Skip the can this holiday season and discover which pumpkins and winter squash make the best pies. Learn why fresh, locally grown squash delivers richer flavor, smoother texture, and a true taste of the season. From classic sugar pumpkins to heirloom varieties, find out which ones bake into the most delicious, velvety pumpkin pie filling.Read More

Master the secret to a perfect pie crust with these 10 expert tips for achieving a buttery, flaky, golden result every time. From using a mix of fats to keeping your ingredients ice-cold, this guide breaks down every step for success. Learn how to handle the dough gently, roll it with ease, and bake it...Read More

Cornbread is one of America’s most enduring comfort foods, tracing its humble roots back to the earliest colonial kitchens. When the first settlers arrived in North America, wheat flour was scarce, so they turned to the local grain that Indigenous peoples had cultivated for centuries — corn. Native Americans had long used ground corn for...Read More

A new market find from Borba Family Farms! Move over, black pepper—there’s a new spice in town! The Basque Chili Powder from Borba Family Farms adds a burst of color and gentle heat that transforms everyday cooking into something special. Hand-grown and carefully dried right here on the Central Coast, this small-batch seasoning is inspired...Read More

Learn how to make rich, flavorful stock from scratch—the secret to soups, sauces, and gravies with real depth. Whether you’re simmering chicken, beef, or vegetable stock, this guide shows how to use bones, trimmings, and roasted vegetables to create a nutrient-packed base full of natural flavor. Discover simple techniques for roasting, simmering, and storing homemade...Read More

Jujubes (pronounced joo-joob) may not be the most familiar fruit at the farmers market, but these small stone fruits have been treasured in Asia for thousands of years. Sometimes called “red dates” or “Chinese dates,” jujubes are prized for their versatility and rich nutritional value. Fresh jujubes are an excellent source of vitamin C and...Read More

It wouldn’t be fall without the arrival of winter squash! With their vibrant colors, varied shapes, and naturally sweet, earthy flavors, winter squash varieties are a hallmark of the autumn harvest on the Central Coast. From creamy butternut to nutty kabocha, hearty acorn to richly flavored delicata, local farmers bring a wide array of squash...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

Okra, scientifically known as Abelmoschus esculentus, is a remarkable vegetable celebrated for its unique flavor, nutritional value, and endless culinary possibilities. Often called “lady’s finger” for its slender shape and tender texture, okra has been a staple in cuisines around the world for centuries. These vibrant green pods, usually between three and seven inches long,...Read More

If you’ve wandered through our farmers markets and spotted little papery lanterns piled in baskets, you may have stumbled upon one of California’s most delightful late-summer gems: husk cherries, also known as ground cherries. Though not widely known, these small fruits are worth seeking out for their unique flavor, versatility in the kitchen, and charming...Read More