Rich, buttery, and just the right balance of sweet and salty, these Toffee Pecan Bars are everything you want in a holiday treat. The tender coffee-kissed shortbread crust provides the perfect base for a luscious layer of toffee, sweetened condensed milk, and whole pecans. Finished with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, each bite is...Read More

Part macaroon, part drop cookie, these Coconut Chocolate Chewies are deeply chocolaty, chewy, and naturally gluten-free. The rich cocoa base creates an intense chocolate flavor, while the shredded coconut adds a subtle nutty sweetness and irresistible texture. With just a handful of ingredients and no flour, these cookies come together quickly—perfect for last-minute baking, holiday...Read More

Crisp, golden, and full of festive flavor, these Cranberry Orange Walnut Biscotti are the perfect treat for coffee or tea time. The tart cranberries and crunchy walnuts are brightened with a hint of orange zest, creating a biscotti that’s both elegant and comforting. Ideal for holiday gifting or an everyday pick-me-up, these twice-baked Italian cookies...Read More

When your sister swears a recipe is the “best ever,” you know it’s worth trying. These Cranberry Coconut Chews deliver on that promise with a delightful balance of tart cranberries, subtle citrus, and a hint of vanilla. The coconut lends a wonderfully chewy texture rather than a strong flavor, making these cookies a crowd-pleaser—even for...Read More

Bright and tangy with a touch of sweetness, these rhubarb bars are the perfect way to showcase spring’s favorite stalk. With a buttery lemon-scented crust and a light, meringue-like topping, they’re as pretty as they are delicious—and simple enough for any weeknight treat. INGREDIENTS: Crust 1 1/2 cups all-purpose 3/4 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/4 teaspoon...Read More

Somewhere between a rich brownie and a tender spice cake, these frosted zucchini bars are pure comfort. Warmly spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg, they’re moist from the zucchini (you’ll hardly know it’s there!) and finished with a glossy brown sugar frosting that sets into a soft, fudgy layer. Perfect for late summer when zucchini is...Read More

  Rich, fudgy, and delightfully chewy, these gluten-free chocolate coconut cookies are proof that simple ingredients can create irresistible treats. Whipped egg whites give them a light, crackly shell while the combination of deep cocoa and toasted coconut delivers an indulgent bite with just the right amount of sweetness. Perfect for chocolate lovers and coconut...Read More

These Buttery Apricot Crumble Bars are a sunny twist on classic shortbread—perfect for summer gatherings, picnics, or an afternoon treat with tea. Dried sweet-tart apricots are slowly simmered into a fragrant filling, then layered between buttery shortbread and finished with a golden crumble topping. The result is a bar that’s rich yet refreshing, with a...Read More

Bright, fragrant, and just a little unexpected, these Lemon Rosemary Blondies are a delightful twist on a classic dessert bar. Chef Hannah Cook created this recipe for our From Market to Table Chef Series at the Aptos Farmers Market, where she showcased how simple farmers market ingredients can be transformed into something elegant and memorable....Read More

Be sure to use the flavorful dried Blenheim apricots from the farmers’ markets. INGREDIENTS: Shortbread Crust: 3/4 cup unsalted butter, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 1/2 teaspoon vanilla bean paste* 2 cups all-purpose flour Pinch salt Apricot Filling: 3 cups dried apricots 3 cups water 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup almond flavored liqueur Pinch...Read More