Sweet, smoky, and just the right amount of spicy, this irresistible bacon is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Coated with brown sugar and cayenne, the strips bake into crisp, caramelized perfection—like breakfast candy with a little kick. It’s an easy way to elevate the usual brunch fare, and it’s equally delicious served alongside pancakes, crumbled over salads,...Read More

Kumquats — small, oval citrus jewels — are treasured for their surprising contrast of flavors: the sweet, fragrant rind and the tart, tangy pulp inside. Native to China, their Cantonese name kin ku translates to “golden orange,” a fitting description for this bright, sunshiny fruit. This recipe celebrates kumquats two ways: as a fragrant homemade...Read More

This quick and flavorful Easy Shortcut Aioli delivers all the zesty, garlicky goodness of traditional aioli without the fuss of emulsifying raw eggs and oil. With just a few pantry ingredients — mayonnaise, fresh lemon juice, and minced garlic — you can whip up a creamy, tangy sauce in minutes. It’s the perfect companion for...Read More

This fragrant basil syrup was originally developed for crafting sophisticated “adult” sodas, but its uses go far beyond beverages. Drizzle it over a strawberry-and-mozzarella salad, mix it into cocktails, or whisk it into a light vinaigrette for a touch of herbal sweetness. The subtle infusion of basil — with optional fennel and anise to deepen...Read More

This deeply flavored sauce captures the sweet-tart essence of ripe blueberries balanced by the warmth of shallots, brandy, and fresh thyme. Unlike sugary fruit glazes, it’s a sophisticated, savory complement to roasted or grilled meats—especially duck, pork tenderloin, or game. A splash of cognac and balsamic vinegar rounds out the sauce, giving it a glossy...Read More

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