If you’ve just begun your sourdough journey, congratulations — you’re keeping a little kitchen “pet” that rewards you with delicious bread, pancakes, pizza, and more! The good news is: keeping a sourdough starter happy doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little consistency and a few simple habits, your starter will thrive for years to...Read More

If you have questions about canning ingredients, tools, or resources, send us an email and we will be happy to answer your questions! Q:  Are liquid pectin and powdered pectin interchangeable?A:  No. Use exactly what your recipe specifies. Q:  How long is pectin shelf stable?A:  Pectin (both powdered and liquid) should be used the year...Read More

Once your ginger bug is active and bubbling, the real fun begins. This lively starter becomes the foundation for a wide range of naturally carbonated drinks—simple juices transformed into bright, effervescent sodas with just a little time and patience. The process is beautifully adaptable. You can work with whatever is in season—fresh berries, citrus, stone...Read More

There’s something quietly magical about a ginger bug. With just fresh ginger, sugar, and water, you can cultivate a living starter that transforms simple juices and herbal infusions into lively, effervescent drinks. It’s an old-fashioned method—part kitchen craft, part science experiment—and once you have one going, nearly any flavor you love can become a naturally...Read More

There’s a certain satisfaction in preserving the fleeting flavors of the farmers market — especially as spring fruit begins to arrive and herbs grow lush and fragrant. Infused vinegar is one of the simplest ways to capture that moment, transforming fresh ingredients into something bright, aromatic, and endlessly useful in the kitchen. With just a...Read More

There’s something quietly magical about turning a basket of fresh fruit and a handful of herbs into something that lasts just a little longer. Shrubs — old-fashioned drinking vinegars — are one of the simplest ways to preserve the flavors of the season while creating something bright, refreshing, and endlessly versatile. At their core, shrubs...Read More

From vibrant purples and sunny yellows to sweet reds and classic orange, carrots offer far more than meets the eye. Discover the flavors, health benefits, and simple ways to enjoy this farmers market favorite — roots, tops, and all. Carrots may be one of the most familiar vegetables in our kitchens, but they’re also wonderfully...Read More

Mushrooms are a cook’s secret for building rich, satisfying meals without heaviness. Discover how culinary mushrooms add umami, balance, and depth to everyday cooking.Read More

On the Central Coast, winter and early spring bring peak mushroom season. From foraged chanterelles to market-grown oysters, fungi are shaping how we cook, garden, and think about wellness.Read More

Dried beans are a cornerstone of every well-stocked pantry. Nutritious, inexpensive, and incredibly versatile, they can be transformed into soups, stews, salads, dips, and side dishes. While cooking with dry beans requires a little planning, the results are far superior to canned beans in both taste and texture. Here are some essential tips and techniques...Read More