This Tuscan Marinara Sauce, known in Italy as Pomarola Toscana, is a rustic tomato sauce that celebrates the pure, sun-ripened sweetness of summer tomatoes. Made with a medley of fresh herbs, vegetables, and olive oil, it’s slow-simmered to coax out depth and richness while preserving the vibrant freshness of the fruit. Perfect for tossing with...Read More

In Mexico, squash blossoms—known as flores de calabaza—are a beloved seasonal ingredient, often folded into soups, tamales, and quesadillas. Their subtle sweetness and tender texture pair beautifully with creamy, melting cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. These Squash Blossom Quesadillas capture the essence of summer: earthy roasted poblano, fragrant epazote, and delicate...Read More

This Smoked Salmon Aurora Pasta is a beautifully simple yet elegant dish that turns a few pantry staples into something restaurant-worthy. The “Aurora” name comes from the rosy hue of the cream sauce, tinted gently with tomato paste and enriched by the smoky depth of salmon. It’s quick to make, lush in texture, and flexible...Read More

Indian cuisine has long been one of my favorites, yet good Indian restaurants can be hard to find in our area. When I came across A Tale of Two Tandooris by Monica Bhide, I knew I had to try her version—and it didn’t disappoint. This recipe is simple, vibrant, and full of flavor. Just be...Read More

This elegant dish captures the taste of late summer on a single plate—fresh halibut seared to golden perfection and served over a colorful medley of corn, peppers, potatoes, and tomatoes, all brought together by a luxurious saffron corn sauce. Sweet, savory, and aromatic, this dish balances coastal simplicity with fine-dining refinement. The crisp-tender vegetables and...Read More

Korean and Japanese cooks often top sliced tofu with a sautéed mushroom medley. The main differences are that Koreans panfry the tofu first, and they garnish the dish with yangnyumjang, a spicy sesame and soy sauce. The Japanese approach is to warm the tofu and then crown it with the hot mushrooms, which have a...Read More

This Mediterranean-style Calamari Salad is a celebration of fresh, clean flavors — tender squid tossed with lemon, olive oil, cumin, and a colorful mix of tomato, red onion, and cilantro. Light yet satisfying, it’s the kind of dish you’d find seaside on a warm afternoon, paired with chilled white wine and crusty bread. The gentle...Read More

This Calamari Linguine is true San Francisco Italian fisherman’s fare—simple, rustic, and full of coastal flavor. Fresh squid, tender and sweet, is gently simmered in a tomato and white wine sauce infused with garlic, red pepper, and parsley. The result is a dish that feels like a warm evening at Fisherman’s Wharf: unfussy, aromatic, and...Read More

This Persian-inspired lamb dish layers rich, aromatic flavors—succulent lamb seared to perfection, sweet-tart pomegranate syrup, and a cooling finish of fresh mint. The sauce, made with reduced cream and pomegranate, creates a luxurious glaze that coats each tender bite. Bright, bold, and beautifully balanced, it’s a quick yet impressive dish to serve over rice, pilaf,...Read More

Elegant and earthy, this Pan-Seared Sturgeon with Silky Carrot Sauce celebrates local, sustainably farmed sturgeon from the Sacramento River. The meaty, buttery texture of the fish pairs beautifully with a fragrant carrot sauce infused with warm spices or fresh thyme. The sauce’s natural sweetness and vivid color elevate the dish into something both simple and...Read More