Although we love baked sweet potatoes, steaming is quicker and produces a perfectly moist potato. Steamed baked potatoes take about 30 minutes, while baked potatoes take at least an hour. This method is for medium-sized potatoes. However, if you have only large-sized potatoes, you can cut them in half. (1) Fill the lower part of...Read More
This colorful sweet and sour salsa is exquisite over grilled sea bass, halibut, or Dungeness crab cakes. INGREDIENTS: 4 kiwi, peeled and chopped into 1/4 inch dice 2 cups fresh pineapple, chopped into 1/4 inch dice 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped into 1/4 inch dice 1 small red onion, finely chopped 1/2 cup...Read More
This rich, custardy bread pudding is the ultimate way to serve “French toast for a crowd.” Cubes of bread are layered with cream cheese and soaked overnight in a sweet egg custard, then baked until golden and puffed. A warm strawberry sauce poured over the top makes it festive enough for holiday brunch, yet simple...Read More
Drying persimmons is easy, with or without a dehydrator. Your kitchen oven will do the job just fine. Dried persimmon slices make delicious snacks or can be added to salads, cookies, cereal, or bread. The trick for best results is to use a mandoline or Benriner slicer to make certain the persimmon slices are even....Read More
Delicate, nutty, and dusted with a cloud of powdered sugar, these Italian Almond Wedding Cookies are a timeless treat. Made with buttery, mild olive oil instead of butter, they’re melt-in-your-mouth tender with a subtle almond aroma. Perfect for weddings, holidays, or afternoon tea, their rich flavor and crumbly texture make them irresistible — and no...Read More
Crisp, golden, and irresistibly tender, this Crispy Fried Calamari with Garlic Aioli captures the essence of a summer afternoon by the sea. In the Monterey Bay, squid season peaks in midsummer, when local markets overflow with fresh catch ready for the pan. Lightly coated in seasoned flour and fried to perfection, each bite is delicately...Read More
Bright, jewel-like pomegranate seeds bring a refreshing twist to the holiday table in this tangy relish. With hints of orange zest, fresh ginger, and just a touch of honey, it balances sweet, tart, and spicy notes in every bite. Serve it as a vibrant alternative to overly-sweet cranberry sauce—it pairs beautifully with roast turkey, chicken,...Read More
There’s nothing quite like a warm, fragrant curry to brighten a cool fall evening, and this Indian Yam Curry delivers comfort in every spoonful. Hearty yams (or sweet potatoes) slowly simmer in a velvety sauce infused with aromatic spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala. As the vegetables soften, they soak up the rich...Read More
Pumpkin-filled ravioli paired with a classic Ligurian walnut cream sauce is a dish that beautifully balances earthy, sweet, and nutty flavors. The creamy walnut sauce is luxurious yet surprisingly simple to prepare, enhanced with butter, cream, sweet Italian wine, and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Traditionally enjoyed in Northern Italy, this sauce is equally...Read More
Which kind of pumpkin is best for baking? Smaller is better – large field pumpkins, which are specially bred for Halloween jack-o-lanterns, are generally too tough and stringy for baking. Choose “pie” or "sugar" pumpkins or other flavorful varieties, such as Sugar Baby. Small and sweet, with dark orange-colored flesh, they're perfect for pies, muffins,...Read More
