Jujubes (pronounced joo-joob) may not be the most familiar fruit at the farmers market, but these small stone fruits have been treasured in Asia for thousands of years. Sometimes called “red dates” or “Chinese dates,” jujubes are prized for their versatility and rich nutritional value. Fresh jujubes are an excellent source of vitamin C and...Read More
Chestnuts have a fascinating history and are making a small but sweet comeback. Find fresh chestnuts now at Minazzoli Farms at the farmers markets—but only for a limited time! A Little History In the 1800s, Chinese chestnut trees were brought to the U.S. Unfortunately, they carried a fungus—chestnut blight—that devastated the native American chestnut population....Read More
This elegant spinach salad is a celebration of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Juicy red pears and tangy cheese are balanced with crisp applewood-smoked bacon, crunchy maple-glazed pecans, and a bright vinaigrette made with real maple syrup and spicy brown mustard. It’s perfect as a special side dish or, with the addition of eggs, a...Read More
Elegant yet surprisingly simple, these Vanilla Port Poached Pears with Blue Cheese and Walnuts strike the perfect balance of sweet, savory, and aromatic. The pears are gently simmered in port with vanilla, rosemary, and citrus until tender, then filled with a creamy blue cheese and mascarpone blend studded with toasted walnuts. Serve them as a...Read More
These Sweet Cornbread Muffins are golden, moist, and perfectly sweet — just like the classic ones from Marie Callender’s. Soft and cake-like, they’re ideal for breakfast, brunch, or as a comforting side with chili or barbecue. This easy recipe makes a generous batch that freezes beautifully, so you can enjoy warm, homemade cornbread muffins anytime.Read More
With its fragrant floral aroma and naturally tart flavor, quince transforms into something magical when candied. Slow-cooked in sugar until it turns jewel-like and ruby red, the fruit becomes tender, glossy, and luxuriously sweet. This old-world treat is simple to prepare and keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for months, ready to serve with cream, ice...Read More
Anadama bread is a beloved New England classic, rich with molasses and cornmeal that give it both sweetness and hearty texture. Its name carries a bit of folklore: legend has it that a fisherman’s wife, Anna, often served him nothing more than cornmeal porridge and molasses. Tired of the monotony, he supposedly tossed in some...Read More
Quince brings a fragrant, floral depth to ordinary applesauce, transforming it into something both comforting and elegant. The fruit’s natural tartness and rich aroma balance beautifully with sweet apples and warm spices, creating a sauce that’s just as lovely served warm with roast meats as it is chilled and spooned over yogurt or oatmeal. INGREDIENTS:...Read More
This recipe comes from Ann Parker, a Georgia native and longtime food writer and restaurant reviewer for the Santa Cruz Sentinel. In her soft Southern drawl, Ann shared the secrets passed down from her mother: stone-ground cornmeal, tangy buttermilk, and a well-seasoned cast-iron skillet. She recommends Yelton’s or Tenda-Bake self-rising cornmeal, though her favorite is...Read More
This Ginger Pear jam combines the gentle sweetness of ripe pears with the bright zing of fresh ginger for a spread that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Perfect on toast, scones, or swirled into yogurt, it also makes an elegant appetizer when spooned over goat cheese and served with crackers or fruit. Try brushing...Read More
