If you haven’t discovered the spectacular, intense flavor of organically grown, dry-farmed tomatoes, now is the time to give them a try! These tomatoes are a late summer favorite and available at the Aptos Farmers Market from mid-August until late fall. The buttery herb-flavored crust of this tart is the perfect foil for the melted...Read More

Prepare to indulge in a cake that is both effortlessly simple to make and undeniably delicious! Hot milk cake is the perfect cake to serve with fresh summer fruit such as sliced peaches or mixed berries. If you appreciate the subtle flavor of shortbread or pound cake, you will savor the classic taste of this...Read More

Serve pesto stirred into pasta, over baked potatoes, or spread over toasted baguette slices. Delicious with turkey or roasted chicken sandwiches, too! INGREDIENTS: 2 cups firmly packed fresh basil leaves (about one large bunch of basil) 1/3 cup pine nuts, walnuts, or almonds, lightly toasted until fragrant 1/4 cup Italian parsley leaves 2-3 large cloves...Read More

Growing kitchen herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to have a fresh supply of aromatic flavors right in your kitchen, backyard, or deck. Whether you have limited outdoor space or simply want easy access to your favorite herbs, container gardening offers a practical solution. Many herbs and starts are available at the...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 5 cups ripe Blenheim apricots (about 3-1/2 lb.) 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 7 cups sugar, measured into a separate bowl 1 box Sure-Jell fruit pectin (powder) 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (optional, but nice) 1/2 teaspoon butter or margarine (helps reduce foam) METHOD: Bring boiling-water canner, filled two-thirds with water, to simmer. Wash...Read More

Ina Garten knows a thing or two about making delicious brunches. This blueberry breakfast cake comes out beautifully each time, and is moist and tender, thanks to the ricotta cheese. This cake is good any time of day — breakfast, brunch, or even as an afternoon tea cake! INGREDIENTS: 10 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room...Read More

Homemade tortillas are so much better than store-bought. They are very simple to make at home and don’t require any special bread making skills. And, you cannot beat the fresh flavor! INGREDIENTS: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 3/4 teaspoons salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 8 tablespoons butter (1 stick), softened* 1 1/3 cups very warm...Read More

Tortilla Soup is a zesty, warm and comforting weeknight dinner for cold winter evenings. If short of time, feel free to use a rotisserie chicken in place of cooking the chicken breasts. Prep all of the garnishes while the soup is simmering and dinner will be on the table in less than 30 minutes. If...Read More

This blueberry pie is a classic — simple, straightforward goodness! INGREDIENTS: CRUST Use this recipe for double pie crust. FILLING 3/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 6 cups fresh blueberries 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 tablespoons butter METHOD: Heat oven to 425°F. For the crust, roll half the pie dough into...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup sugar 2 cups drinking water 6 – 7 lemons 6 cups cold drinking water 1 cup drinking water Reserved lemon rinds Optional: Fresh mint sprigs METHOD: Combine 1 cup sugar and 1 cup drinking water in a small saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Remove from...Read More