Vibrant, aromatic, and impossibly fresh, this cilantro oil is a simple way to elevate everyday dishes. Drizzle it over grilled fish or roasted chicken, swirl it into a deconstructed salsa, or use it to turn sautéed summer squash into something restaurant-worthy. The bright green color and herbaceous flavor capture the essence of summer—but because it’s...Read More

Golden, buttery, and irresistibly crisp, these Toffee Walnuts are a treat that disappears fast. A glossy caramel coating turns simple walnuts into a gourmet snack—sweet, crunchy, and just a little bit addictive. Sprinkle them over green salads with roasted pears and gorgonzola, serve them alongside after-dinner drinks, or package them up as homemade gifts during...Read More

This bold, emerald-green sauce comes straight from the flavor playbook of India Joze, the legendary Santa Cruz restaurant known for its inventive Southeast Asian fusion dishes. Adapted from a recipe used in the original kitchen decades ago, this Cilantro Chile Sauté Sauce is bright, spicy, and wonderfully versatile. It comes together in minutes and keeps...Read More

This versatile Fava Bean Sauce is one of those quietly elegant recipes that transforms humble ingredients into something special. Whether made with mature, starchy favas for a deeper, earthier flavor or young beans for a bright, spring-green freshness, it’s a beautiful complement to pan-roasted salmon, halibut, or grilled vegetables. Smooth and velvety when puréed, it...Read More

There are many different methods for making basil infused oil, but I find this one works really well. It produces a deeply colored and flavored oil that will last in the refrigerator for 3-5 days before the flavor begins to drop off. It can be frozen for a month or two without much loss of...Read More

Fragrant and versatile, this Dill Compound Butter adds instant elegance and flavor to countless dishes. Perfect for spreading on sandwiches or crackers with smoked salmon, it also transforms grilled seafood, roasted chicken, or steamed vegetables into something special. Slip thin slices under chicken skin before roasting for a moist, herb-perfumed bird, or whisk a few...Read More

As a beloved regular at the Aptos Farmers Market, Nadine Frush is often seen filling her basket with produce from her favorite local farmers. She grew up learning to cook from her French mother, who instilled in her a deep love for simple, flavorful food made from fresh ingredients. One of Nadine’s kitchen staples is...Read More

This simple yet deeply flavorful Corn Stock turns what’s usually discarded—the cobs—into a golden, aromatic base that enhances countless dishes. Lightly sweet and delicately herbal, it’s the perfect foundation for corn chowders, succotash, and sauces. You can even reduce it to a syrupy glaze to drizzle over grilled halibut or roasted chicken. Once you’ve tasted...Read More

This luxurious Saffron Corn Sauce combines the natural sweetness of fresh corn with the delicate aroma of saffron and a touch of brandy. The result is a golden, velvety sauce that’s both elegant and deeply flavorful — perfect for seafood, chicken, or pasta. Though straining gives it a silky restaurant-quality texture, a rustic unstrained version...Read More

This savory tomato jam isn’t a true preserve, but a versatile condiment made from sweet peppers, tomatoes, onions, and herbs slowly cooked down until rich and jammy. It’s perfect as a topping for grilled meats, a spread for sandwiches, or a flavorful companion to cheeses and crusty bread. A touch of vinegar balances the sweetness,...Read More