Kumquats — small, oval citrus jewels — are treasured for their surprising contrast of flavors: the sweet, fragrant rind and the tart, tangy pulp inside. Native to China, their Cantonese name kin ku translates to “golden orange,” a fitting description for this bright, sunshiny fruit. This recipe celebrates kumquats two ways: as a fragrant homemade...Read More

The holidays are made for cozy moments — twinkling lights, classic movies, and sweet treats shared with family and friends. These Caramel Almond Popcorn Clusters are the perfect snack to make together: golden caramel coats crisp organic popcorn and toasted almonds, creating crunchy, buttery clusters with a hint of vanilla and almond. Not only are...Read More

In winter, when fresh crop almonds fill the farmers’ market stands, there’s no sweeter way to showcase them than in a batch of homemade Almond Butter Crunch Toffee. This classic toffee confection combines buttery caramelized sugar, toasted almonds, and finished with melted chocolate for a treat that’s both elegant and irresistibly crisp. Perfect for holiday...Read More

Rich, buttery, and perfectly chewy, these vanilla honey caramels are a holiday treat worth making at home. Infused with fragrant Tahitian vanilla and the delicate sweetness of honey, they’re finished with a sprinkle of Fleur de Sel—the “caviar of salt”—for a hint of crunch and a balance of sweet and savory. Wrapped individually, they make...Read More

Rich, velvety, and just the right touch of indulgence, these Chocolate Cherry Truffles are a treat worth savoring. Silky chocolate ganache is infused with cream, butter, and bits of tart dried cherries, creating a luscious bite that melts in your mouth. Rolled in cocoa for a classic finish, these truffles make an elegant homemade gift...Read More

At the Aptos Farmers Market, we had the privilege of welcoming Fran Gage—renowned author, baker, and olive oil expert—for a special book signing of The New American Olive Oil. Fran guided us through the art of tasting and selecting olive oil, sharing her expertise with warmth and humor. The highlight of the event was sampling...Read More

Handwritten cards and clippings of “See’s Fudge” have been passed down through generations, showing up in family recipe boxes and holiday newspaper food sections since the 1930s. The story goes that Emma Julian, who once worked for See’s Candy Company in Los Angeles before opening her own shop, shared the recipe with Amy DeVore—and from...Read More

Rich, buttery, and irresistibly chewy, these Vanilla Almond Caramels with Fleur de Sel are a decadent treat with just the right balance of sweet and salty. Roasted almonds add a nutty crunch, while real vanilla beans infuse the caramels with warm flavor. A final sprinkle of delicate sea salt enhances every bite. Perfect for holiday...Read More

Rich, creamy, and studded with jewel-like Bing cherries and crunchy toasted almonds, this fudge is as pretty as it is delicious. Perfect for the holidays, gift-giving, or simply treating yourself, it combines the deep flavor of semisweet chocolate with the sweet-tart pop of cherries. The toasted almonds add a nutty crunch, while a garnish of...Read More

These decadent little bites capture all the flavors of a classic pecan pie in a rich, poppable truffle. Toasted pecans, graham crackers, and brown sugar are bound together with a splash of bourbon (or your favorite spirit), then dipped in smooth dark chocolate for an indulgent finish. A sprinkle of sea salt makes them irresistible....Read More