This quick-pickled shallot recipe is an easy way to make a condiment with big impact. The sharp-sweet flavor and crisp texture pair well with a wide range of dishes. Use the same method with small purple onions to garnish steaks and hot dogs, or enjoy the shallots with smoked salmon and cream cheese crackers for...Read More

Tart-sweet and full of character, this Ground Cherry Relish makes a delicious twist on the traditional cranberry relish served at Thanksgiving. Ground cherries, also known as husk cherries or cape gooseberries, have a golden hue and a naturally sweet, slightly tropical flavor that pairs beautifully with roasted meats. In Northern California, these little fruits are...Read More

In Italian, agro means sour and dolce means sweet — the perfect description for these sweet-and-sour cipollini onions. Beloved for their tangy, complex flavor, they often appear at the table as an elegant antipasto, paired with rustic cheeses, tossed into salads, or tucked inside a roasting chicken to infuse it with rich, caramelized notes. Their...Read More

When I call this “Italian style,” I mean it. I first heard this recipe while waiting in line at the Aptos Farmers Market, listening to two elderly Italian women chatting in a lively blend of English and Italian. Their conversation sounded so delicious I finally asked them to share the recipe. They laughed, called me...Read More

Bright, nutty, and fragrant, this pesto takes a delicious twist on the classic by using locally grown California pistachios instead of imported pine nuts. The pistachios add a naturally rich, buttery flavor and a hint of sweetness that balances beautifully with fresh basil, cilantro, and lemon zest. It’s versatile enough to enjoy in countless ways:...Read More

Bright and aromatic, this blackberry-thyme mignonette is a lively twist on the classic oyster accompaniment. The natural sweetness of blackberry vinegar softens the briny punch of oysters like Kumamotos or Malpeques, while fresh thyme and shallots add depth and balance. It’s equally delicious drizzled over gravlax or used as the base for a vinaigrette—just whisk...Read More

This savory zucchini “jam” is a rustic Mediterranean-style spread or side dish that captures the sweetness of summer squash, tomatoes, and basil. Slowly cooked until soft and jammy, it’s delicious warm with grilled fish or chicken, or cooled and spread on crostini, tucked into sandwiches, or served alongside cheese and charcuterie. INGREDIENTS: 1 rib of...Read More

Use this fresh cilantro pesto on grilled chicken, or add to a chicken salad made with grilled chicken for a big flavor boost! Stir pesto into a little mayo and use as a sandwich spread. INGREDIENTS: 2 cups fresh cilantro leaves 3/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted 6 cloves garlic...Read More

Light, crisp, and delicately sweet, this homemade Japanese-style pickled ginger—known as gari—is the perfect palate cleanser. Traditionally served alongside sushi, it balances flavors between bites, but it’s also wonderful with grilled fish, rice bowls, or even tucked into sandwiches for a bright, tangy kick. Making it at home ensures fresher flavor and just the right...Read More

Green Garlic Jam is a savory-sweet condiment that captures the fleeting freshness of young garlic. Slowly cooked with onion, thyme, and a splash of wine, the alliums transform into a golden, jammy spread that’s mellow, complex, and slightly sweet with just enough bite. It’s versatile enough to serve on toast, swirl into pasta sauces, or...Read More