What is green garlic? Green garlic shoots are the immature garlic “thinnings” from garlic plantings that farmers begin to remove in March and are plentiful at the farmers’ market through most of the spring. Green garlic resembles an overgrown scallion or green onion. Stir Green Garlic Pesto into hot pasta (linguine works great for this...Read More

Here’s a great dish for using the fresh whole wheat pasta available from Pensi Pasta! This makes a great vegetarian main course or you can add some grilled shrimp or leftover grilled steak for a heartier meal. INGREDIENTS: 1 pound whole-wheat spaghetti 1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce 2 tablespoons sesame oil 2 tablespoons canola oil...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 12 ounces ziti pasta, cooked according to directions 1 small yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 garlic cloves, minced 1 1/2 pounds grass fed, lean ground beef 2 (15-oz.) cans tomato sauce 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice 1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano 1 teaspoon sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 1/2 teaspoons...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1/2 oz. dried porcini mushrooms 3 tablespoons butter 1 small onion, chopped 1 lb. white button mushrooms, sliced in half 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped (don’t substitute dry) Salt and freshly ground pepper 1 lb. fresh linguine pasta 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese METHOD: Soak porcini mushrooms in 3/4 cup warm water for...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh capelli pasta, cooked 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 lb. fresh tuna, cut into 1/2 inch chunks 1 medium onion, chopped 2 cloves garlic, crushed 1 large can (14 oz. can or more) Italian plum tomatoes, drained (reserve juice), and chopped 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/4...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 1 tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 2 tablespoons parsley, minced 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1/3 cup shallots, minced 3/4 cup tomato, chopped 2 tablespoons country-style Dijon mustard 1/4 teaspoon pepper 2 cups broccoli florets 2 cups cauliflower florets 8 ounces fresh linguine pasta 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated METHOD: Heal olive...Read More

This mouthwatering version of macaroni and cheese is from one of our farmers market vendors, Evette Lecce, owner of Pensi Pasta Company. You can find her fresh pasta at the Aptos, Monterey and Carmel markets including a selection of gluten-free varieties. INGREDIENTS: 1 lb. fresh Pensi Pasta macaroni 1/4 cup butter 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour...Read More

Although gnocchi is classically Italian, the French created their own version of ethereally light “angel pillows.” Here’s the French version of gnocchi Parisienne from legendary chef Jacques Pepin. Bon appetite! INGREDIENTS: 1 cup water 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons 1 cup all-purpose flour 3 large...Read More

One of the highlights of our farmers market is our local pasta maker, Evette Lecci, who owns Pensi Pasta Factory. Each week, her table is laden with fresh pastas of all shapes, colors and flavors as well as sublime ready-to-go sauces. Evette also makes suggestions for fresh vegetables that can be used for the various...Read More

While most are familiar with basil pesto, parsley makes a fresh-tasting condiment too! Parsley is one of the most popular herbs used in cooking or garnishing. Parsley comes in two varieties — flat leaf (also called Italian parsley) or curly leaf. Parsley is high in vitamin K and has anti-inflammatory properties. Toss parsley pesto with...Read More