During the Great Depression and through the rationing years of World War II, home cooks often relied on creativity and resourcefulness to stretch what they had on hand. Fresh apples were not always affordable or available, so thrifty cooks turned to garden vegetables — like zucchini — as clever stand-ins. This zucchini crisp,  also known...Read More

If you garden — or simply shop at the farmers market — you know how zucchini behaves this time of year. One day it’s a neat, glossy little squash, and seemingly overnight it turns into a hefty green club that could feed a family of four. Our farmers market tables are piled high with them,...Read More

Late summer often brings an abundance of zucchini — far more than most of us know what to do with! This simple soup is a perfect way to transform that seasonal glut into something elegant, comforting, and full of flavor. The zucchini blends into a silky base, while fresh basil brightens each spoonful. Serve it...Read More

This refreshing spinach salad is a spring and summer classic — light, colorful, and bursting with flavor. Sweet, juicy strawberries pair beautifully with tender spinach leaves, while slivered almonds add a nutty crunch. What makes this dish especially memorable is the homemade sesame-poppy seed dressing. Sweet, tangy, and nutty, it ties everything together in a...Read More

Cherry tomatoes are the jewels of summer—bright red, golden, yellow, and even deep burgundy. Farmers’ market stalls and backyard gardens alike overflow with these sweet little gems when the weather is warm. To make the most of their flavor, never refrigerate them; instead, leave them at room temperature where they can continue to ripen and...Read More

Bright, briny, and bursting with freshness, this lemon herb relish is a versatile condiment that instantly elevates grilled meats, fish, vegetables, or even a simple piece of toast. With a base of citrusy zest, fresh herbs, capers, and olive oil, it strikes the perfect balance of sharp, savory, and aromatic. Think of it as a...Read More

Bright, fresh, and irresistibly fragrant, this Lemon Walnut Pesto puts a sunny twist on the classic Italian sauce. Made with vibrant basil, toasted local walnuts from Manzanita Manor, and Belle Farms’ lemon-infused olive oil, it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, nutty richness and zesty citrus brightness. A hint of red pepper adds just the...Read More

Bright, tangy, and lightly sweet, this vinaigrette combines honey, fresh ginger, and cider vinegar for a dressing that’s as versatile as it is flavorful. It’s wonderful tossed with mixed greens, drizzled over grain bowls, or used as a marinade for chicken or fish. INGREDIENTS: 1/2 cup avocado or canola oil 1/2 cup extra virgin olive...Read More

Late summer on the Central Coast brings the best of the season — fresh, sweet corn, fragrant basil, and vine-ripened cherry tomatoes bursting with flavor! This vibrant salad celebrates the season’s peak flavors in the simplest way possible and comes together in minutes, making it ideal for picnics, backyard barbecues, or any warm-weather gathering.  INGREDIENTS:...Read More

Light, bright, and slightly sweet, this honey lemon vinaigrette balances citrusy freshness with a touch of spice. It’s simple to make, versatile, and delicious over leafy greens, grain salads, or grilled vegetables. INGREDIENTS: 3/4 cup vegetable oil  1/4 cup fresh lemon juice 1 tablespoon sugar 3/4 teaspoon salt, to taste 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4...Read More