Summer squash often gets a reputation for being bland, but with a little care it can become a star on the plate. This recipe takes a simple, seasonal vegetable and transforms it with a quick lemon-and-herb marinade that brightens its flavor and brings out its natural sweetness. Marinating isn’t just for meat—vegetables benefit too, absorbing...Read More

This versatile vinaigrette is featured with the Arugula Cherry Salad, but it also pairs beautifully with roast chicken or duck, charred hanger steak, pork chops or roasts, and grilled salmon or swordfish. The key ingredient is a tart cherry syrup, commonly produced in Eastern Europe and often used for sodas or cocktails. It works much...Read More

As Californians, we have so many things to be thankful for when it comes to fresh food—and avocados are certainly one of them. At our farmers market, several vendors supply these sublime fruits. Since California produces about 95% of the avocados grown in the United States, it’s no surprise we enjoy such abundance. When it...Read More

Here’s a bright, zingy relish that makes the perfect topping for grilled fish, chicken, or pan-seared scallops. It’s also delicious tossed with boiled shrimp, spooned over steamed broccoli, or stirred into pasta. A very sharp knife is essential for clean cuts and the best texture. INGREDIENTS: 1 large shallot, finely diced 1 tablespoon rice vinegar...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 3 tablespoons oil 3 cups shredded carrots, peeled and trimmed 1/2 onion, sliced finely 2-4 garlic cloves, de-germed and minced 1 tablespoon of herbs of your choice 1/4 cup white wine Salt and pepper to taste METHOD: Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the oil. When the oil begins to shimmer,...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 large celeriac, peeled and sliced 1/8 inch thin, kept in water 4-5 large Yukon Gold, Yellow Finns, or Russets, sliced 1/8 inch, kept in water 2 large brown onions, peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick 6-8 sprigs fresh thyme, marjoram, savory (or a combination), minced Salt and pepper to taste 1 clove garlic,...Read More

Although you can do this without marinating the pork, it really is better if you do. Other cuts of pork will work, just be sure they are around one-half to three-eighths of an inch thick at most. INGREDIENTS: 1 to 1 1/4 lb. pork leg steak 1/2 + 1/4 cup clear apple cider or apple...Read More

This recipe calls for Portobello mushrooms, but cremini or button mushrooms will work just as well. If you have chanterelle, morel, or porcini mushrooms, by all means, use those. Cooking times may vary depending on the mushrooms you use. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/4 pound pork steaks such as sirloin or leg, 1/2 inch thin or less...Read More

Here’s a twist on glazed carrots with Moroccan accents. While the orange flower water is not essential, it really does add an extra dimension that’s delightful and mysterious all at once. INGREDIENTS: 1 bunch carrots (1-1½ pounds), peeled and cut into quarter-inch thick slices on the diagonal 1 tablespoon unsalted butter 1/2 tablespoon sugar or...Read More

Here’s a variation of my favorite cauliflower preparation. If the oranges and really dark, like a prime season Moro, it may stain the outside of the cauliflower dark for a cool visual. INGREDIENTS: 1 head of white cauliflower, cored and cut into florets, florets halved 2 ripe Moro or Tarocco (or other) blood oranges 1...Read More