Mark Miller writes: “Ripe red tomatoes roasted on a hot steel comal until the skins blacken are a basic element of many Mexican salsas. The smoky flavor adds a complexity to the taste of ripe tomatoes. Mixing fresh mint as a counterpoint to this cooked flavor creates the combination of raw and cooked which is...Read More

Why freezer jam? The fresh peach taste, of course! Cooked preserves and jams have a place in the pantry, but you’ll truly notice the difference in taste when you spread a dollop of this jam on your biscuit or toast. INGREDIENTS: 2 lbs. ripe peaches (enough to make 3 cups of mashed peaches) 4 1/2...Read More

Squash blossoms are abundant in Mexico, where they are known as ‘flores de calabaza’. There’s something very satisfying about the combination of the mildly sweet squash blossoms with creamy cheese. INGREDIENTS: 24 squash blossoms, stems, and stamens removed 1 poblano pepper 3 cloves of garlic, minced 1/2 cup white onion, diced 1 teaspoon of dried...Read More

As a regular customer at the Aptos Farmers Market, Nadine Frush can be spotted there almost every week carrying bags full of fresh produce from her favorite farmers. She also happens to be French and a wonderful cook — no surprise there! Garlic aioli is one of her signature condiments that she keeps on hand....Read More

This zippy slaw is colorful on the plate and dazzles the taste buds! INGREDIENTS: 1/4 wedge of red cabbage, shredded 1/4 wedge of white cabbage, shredded 1 golden yellow beet, cut julienne (or use julienne disk on food processor) 1 chioga beet, cut julienne (or use julienne disk on food processor) 1 stalk celery, chopped...Read More

Poppy seed salad dressing is a versatile dressing that can be used with a spinach salad or as a dressing for coleslaw. INGREDIENTS: 1 large egg 1/4 cup honey 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard 2/3 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons yellow onion grated, plus juice 1 cup olive oil 1 cup vegetable...Read More

INGREDIENTS: Slaw 1/2 head green cabbage, split lengthwise and shredded crosswise 1 medium daikon radish, peeled, cut crosswise in 1 1/2 inch pieces, pieces finely julienned lengthwise 1 green bell pepper, seeded and finely julienned 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely julienned 3 – 4 green onions, including tops, thinly sliced 1/2 cup fresh...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 2 cups almond milk 1/2 cup dried apricots 3/4 cup water 3/4 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla METHOD: In a small covered saucepan, cook apricots in 3/4 cup of water for 10 minutes or until tender. In a food processor or blender, process apricots and cooking liquid to a smooth puree. Mix in honey,...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 4-6 pounds ripe, plum, or dry-farmed tomatoes, cored and chopped 2 carrots, minced 1/2 cup onions, minced 1 large bunch of flat-leaf parsley, chopped A fresh hot pepper, ribbed and seeds discarded OR 1/2 teaspoon hot pepper flakes (optional) Robust extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste 1 teaspoon...Read More

Fresh buttermilk dressing takes only minutes to make from scratch–so why buy it? When you make it yourself, the fresh herbs really stand out, and there’s no MSG or calcium disodium ethylenediaminetetraacetate to worry about! Using a basic recipe, you can also create your own signature flavors by making a few adjustments to ingredients for...Read More