INGREDIENTS: 2 ounces butter (1/2 stick) 2 tablespoons brown sugar 2 teaspoons pure vanilla 1 teaspoon cinnamon 6 to 8 large bananas, sliced 6 ounces light rum 4 ounces banana liqueur 1/2 cup pecans, toasted lightly and chopped 3/4 cup water or milk, if you’d like a richer sauce Whipping cream 2 ounces chocolate syrup,...Read More

Don’t be intimidated about making crêpes — they are as easy as making pancakes! Be sure to watch the Joy of Baking crêpe video first. Crêpes can be filled with sweet or savory fillings — the possibilities are almost endless. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/8 teaspoon salt 2 tablespoons granulated white sugar* 2 large...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups quick-cooking oats 1 1/2 cups sugar, divided 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 3/4 cup cold butter 2 cups fresh (or frozen) blueberries 2 tablespoons cornstarch 2 tablespoons lemon juice METHOD: Grease an oblong baking pan (13 x 9 x 2-inches) with nonstick spray (e.g., Pam) or butter...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 4 cups all-purpose flour 1 pound butter, room temperature (use a good flavored butter like Kerrygold or Plugra) 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla METHOD: In a large mixing bowl, mix flour and butter together until creamy. Add sugar and mix until the dough is creamy and smooth. Add vanilla and blend until the...Read More

This homey cobbler would be right at home at the next family reunion or potluck. Leftover scraps of pie dough are baked in the filling like dumplings. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.   INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh strawberries, halved 1 lb. fresh rhubarb (or frozen), cut into cubes 2 cups sugar 3...Read More

Compotes are delicious served spooned over pound cake or a scoop of ice cream for a light dessert. Use as a topping for creamy oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup dried apricots 1 cup dried plums (or prunes, pitted) 1 cup golden raisins 1/2 cup sugar 1 strip of lemon peel 2 whole...Read More

These flavorful bars are a soft “power bar” with added crunchiness from nuts and seeds. INGREDIENTS: 1 cup whole raw almonds with skins 1/2 cup dried apricots 1/2 cup Medjool dates, pitted 1/2 cup prunes, pitted 1/4 cup orange juice 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon chia seed 1/4 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds) 1/4 cup...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 cup Medjool dates, chopped and pitted 2/3 cup almond butter (available from Minazzoli Farm or Stackhouse Bros.) 1 tablespoon maple or agave syrup Water 1/8 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup sunflower seeds 1/4 cup pepitas (raw pumpkin seeds) 1 tablespoon chia seeds 2 tablespoons flax seeds 2/3 cup chopped nuts (almonds, walnuts, pistachios all...Read More

You can use chicken eggs in this recipe, but duck egg yolks add amazing richness to ice cream! You can find them at Mora Family Farms at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College on a regular basis. INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups whipping cream 1 1/2 cups half and half 6 large egg yolks (use...Read More

A luscious lemony cake perfect for the early months of spring! No need to be a cake decorator for this cake — just lightly spread the creamy icing on top of the layers and chill. INGREDIENTS: For the Cake: 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt Juice AND zest of 1...Read More