These Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Balsamic and Honey Glaze are crisp, caramelized, and full of sweet-tangy flavor. The high-heat roasting brings out their natural nuttiness, while the balsamic-honey glaze adds a glossy finish that’s both elegant and irresistible. Perfect for holiday dinners or easy weeknight sides, this simple recipe transforms Brussels sprouts into a crowd-pleasing...Read More

This old-fashioned persimmon pudding is a nostalgic American classic, beloved for its rich, moist texture and warm spiced flavor. Traditionally served in the fall and winter, it’s a perfect way to showcase ripe Hachiya persimmons at their peak—when the fruit is so soft it’s almost jelly-like. Baked until golden and fragrant, the pudding is comforting...Read More

This Sour Cream Apple Pie with Walnut Streusel is a creamy, crunchy twist on the classic apple pie. The filling combines tart Granny Smith apples with a smooth, custard-like sour cream base, while the walnut streusel topping adds a sweet, nutty crunch. The result is a pie that’s comforting yet elegant—perfect for autumn gatherings, holiday...Read More

These Roasted Root Vegetables are caramelized to perfection, bringing out the natural sweetness of parsnips, carrots, yams, and butternut squash. Tossed simply with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then finished with fresh parsley, they’re a colorful, flavorful side dish perfect for holiday feasts or easy weeknight dinners.Read More

This award-winning apple pie, baked by Eileen Poppleton, took first place at the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. Beloved for its rich caramel-like filling, buttery crust, and tender Granny Smith apples, this recipe combines tradition and indulgence. The trick is pouring a buttery...Read More

Few dishes are more comforting on a cold evening than French onion soup. Slowly caramelized onions, a hearty stock, and a splash of wine and brandy create a rich, deeply flavorful base. Finished with toasted bread and a blanket of bubbly Gruyère or Comté cheese, this timeless classic is perfect as a cozy supper with...Read More

These savory blue cheese “cakes” are like an elegant cross between a cheesecake and a soufflé. Baked in ramekins, they puff up lightly in the oven, then settle into a creamy, rich texture as they cool. The bold flavor of English Stilton is mellowed by cream cheese and eggs, creating a dish that’s indulgent yet...Read More

Sweet, tangy apples, crisp fennel, and tender Belgian endive come together in this refreshing slaw that’s as elegant as it is simple. Tossed with a light shallot vinaigrette, the salad balances sweetness, crunch, and a touch of bitterness. It’s a perfect palate-cleansing side dish to pair with rich fall meals like roasted meats, creamy gratins,...Read More

These Braised Cipollini Onions with Orange-Balsamic Glaze are tender, glossy, and bursting with sweet-savory flavor. Slowly braised until silky, the onions are finished with a vibrant glaze of orange juice and balsamic vinegar for a perfect balance of brightness and depth. An elegant side dish that pairs beautifully with roast pork, lamb, turkey, or chicken.Read More

Ukrainian apple squares are a beloved old-world pastry, often baked during the winter holidays when stored apples begin to soften and need to be used up. Sweet, spiced apples are layered between a tender sour cream–based pastry, creating a treat that is rustic yet elegant. Traditionally cut into squares for easy sharing, these bars are...Read More