Dutch Apple Pie is a cozy, rustic dessert beloved for its spiced apple filling and buttery streusel topping. Unlike the traditional double-crust version, this pie pairs a flaky bottom crust with a crunchy oat streusel, offering a satisfying contrast of textures. This award-winning version—baked by April Kofler, who won second place at the 2010 Annual...Read More

Inspired by a recipe in Jewish Cooking in America by Joan Nathan, these latkes bring a fragrant, spiced twist to a beloved Hanukkah classic. Sweet potatoes are combined with warm curry and cumin, a touch of ginger, and just enough cayenne for gentle heat. The result is a crispy, golden latke that’s both familiar and...Read More

Cool, refreshing, and naturally sweet, this smoothie pairs tangy kiwi with juicy honeydew for a light, vitamin-packed drink. A splash of lime brightens the flavors, while a touch of agave keeps it balanced. Perfect for breakfast, an afternoon pick-me-up, or a post-workout refresher. INGREDIENTS: 4 ripe kiwis, peeled and sliced 2 cups honeydew melon, seeded...Read More

These Cream Biscuits are light, fluffy, and impossibly easy to make — no butter-cutting required. Heavy cream provides all the richness for tender, golden biscuits with a soft crumb and buttery flavor. Perfect for breakfast with jam, served under savory gravy, or turned into strawberry shortcakes, this versatile recipe comes together in minutes for fresh,...Read More

This simple yet flavorful dish transforms collard greens into a hearty side that’s both rustic and elegant. Tender greens are sautéed with garlic until fragrant, then finished with crisp, golden croutons for contrast. The result is a dish that’s earthy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying—perfect alongside roasted meats, grilled fish, or as part of a vegetarian...Read More

This Wild Rice, Sausage, and Apple Stuffing is a flavorful, rustic side dish that combines nutty wild rice with savory sausage, sweet apples, and toasted pecans. Dried cherries add a bright, tart contrast, while thyme and warm spices bring rich autumn flavor. Perfect for Thanksgiving, holiday dinners, or cozy fall meals, this hearty stuffing pairs...Read More

This rustic braise combines earthy kale, sweet-tart Pippin apples, and a touch of white balsamic for brightness. Slowly simmered with onions, garlic, and broth, the kale becomes tender and flavorful, while the apples add a delicate sweetness that balances the greens. It’s a simple yet elegant side dish, perfect for fall and winter meals. Serve...Read More

This vibrant salsa is bursting with jewel-like pomegranate seeds, juicy orange segments, and a lively mix of lime, cilantro, and jalapeño. The balance of sweet, tart, and spicy flavors makes it as versatile as it is beautiful. Serve it as a fresh counterpoint to grilled fish or chicken, or simply scoop it up with tortilla...Read More

This elegant yet simple dish was first served to me at The Elms, a charming bed and breakfast in Napa Valley that has since closed its doors. The baked pears were presented as a delicate first course while guests waited for the main breakfast to arrive. With their soft texture, buttery caramel sauce, and nutty...Read More

Nothing says autumn quite like pumpkin pie. This classic recipe uses fresh pumpkin purée, warm spices, and a silky custard filling for a dessert that’s rich yet balanced. Baking it from scratch—rather than using canned pumpkin—adds a fresher, brighter flavor, and blending the filling ensures a perfectly smooth texture. Serve with a dollop of whipped...Read More