This is a delicious pie that features apples, caramel, crumbly topping, and a thin, flaky crust, and is best made a day ahead which makes it ideal for the holidays. The easiest way to cut the caramels is with strong kitchen scissors, but you can also use a sharp knife. Drop the caramel pieces directly...Read More

These tender cornbread muffins are studded with fresh corn kernels and are not overly sweet. Serve these muffins warm, slathered with honey or maple butter. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups cornmeal 1/3 cup sugar 2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon baking soda 2 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt 1 1/2 teaspoons...Read More

Here’s a side dish that will make everyone want to eat their vegetables. We also love the depth of flavor that Corralitos applewood smoked bacon adds to this casserole. INGREDIENTS: 6 slices bacon (we use Corralitos applewood smoked bacon) 1 large head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-size pieces 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper 1/2...Read More

A twist on an old classic – adding a fresh pear slices to this panini takes it from mundane to memorable! INGREDIENTS: 4 slices Ciabatta bread 1 tablespoon honey mustard 6 slices ham (thinly sliced ham) 1 pear, peeled and thinly sliced 2 dashes ground black pepper 4 slices Havarti cheese 1 tablespoon soft butter...Read More

Moist and full of whole grain goodness, these wholesome muffins make a healthy grab-and-go breakfast or snack. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups wheat bran 1 cup oat bran 1 cup whole wheat flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 2 large eggs 2/3 cup yogurt (not the Greek variety)...Read More

The secret of this recipe is to use a stand mixer and allow it to do most of the work. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 tablespoons active dry yeast 1 tablespoon sugar 2 1/4 cups warm water 1/2 cup dry milk powder 5 cups all-purpose flour, and more, as needed 2 1/2 teaspoons salt 3 tablespoons extra...Read More

These moist banana muffins get their special crunch from walnuts, granola, and coconut. Very tasty! INGREDIENTS: 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 2 eggs, lightly beaten 3/4 cup milk 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 1 cup melted butter, cooled 2 bananas, mashed 1...Read More

Serve with a lightly chilled rosé for an exceptional first course. INGREDIENTS: Soup 1/4 cup butter 1 large onion, finely chopped 4 large garlic cloves, chopped 6 cups chicken broth 4 cups peeled butternut squash, cut into 1-inch cubes (about 1 1/2 pounds) 4 cups peeled acorn squash, cut into 1-inch cubes(about 1 1/2 pounds)...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 deep dish 9-inch pie crust, unbaked 2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin (see How to Make Fresh Pumpkin Purée) 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk 3 eggs 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon cloves METHOD:...Read More

These memorable baked pears were served at a now-closed bed and breakfast called The Elms in Napa Valley. They were presented as the first course while we waited for the breakfast main dish to be served. The B & B owner was gracious enough to share this simple recipe with me. This is one of...Read More