Dried beans are a cornerstone of every well-stocked pantry. Nutritious, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, they can be transformed into soups, stews, salads, dips, and side dishes. While cooking with dry beans requires a little planning, the results are far superior to canned beans in both taste and texture. Here are some essential tips and techniques...Read More

This light, summery salad balances creamy, sweet, and herbal notes in every bite. Tender butter lettuce forms the perfect base for juicy blueberries, toasted nuts, and soft mozzarella, all brought together with a fragrant Orange-Basil Cream dressing. It’s delicate yet layered—fresh citrus and basil highlight the fruit’s brightness, while the nuts add just enough crunch...Read More

This Mediterranean-style Calamari Salad is a celebration of fresh, clean flavors — tender squid tossed with lemon, olive oil, cumin, and a colorful mix of tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Light yet satisfying, it’s the kind of dish you’d find seaside on a warm afternoon, paired with chilled white wine and crusty bread. The gentle...Read More

This treasured pickled beet recipe was shared by an elderly farmer’s wife, and it’s been a yearly canning tradition ever since. The combination of earthy, tender beets with a sweet-and-tangy clove-scented brine captures the taste of summer in every jar. Beautiful on the pantry shelf and bursting with deep ruby color, these beets add warmth,...Read More

This Calamari Linguine is true San Francisco Italian fisherman’s fare—simple, rustic, and full of coastal flavor. Fresh squid, tender and sweet, is gently simmered in a tomato and white wine sauce infused with garlic, red pepper, and parsley. The result is a dish that feels like a warm evening at Fisherman’s Wharf: unfussy, aromatic, and...Read More

This Fire and Ice Watermelon Salsa is the perfect balance of sweet heat and summer cool—a colorful mix of juicy watermelon, crisp vegetables, and a lively kick of chili and lime. It’s the kind of salsa that wakes up your palate: bright, refreshing, and just fiery enough to keep you coming back for another scoop....Read More

This Persian-inspired lamb dish layers rich, aromatic flavors—succulent lamb seared to perfection, sweet-tart pomegranate syrup, and a cooling finish of fresh mint. The sauce, made with reduced cream and pomegranate, creates a luxurious glaze that coats each tender bite. Bright, bold, and beautifully balanced, it’s a quick yet impressive dish to serve over rice, pilaf,...Read More

Pickled peaches are a Southern classic that captures summer’s sweetness with a tangy, spiced twist. Tender peaches are simmered in a fragrant syrup of vinegar, cinnamon, and cloves—creating a preserve that’s both nostalgic and surprisingly versatile. Their sweet-tart flavor pairs beautifully with grilled pork, roasted chicken, or charcuterie boards, and they add an elegant accent...Read More

This German Apple Cream Pie with Streusel is the perfect blend of crisp apples, creamy filling, and buttery crumble topping. A tender cinnamon-scented crust holds layers of tart McIntosh apples nestled in a rich sour cream custard, all crowned with a crunchy walnut streusel. Warm, comforting, and delicious for any occasion, this pie captures the...Read More

Elegant and earthy, this Pan-Seared Sturgeon with Silky Carrot Sauce celebrates local, sustainably farmed sturgeon from the Sacramento River. The meaty, buttery texture of the fish pairs beautifully with a fragrant carrot sauce infused with warm spices or fresh thyme. The sauce’s natural sweetness and vivid color elevate the dish into something both simple and...Read More