A creative twist on traditional lasagna, this Polenta Lasagne—inspired by the vegetarian kitchen at the University of California, Santa Cruz—layers creamy herbed polenta with savory tomato sauce, seasoned tofu, and garlicky sautéed spinach. The result is a deeply satisfying, plant-based main dish that’s hearty enough for everyone at the table. The soft, rich texture of...Read More
Bright, herbal, and just the right amount of spicy, this Cilantro-Jalapeño Mignonette is a lively twist on the classic vinegar-based oyster sauce. Fresh cilantro, green onions, and jalapeño add punch and aroma, while rice wine vinegar brings a clean, tangy finish that enhances—not overpowers—the briny sweetness of shellfish. It’s a perfect accompaniment for raw oysters,...Read More
Fragrant, tender, and deeply flavorful, this Lavender-Braised Chicken with Red Wine and Herbs transforms a rustic French cooking method into an aromatic, elegant dish. The chicken is first infused with cognac and lavender, then gently braised in red wine steeped with thyme, bay leaves, and toasted black peppercorns. The result is a beautifully balanced dish—earthy,...Read More
Planning a summer gathering? This Fragrant Yogurt Chicken for a Crowd is a perfect choice for feeding a large group with ease and flavor. Marinated in spiced Greek yogurt infused with garlic, lime, and warm Middle Eastern aromatics, the chicken turns out exceptionally tender, juicy, and deeply seasoned. Grill it just before serving and pair...Read More
Elegant yet effortless, this Wine-Poached Salmon with Cucumber Dressing is a perfect centerpiece for warm-weather entertaining. Gently poached in a fragrant bath of white wine, herbs, and citrus, the salmon stays tender and moist while absorbing delicate aromatics. Served chilled or at room temperature with a cool, creamy cucumber sauce, it’s an ideal dish for...Read More
This Grilled Herbed Lemon Chicken is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that celebrates the freshness of summer herbs and the brightness of citrus. Thin, tender chicken paillards are marinated in a fragrant blend of fresh mint, basil, oregano, rosemary, and other garden herbs, then grilled quickly to juicy perfection. The result is light yet flavorful—perfect for...Read More
Bright with lemon, fragrant with marjoram, and enriched by a velvety cream sauce, this dish brings together the best of Mediterranean flavors. The chicken breasts are lightly coated with Parmesan and herbs, sautéed until golden, and finished in the oven before being topped with a luscious white wine and lemon sauce. It’s a restaurant-worthy recipe...Read More
This light yet vibrant halibut dish celebrates the height of summer on the Monterey Bay. Fresh halibut is quickly seared and oven-finished, then paired with two complementary sauces — a spicy sambal vinaigrette for a lively kick and a cool, tangy wasabi cream for balance. Served on a bed of tender watercress or mâche and...Read More
“When it comes to preparing foods I find at the farmers market, I like to keep it simple and let the ingredients speak for themselves,” says Chef Jay Dolata. “The farmers put a lot of work into growing amazingly flavorful produce — I just let them do all the hard work. Throwing a meal together...Read More
This simple and elegant dish turns tender summer zucchini into a vibrant vegetable “pasta” that captures the essence of the season. Using a mandolin or fixed-blade slicer, the squash is transformed into long, delicate strands that resemble spaghetti — then quickly sautéed with golden onions, garlic, and fresh herbs until tender and silky. A swirl...Read More
