Canned chipotle peppers add a rich, smoky flavor to these black bean pocket sandwiches. INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon mayonnaise 3 tablespoons sour cream or plain yogurt 2 teaspoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce 1 16-ounce can black beans, rinsed 3/4 cup chopped red onion 3 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1...Read More

A classic vegetarian lasagna filling — ricotta, spinach, and Parmesan cheese — is used to fill meaty, roasted portobello mushroom caps. Use the large portobello caps; if only find smaller ones are available, buy one or two extra and divide the filling among all the caps. Serve with a fresh green salad and a whole-wheat...Read More

A riff on the Egyptian classic Ful Medames, a highly seasoned fava bean mash, this version is made with easier-to-find edamame. Edamame (fresh green soybeans) has been shown to lower LDL cholesterol. They can be found shelled in the freezer section of well-stocked supermarkets. This stew is great served with couscous, bulgur, or warm whole-wheat...Read More

Nutrient-dense winter root vegetables feature in this Indian-inspired stew. Slow cooking extracts the flavors of the vegetables that combine with evocative far-east spices and the rich, buttery mixture of cashews and tahini to create an exotic dish. Serve with brown basmati rice, fragrant jasmine rice, couscous, millet, or quinoa. INGREDIENTS: 2 tablespoons mustard oil* or...Read More

This is an easy, authentic Indian curry full of bright, exotic flavors, and the perfect warm dish for a cool winter evening! INGREDIENTS: 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons ground turmeric 1 teaspoon chili powder 1 teaspoon garam masala 1 teaspoon ground coriander 1/2 large head of cauliflower 3 potatoes 3 tablespoons oil or ghee...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 pound bucatini pasta* (thick, hollow spaghetti) Salt 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1 pound bulk sweet Italian sausage 4 cloves garlic, very thinly sliced 1 bulb fennel, trimmed, quartered and core cut away, very thinly sliced 1 small yellow onion, very thinly sliced 2 cubanelle peppers, seeded and very thinly sliced** Salt...Read More

This is a delicious and spicy stir-fry redolent with garlic and fresh basil. You’ll find Thai basil at KT Farms at the Aptos Farmers Market at Cabrillo College. Serve it with steamed jasmine rice and sweet-hot Thai chile sauce. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. kabocha pumpkin 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 10 cloves garlic, crushed 2 tablespoons crushed...Read More

Here is a classic preparation for abalone — the key to preparation is to not overcook the abalone. Prepare the buerre blanc sauce first, and then quickly sauté the abalone. INGREDIENTS: Buerre Blanc 2 large shallots, finely chopped 2 tablespoons white wine vinegar 3 tablespoons dry white wine 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 cup butter,...Read More

Abalone is a large mollusk that is as delicious as it is tough. If you’re not buying pre-tenderized abalone, you’ll have to do the “tenderizing” yourself. Start by trimming away the dark, curly edges, which tend to stay tough. Then, slice it into thin 1/4-inch slices. Place a piece of plastic wrap or parchment paper...Read More

This recipe was featured in the annual “Taste of the Valley” event in Salinas, California. INGREDIENTS: Noodles: 8 ounces rice noodles (cover in boiling water and let stand covered for 45 minutes. Drain noodles and set aside). 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon ginger, fresh and finely grated...Read More