The Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College now includes gardening books in its cookbook exchange program! The idea of swapping books isn’t new (Andrew Carnegie introduced it in the early 1900s), but we’re excited to offer this opportunity for our market customers to share their favorite reads. Simply leave a cookbook or gardening book and...Read More

Rhubarb falls into the ‘love-it-or-hate-it’ category, it seems. Those of us who love it eagerly anticipate its arrival in early spring and get out the recipes for galettes, pies, coffee cakes, muffins, and jam. Though rhubarb is generally associated with pie making, it’s quite versatile. Here are some surprising facts about rhubarb that you may...Read More

INGREDIENTS 1/2 lb. finely chopped rhubarb 2 cups water 1/4 cup red wine 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar (or red wine vinegar) 2 tablespoons finely chopped shallot 3 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme Kosher salt and black pepper 1 1/2 lbs. beets, peeled and cut into thick slices* 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2...Read More

This not-too-sweet beverage is a delightful melange of flavors and is quite refreshing. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups rhubarb, cut into 3/4-inch pieces (about 1 lb.) 2 cups strawberries, halved 3-inch piece ginger root, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces 1 cup sugar (or sweetener of your choice) 1 vanilla pod, sliced 4 cups fresh drinking water...Read More

This recipe is from Chef Hannah Cook which was demonstrated at our From Market to Table chef series at the Aptos Farmers Market. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup butter, melted, (112g) and browned 1 cup dark brown sugar, tightly packed (220g) 1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 teaspoon vanilla 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/8 teaspoon baking soda...Read More

In California, several varieties of beets are grown, each with its own unique flavor profile and culinary uses. Here are some common varieties and suggestions for how to use them: Red Beets: Red beets are perhaps the most common variety cultivated in California. They have a sweet, earthy flavor and a vibrant red-purple color. Red...Read More

Planning an Easter brunch for the family or hosting a relaxed Sunday gathering with friends? Hosting a weekend brunch is a breeze with most of the prep work done ahead, ensuring you get to join the fun too! Crafting a brunch menu entails a mix of savory and sweet offerings served buffet-style. From overnight French...Read More

Fennel, with its distinctive anise taste, gives this slaw a zingy flavor. It is delicious served with barbecued pork ribs! INGREDIENTS: Dressing 1/4 cup unseasoned rice wine vinegar 2 tablespoons sherry vinegar 2 tablespoons sugar 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil Slaw 2 large bulbs fennel 2/3 cup red onion, thinly sliced (about half of a...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup cultured buttermilk 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/2 teaspoon granulated garlic 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper 5-6 ounces blue cheese, and more if desired METHOD: In the jar of a blender or food processor...Read More

Blue Cheese with its distinctive rich taste and buttery texture, pairs beautifully with creamy butter and herbs. It can take a simple grilled steak and elevate it to a fine dining experience. This compound butter is also great tossed with cooked vegetables. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup butter, softened (use a good quality, flavorful butter) 1/2 cup...Read More