter and 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 inches long. Smooth ones without too many knobs are easiest to work with. There’s no need to peel them: their thin skins become tender in cooking and are barely noticeable. Simply soak them in cold...Read More

The term gratin refers to the method of cooking and serving food in a shallow dish with a browned top, often achieved with cheese, butter, or breadcrumbs. While potatoes are the classic base, gratins are endlessly versatile—root vegetables, greens, or even summer produce like tomatoes and eggplant all work beautifully. This variation, named for my...Read More