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

This Walnut Trail Mix is a wholesome, energy-boosting snack that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying. Crunchy walnuts pair perfectly with chewy dried fruit, sweet banana chips, and a touch of chocolate or carob for balance. Pack it into small bags for quick-grab snacks, lunch boxes, or hiking trips — it’s a versatile...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

A French butter crust (or pâte brisée) is the secret to a pie that tastes as good as it looks. Made with plenty of cold butter, this dough bakes up tender, flaky, and full of rich flavor. Unlike some pie doughs, it’s easy to roll out and forgiving to handle, making it ideal for fruit...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

I was a latecomer to the galette. Not quite a pie, and not quite a tart, this open-face pastry is made from a simple crust, a layer of fruit, and edges folded roughly around the filling. As a classically trained pastry chef, it didn’t initially appeal to me. I’m convinced most pastry chefs (and chocolatiers,...Read More

An apple galette is the perfect balance of rustic charm and indulgence. Unlike a traditional pie loaded with extra sugar and thick layers of filling, a galette is lighter, thinner, and beautifully simple. Each slice is just the right portion—no heavier than a slice of pizza—yet it delivers all the buttery, flaky pastry and sweet,...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