This vibrant summer dish highlights the tiny, tender “baby” squash found at the Borba Family Farms booth at the Aptos Farmers Market — miniature pattypans and zucchinis bursting with flavor and texture. Despite their delicate size, these squash are firm and slightly bitter, which makes them perfect for high-heat caramelization and pairing with bold flavors....Read More

This Grilled Mozzarella and Squash Blossom Sandwich with Pesto is summer simplicity at its best — tender buffalo mozzarella, lightly wilted squash blossoms, and a hint of pesto pressed between crisp, golden bread. Each bite balances creamy, floral, and herbaceous notes, finished with a pinch of flaky salt that brings everything into focus. Choose a...Read More

This traditional Italian pasta dish, known as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, is a beautiful example of how just a few high-quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. The secret lies in the details: perfectly al dente pasta, fragrant garlic gently warmed in extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle heat from red chili flakes. Be sure...Read More

This Summer Potato Salad is a beloved Fourth of July tradition — though it’s delicious any time of year. With tender red potatoes, crisp green onions, and fresh parsley tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing, it’s the perfect side for barbecues, picnics, or any warm-weather gathering. The flavors are bright, balanced, and nostalgic — just...Read More

This vibrant Provençal-style dish brings together tender summer squash, ripe tomatoes, and briny oil-cured olives for a comforting yet elegant side. Inspired by the markets of southern France, it layers flavors of herbs, garlic, and olive oil with the rich, winy sweetness of semi-dry cured olives. Serve it warm as a side to grilled meats...Read More

Every summer, Elena Salsedo, former owner of Sweet Elena’s Bakery & Café in Sand City, celebrates the market’s bounty with this rustic, buttery Summer Fruit Kuchen. Lightly sweet and golden, it’s the perfect way to showcase ripe apricots, cherries, plums, or berries. The tender whole wheat pastry and caramelized edges make it as welcome at...Read More

This Summer Squash Carpaccio takes inspiration from the classic Italian beef dish — but instead of meat, thin ribbons of raw squash are the star. The name comes from the presentation: paper-thin slices arranged beautifully on a platter, lightly salted, and drizzled with a bright, herb-filled vinaigrette. Cousa, zucchini, and golden squash make a colorful...Read More

You know that saying, “Easy as pie”? Well, this Rhubarb Crumble is even easier — and every bit as comforting. The recipe comes from winemaker Jeff Emery, who shared it over the phone the old-fashioned way: a handful of ingredients, a few casual directions, and the friendly promise that “you get extra points for serving...Read More

This Rhubarb Custard Pie is a classic example of the humble yet unforgettable desserts found throughout the rural South — simple, pure, and deeply comforting. Tender rhubarb brings its signature tang, perfectly balanced by a silky, lightly sweetened custard that bakes up golden and fragrant inside a flaky, homemade crust. The result is a pie...Read More

This Rich Chocolate Ice Cream is everything a homemade frozen dessert should be: velvety, intensely chocolatey, and perfectly balanced with a subtle tang from buttermilk. The combination of rich cream and farm-fresh egg yolks gives it an irresistibly smooth texture, while high-quality cocoa adds depth and sophistication. It’s a simple yet luxurious treat that churns...Read More