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

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: 1/4 cup pure honey 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar...Read More

Mike Hultquist (www.chilipeppermadness.com) is the expert when it comes to creating tasty spicy condiments with his favorite fruit. This Caribbean hot sauce features fiery habanero peppers, mango, vinegar, honey, allspice, cumin, and ginger flavors. Serve it with grilled chicken, shrimp, fish, or pork tacos. INGREDIENTS: 5 habanero peppers, chopped 1 ripe mango, peeled and chopped...Read More

Few herbs capture the essence of summer quite like basil. With its unmistakable aroma and vibrant flavor, basil is a culinary staple—especially in Italian cuisine. So beloved by the ancient Romans, it came to symbolize love and fertility. While sweet basil—the familiar green variety—is the most common, this fragrant herb comes in many forms. Purple...Read More

Don’t you love discovering something new at the farmers’ markets? We do too. We especially enjoyed finding the unique citrus fruit called “finger limes” at Prevedelli Farms’ booth recently. Finger limes are at their peak season from late summer to early fall. Their versatility and unique texture make them a popular ingredient among chefs and...Read More

Looking for a delicious way to preserve the flavor of peak-season strawberries? Say hello to the old-fashioned shrub — an irresistible sweet-tart syrup made by infusing fresh fruit in vinegar and sugar. Traditionally used to flavor sparkling water or cocktails, this tangy refresher is making a well-deserved comeback. A splash of strawberry shrub turns a...Read More