This one-pot ratatouille recipe is a classic late summer vegetable ragout popular in Provence, France. Tomato, eggplant, zucchini, and bell peppers are simmered with aromatics until softened and cooked until juices become jammy. Serve with a loaf of crusty bread and a hearty glass of red wine. INGREDIENTS: 1 small onion, diced 1 bell pepper,...Read More

Chef Owen Snyder, fondly known as “Papa O” to many of us, shared his famous Eggplant Parmesan recipe that he served at his restaurant. This dish is full of the flavors and colors of late summer — it can be made as a lighter-style dish or as a richer, cheesier version with the additional cheese....Read More

If you haven’t discovered the spectacular, intense flavor of organically grown, dry-farmed tomatoes, now is the time to give them a try! These tomatoes are a late summer favorite and available at the Aptos Farmers Market from mid-August until late fall. The buttery herb-flavored crust of this tart is the perfect foil for the melted...Read More

This vegetarian ragu needs no meat with its rich flavor and texture! It’s delicious served on creamy polenta or can be stirred into cooked pasta. INGREDIENTS: 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more as needed 1 large yellow onion, diced 1 celery stalk, finely diced 2 carrots, peeled and finely diced 3 garlic cloves, finely...Read More

INGREDIENTS: 9-inch pastry pie shell, par-baked 4 tablespoons butter 1 cup leeks, thinly sliced 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms (mixed varieties, okay), chopped 1 cup (about 1/4 lb.) Swiss cheese, shredded 1 1/2 cups half and half 4 eggs, beaten 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon white pepper METHOD: Preheat oven to 350°. In a large sauté...Read More

A simple pastry dough envelops this delectable duo, pairing the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the subtle nutty flavor of walnuts. Serve these savory pastries with a simple salad of baby greens tossed with a light balsamic vinaigrette for a light lunch or dinner or serve at your next tea party with a dollop of...Read More

These delectable blue cheese “cakes” puff up like light miniature soufflés while baking and settle back into the ramekin as they cool. Serve on a bed of lightly dressed baby greens with a generous dollop of the sweet, tangy onion pear relish for a light luncheon or as an appetizer. INGREDIENTS: 1 3/4 lb. cream...Read More

  INGREDIENTS: 3 cups bitter melon, finely sliced 2 medium red onions, halved and finely sliced 2 medium tomatoes, cut into small dice 3-4 green chilies, slit lengthwise 15 curry leaves, torn 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons tamarind paste, or to taste (Priya tamarind paste is good) 3 3/4 cups water, divided 2 1/2 teaspoons...Read More

This recipe was adapted from one of my all-time favorite cookbooks, The Flavor of California: Fresh Vegetarian Cuisine from the Golden State, by Marlena Spieler. Don’t be shocked by the amount of garlic — the garlic cloves will soften and become very sweet and mellow after simmering. Serve individual tarts on a bed of lightly...Read More

Serve this spicy curry with warm naan, pita bread, or fragrant jasmine rice. INGREDIENTS: 1 large eggplant 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1 teaspoon cumin seeds 1 medium onion, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon ginger garlic paste (available at Indian markets) 2 teaspoons garam masala (or more to taste) 1 tomato, diced 1/2 cup plain yogurt 1...Read More