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

This traditional Italian pasta dish, known as Spaghetti Aglio e Olio, is a beautiful example of how just a few high-quality ingredients can create something extraordinary. The secret lies in the details: perfectly al dente pasta, fragrant garlic gently warmed in extra virgin olive oil, and a subtle heat from red chili flakes. Be sure...Read More

This Tuscan Marinara Sauce, known in Italy as Pomarola Toscana, is a rustic tomato sauce that celebrates the pure, sun-ripened sweetness of summer tomatoes. Made with a medley of fresh herbs, vegetables, and olive oil, it’s slow-simmered to coax out depth and richness while preserving the vibrant freshness of the fruit. Perfect for tossing with...Read More

In Mexico, squash blossoms—known as flores de calabaza—are a beloved seasonal ingredient, often folded into soups, tamales, and quesadillas. Their subtle sweetness and tender texture pair beautifully with creamy, melting cheese, creating a dish that’s both comforting and refined. These Squash Blossom Quesadillas capture the essence of summer: earthy roasted poblano, fragrant epazote, and delicate...Read More

Korean and Japanese cooks often top sliced tofu with a sautéed mushroom medley. The main differences are that Koreans panfry the tofu first, and they garnish the dish with yangnyumjang, a spicy sesame and soy sauce. The Japanese approach is to warm the tofu and then crown it with the hot mushrooms, which have a...Read More

A Mediterranean twist on the classic Caprese salad, these Eggplant Caprese Packets transform simple ingredients—eggplant, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and fragrant basil—into a warm, melty, and deeply satisfying dish. Lightly blanched eggplant slices wrap around the classic trio of tomato, mozzarella, and basil to form neat little parcels that are gently sautéed until golden and...Read More