Pâte brisée is the foundation of countless French savory tarts and quiches — a simple, buttery shortcrust that bakes up perfectly tender and flaky every time. Its delicate texture and rich flavor come from the balance of cold butter and a touch of shortening, which makes the dough both easy to handle and beautifully crisp...Read More

Few desserts capture the spirit of the season quite like apple pie — and this one truly lives up to its name. The Ultimate Apple Pie, shared by Catherine Barr, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets, has become a local legend. Catherine has taken home more blue ribbons from the county fair...Read More

These Old-Fashioned Apricot Hand Pies are the very definition of homespun comfort — crisp, flaky pastry wrapped around a golden, jammy fruit filling. Made with dried apricots simmered in sugar and butter until rich and fragrant, they’re perfect for summer picnics, bake sales, or afternoon tea. Easy to pack, easy to share, and impossible to...Read More

Nothing says summer like a warm slice of homemade cherry pie. With a buttery, flaky crust and a filling that bursts with sweet-tart cherries and a hint of almond, this classic dessert is a celebration of cherry season. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for...Read More

This charming Vintage Dried Apricot Pie comes from the late Elsie Rossi of B & R Farms in Hollister, California, where the Rossi family has grown and dried Blenheim apricots for generations. Elsie’s recipe reflects the warmth of farmhouse kitchens and the flavor of perfectly sun-ripened apricots—a treasured taste of California’s orchard heritage. Sweet, tangy,...Read More

It was impossible to decide whether to buy nectarines or peaches at the Farmers Market several weeks ago, as both were so incredibly sweet, juicy, and flavorful. So I bought some of each, and made a fabulous pie with them! Nectarines have a little more natural acidity than peaches, whereas ripe peaches are full-on sweet....Read More

This Rhubarb Custard Pie is a classic example of the humble yet unforgettable desserts found throughout the rural South — simple, pure, and deeply comforting. Tender rhubarb brings its signature tang, perfectly balanced by a silky, lightly sweetened custard that bakes up golden and fragrant inside a flaky, homemade crust. The result is a pie...Read More

This treasured Shelly Family Rhubarb Pie comes from the family of Catherine Barr, Executive Director of the Monterey Bay Certified Farmers Markets. Passed down through generations, it’s a recipe that captures the warmth and nostalgia of home baking — a perfect balance of tart, juicy rhubarb wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. The filling is...Read More

This German Apple Cream Pie with Streusel is the perfect blend of crisp apples, creamy filling, and buttery crumble topping. A tender cinnamon-scented crust holds layers of tart McIntosh apples nestled in a rich sour cream custard, all crowned with a crunchy walnut streusel. Warm, comforting, and delicious for any occasion, this pie captures the...Read More

This classic apple streusel pie combines the comforting flavors of tart apples, currants, warm spices, and a buttery crumble topping in one irresistible dessert. Layers of tender, spiced apples bake beneath a golden brown streusel, while a delicate lemon glaze adds a bright finishing touch. The mix of textures — flaky crust, soft fruit, and...Read More