This rustic Mediterranean tart is layered with flavor and beautiful to serve. A flaky olive oil crust holds a savory filling of sautéed eggplant, onions, and garlic, topped with a rich cream cheese and feta custard. Fresh zucchini and tomatoes are arranged in colorful rows over the top, accented with briny Kalamata olives and a...Read More

Eggplant curry is a comforting, aromatic dish that transforms simple ingredients into something deeply satisfying. Tender roasted eggplant soaks up warm spices and a tangy, yogurt-based sauce, becoming silky and flavorful with every bite. Infused with cumin, garam masala, garlic, and ginger, this dish is hearty enough to stand on its own yet versatile enough...Read More

Bitter melon is an acquired taste, but when cooked with aromatic spices, tangy tamarind, and fiery chilies, it transforms into a delicious and memorable curry. Popular in South Indian and Sri Lankan kitchens, this dish balances bitter, sour, and spicy flavors beautifully. Serve it hot with steamed basmati rice for a bold and comforting meal....Read More

Adapted from The Flavor of California: Fresh Vegetarian Cuisine from the Golden State by Marlena Spieler, these elegant tarts transform garlic into something unexpectedly delicate. Don’t be intimidated by the generous use of garlic — once simmered, the cloves turn mellow, sweet, and almost nutty. Served on their own or over a bed of lightly...Read More

Flaky, golden pastry meets a rich, earthy filling in these Walnut and Wild Mushroom Pastries. A medley of mushrooms paired with toasted walnuts and Parmesan creates a savory bite that feels both rustic and elegant. Perfect as a light lunch with a fresh salad, a starter for dinner parties, or even as part of an...Read More

A savory quiche is always a welcome dish—whether served warm from the oven for brunch, as a light lunch with salad, or sliced into wedges for a picnic. This version combines tender leeks and earthy mushrooms in a creamy custard, all nestled in a flaky pastry crust. It’s elegant yet comforting, and just as delicious...Read More

Hearty and deeply flavorful, this wild mushroom ragu proves you don’t need meat for a satisfying sauce. A mix of dried porcini and fresh mushrooms creates rich, earthy depth, while a splash of red wine and fresh rosemary add complexity. Ladle it generously over creamy polenta or toss it with wide ribbons of pasta like...Read More

Chef Owen Snyder, former chef-owner of Papa O’s in Capitola,  shared this beloved Eggplant Parmesan style lasagne, a signature dish from his restaurant. Bursting with the colors and flavors of late summer, it can be prepared as a lighter version showcasing the vegetables, or as a richer, heartier dish with layers of cheese. However you...Read More

A classic of French country cooking, ratatouille is a rustic vegetable ragout that celebrates the flavors of late summer. Originating in Provence, this beloved dish combines eggplant, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes with garlic, herbs, and wine. Slowly simmered until the vegetables soften and their juices turn rich and jammy, ratatouille is as comforting as...Read More

Nutty quinoa and roasted chestnuts form the hearty base of this jewel-toned salad, while bright citrus, peppery arugula, and bursts of pomegranate seeds add layers of freshness and flavor. The result is a dish that’s light yet satisfying, colorful enough to brighten any winter table, and versatile enough to serve as a wholesome side or...Read More