“This is one of my family’s favorite brunch dishes,” shares Catherine Barr — and it’s easy to see why. This hearty, crowd-pleasing casserole combines tender broccoli and cauliflower with two kinds of melted cheese, golden breadcrumbs, and a touch of onion for savory depth. Baked until bubbly and crisp on top, it’s simple to prepare...Read More

This savory bread pudding is a celebration of spring—tender asparagus, earthy mushrooms, and creamy Brie baked together into a golden, custardy dish. It’s rich yet balanced, luxurious yet rustic. Perfect as a centerpiece for brunch, a spring luncheon, or a light supper paired with a crisp salad, this comforting dish transforms simple ingredients into something...Read More

This rustic yet elegant frittata combines the sweetness of caramelized onions, the earthiness of tender potatoes, and the bold, creamy flavor of Gorgonzola cheese. It’s simple enough for a cozy weekend brunch yet refined enough to serve for a light dinner with a crisp salad and a glass of wine. The thyme adds a fragrant...Read More

These Balsamic Roasted Portobello Mushrooms are rich, meaty, and deeply flavorful—an easy and elegant dish that captures the earthy essence of this versatile ingredient. Marinated in a blend of balsamic vinegar, red wine, herbs, and garlic, then roasted until tender, the mushrooms develop a luxurious texture and savory depth that makes them perfect for everything...Read More

This rustic Alsatian Onion Cake, or Zwiebelkuchen, comes from the French-German border region of Alsace — a place celebrated for its vineyards, hearty country fare, and old-world hospitality. Traditionally served during the fall grape harvest, this savory tart features a buttery crust filled with sweet, slow-cooked onions, rich sour cream, and eggs, baked until golden...Read More

Chef Cheryl Simons’ ricotta gnocchi celebrates the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs and silky cheese in a dish that’s both comforting and elegant. Fragrant with parsley, cilantro, and basil, these delicate gnocchi are pan-finished until golden and tossed with a bright, lemony salsa verde that brings every bite to life. Perfect as a light first...Read More

Savory and aromatic, this rustic Greek Prassopita layers tender leeks, potatoes, and briny Kalamata olives between crisp sheets of golden phyllo. Fragrant dill and sharp kefalotyri (or Parmesan) add bright, salty depth, while the buttery, flaky crust brings everything together. Served warm or at room temperature, it’s a comforting yet elegant dish — perfect for...Read More

Delicate zucchini squash blossoms—light, floral, and fleeting—are one of summer’s most enchanting treasures. In this Italian-inspired recipe, the blossoms are gently filled with a creamy ricotta and mint mixture, lightly battered, and fried to golden perfection. Served with a simple, garlicky tomato sauce, these crisp pillows of flavor capture everything we love about seasonal cooking:...Read More

A creative twist on traditional lasagna, this Polenta Lasagne—inspired by the vegetarian kitchen at the University of California, Santa Cruz—layers creamy herbed polenta with savory tomato sauce, seasoned tofu, and garlicky sautéed spinach. The result is a deeply satisfying, plant-based main dish that’s hearty enough for everyone at the table. The soft, rich texture of...Read More

This simple and elegant dish turns tender summer zucchini into a vibrant vegetable “pasta” that captures the essence of the season. Using a mandolin or fixed-blade slicer, the squash is transformed into long, delicate strands that resemble spaghetti — then quickly sautéed with golden onions, garlic, and fresh herbs until tender and silky. A swirl...Read More