Delicately sweet and savory, this classic Japanese side dish highlights the naturally nutty flavor of kabocha squash. Gently simmered in dashi with sake, soy sauce, and just a touch of sugar, the squash becomes tender yet holds its shape—thanks to traditional knife-beveling that keeps the pieces from breaking apart. The result is a comforting, minimalist...Read More

This elegant spinach salad is a celebration of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Juicy red pears and tangy cheese are balanced with crisp applewood-smoked bacon, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, and a bright vinaigrette made with real maple syrup and spicy brown mustard. It’s perfect as a special side dish or, with the addition of eggs, a...Read More

This jewel-toned shrimp cocktail swaps traditional cocktail sauce for a bright, autumn-inspired fruit salsa. The mix of pomegranate seeds, persimmons, apples, and herbs brings color and freshness to the table, making it perfect for holiday celebrations. The flavors pair beautifully with champagne, and for a luxurious twist, you can add or substitute chunks of chilled...Read More

Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these Vanilla Port Poached Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic. The pears are gently simmered in port with vanilla, rosemary, and citrus until tender, then filled with a creamy blue cheese and mascarpone blend studded with toasted walnuts. Serve them as a...Read More

Roasting winter squash is one of the simplest and most delicious ways to enjoy this hearty seasonal vegetable. With just olive oil, sage, and a little seasoning, the squash develops a caramelized edge and sweet, nutty flavor. Serve it straight from the oven with a pat of butter or use it as a base for...Read More

These tender, cake-like cornbread muffins are a family favorite, reminiscent of the sweet cornbread once served at Marie Callender’s. Perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a side with chili or barbecue, they bake up golden and moist with just the right sweetness. This recipe makes a generous batch, but the muffins freeze beautifully—so you can...Read More

With its fragrant floral aroma and naturally tart flavor, quince transforms into something magical when candied. Slow-cooked in sugar until it turns jewel-like and ruby red, the fruit becomes tender, glossy, and luxuriously sweet. This old-world treat is simple to prepare and keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for months, ready to serve with cream, ice...Read More

Anadama bread is a beloved New England classic, rich with molasses and cornmeal that give it both sweetness and hearty texture. Its name carries a bit of folklore: legend has it that a fisherman’s wife, Anna, often served him nothing more than cornmeal porridge and molasses. Tired of the monotony, he supposedly tossed in some...Read More

Quince brings a fragrant, floral depth to ordinary applesauce, transforming it into something both comforting and elegant. The fruit’s natural tartness and rich aroma balance beautifully with sweet apples and warm spices, creating a sauce that’s just as lovely served warm with roast meats as it is chilled and spooned over yogurt or oatmeal. INGREDIENTS:...Read More

This recipe comes from Ann Parker, a Georgia native and longtime food writer and restaurant reviewer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. In her soft Southern drawl, Ann shared the secrets passed down from her mother: stone-ground cornmeal, tangy buttermilk, and a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. She recommends Yelton’s or Tenda-Bake self-rising cornmeal, though her favorite is...Read More