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

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

This Ginger Pear jam combines the gentle sweetness of ripe pears with the bright zing of fresh ginger for a spread that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect on toast, scones, or swirled into yogurt, it also makes an elegant appetizer when spooned over goat cheese and served with crackers or fruit. Try brushing...Read More

Also known as Feijoa, pineapple guava is a fragrant fruit with a sweet-tart flavor that shines in preserves and condiments. Available in early fall at our local farmers markets, it makes a uniquely delicious chutney when paired with apples, onions, curry spices, and raisins. The result is a tangy-sweet, gently spiced condiment that complements roasted...Read More

Hearty and bold, these Texas-style cornbread muffins are studded with jalapeños, onion, cheddar, and smoky bacon—perfect alongside a big bowl of chili or beans. The combination of savory add-ins and a touch of sweetness gives them just the right kick. Serve them warm for game day gatherings, casual suppers, or any time you want a...Read More

Fragrant quinces are one of fall’s most treasured fruits, and this chutney showcases their unique flavor perfectly. Slowly simmered with citrus, spices, and golden raisins, the quinces turn tender and jewel-like, creating a condiment that’s sweet, tangy, and aromatic. Serve it alongside roasted meats, cheese boards, or as a flavorful spread to brighten winter meals....Read More