Get out your candy thermometer and make a batch of these rich, buttery caramels for the holidays! Fleur de Sel (or ‘flower of salt‘) is known as the caviar of salt and is revered for its crunchy texture and flavor. You can find it online or at many of our local specialty grocers. INGREDIENTS: 1...Read More

This is a delicious pie that features apples, caramel, crumbly topping, and a thin, flaky crust, and is best made a day ahead which makes it ideal for the holidays. The easiest way to cut the caramels is with strong kitchen scissors, but you can also use a sharp knife. Drop the caramel pieces directly...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 deep dish 9-inch pie crust, unbaked 2 cups cooked, mashed pumpkin (see How to Make Fresh Pumpkin Purée) 1 1/2 cups evaporated milk 3 eggs 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg 1/4 teaspoon allspice 1/4 teaspoon cloves METHOD:...Read More

These memorable baked pears were served at a now-closed bed and breakfast called The Elms in Napa Valley. They were presented as the first course while we waited for the breakfast main dish to be served. The B & B owner was gracious enough to share this simple recipe with me. This is one of...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 1/2 cups ground cherries, husked and washed 12 tablespoons butter, divided 1 cup light brown sugar, packed 1/4 cup dark rum 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup milk 1 large egg METHOD: Preheat oven to 400°F. Remove the husk cherries from...Read More

Ukrainian apple squares are traditionally made around the holidays to make use of stored apples that have become too soft for eating. Since apples are available at the markets virtually year-round in the US, this European pastry can be made and enjoyed at any time. INGREDIENTS: 4-6 apples, peeled, cored, and diced 1/2 cup dates...Read More

This delicious pie baked by April Kofler won second place at the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market. INGREDIENTS: 1 (9-inch) pie shell 5 cups apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 2/3 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/4...Read More

This delicious pie baked by Chaise Lathrop of Prevedelli Farms won first place in the Junior Division of the 2010 Annual Harvest Fair Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market. INGREDIENTS: Crust 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/4 cups butter-flavored shortening 1 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons cold water 1 egg 1 teaspoon vinegar...Read More

This delicious pie baked by Eileen Poppleton was the first-place winner of the 2010 Annual Harvest Festival and Apple Pie Baking Contest at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. INGREDIENTS: 1 recipe for 9-inch double-crust pie 1/2 cup unsalted butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1/4 cup water 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup packed...Read More

INGREDIENTS: Crust: Use your favorite recipe Filling 1 1/4 cups sour cream 3/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons vanilla 1 egg 6 cups Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/4″ thick Topping 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup chopped walnuts 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1/4 cup packed...Read More