Delicately sweet and buttery, Caramelized Tokyo Turnips are a simple yet elegant way to highlight this tender Japanese variety of spring turnip. Unlike their larger cousins, Tokyo turnips are mild, crisp, and slightly nutty when raw—but they transform into golden, candy-like morsels when gently caramelized. This quick side dish pairs beautifully with roast chicken, braised...Read More

This quick and flavorful Stir-Fried Green Beans with Hoisin and Ginger brings together the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy. Hoisin sauce—often called the “Asian ketchup” for its versatility—is rich and slightly smoky, while fresh ginger adds a bright, spicy lift. Together, they turn simple green beans into an irresistible side dish that pairs...Read More

This elegant yet homey dish is a gentle riff on the French classic petits pois à la française — sweet green peas slowly braised with scallions and delicate butter lettuce. Though lettuce may seem unusual in a warm dish, its subtle sweetness and silken texture melt beautifully into the peas, creating a light, buttery sauce....Read More

Who would have thought that the humble dandelion — the same plant we try so hard to remove from our lawns — would rank among the USDA’s top four most nutritious greens? These wild, earthy leaves are packed with vitamins and minerals and make a deliciously bold side dish when quickly sautéed with garlic, onions,...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 vibrant summer dish highlights the tiny, tender “baby” squash found at the Borba Family Farms booth at the Aptos Farmers Market — miniature pattypans and zucchinis bursting with flavor and texture. Despite their delicate size, these squash are firm and slightly bitter, which makes them perfect for high-heat caramelization and pairing with bold flavors....Read More

This vibrant Provençal-style dish brings together tender summer squash, ripe tomatoes, and briny oil-cured olives for a comforting yet elegant side. Inspired by the markets of southern France, it layers flavors of herbs, garlic, and olive oil with the rich, winy sweetness of semi-dry cured olives. Serve it warm as a side to grilled meats...Read More

This Sautéed Rapini with Olives, Lemon and Garlic is a vibrant, rustic side dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking — bold, simple, and deeply flavorful. Bitter rapini (also known as broccoli rabe) is balanced beautifully by briny oil-cured olives, sweet caramelized onions, and bright lemon zest. Finished with a splash of white wine...Read More

Forget everything you know about creamed corn from a can—this version is vibrant, silky, and full of the pure sweetness of summer corn. Gently sautéed with onions, shallots, and red bell pepper, then finished with a splash of brandy, white wine, and a touch of cream, this dish is bright and layered rather than heavy....Read More

Garlic fries seem to be everywhere these days—some unforgettable, others regrettable. The key, I’ve learned, is balance: plenty of garlic flavor without letting it burn or overpower. After several failed attempts, I discovered the secret to perfect oven fries—a touch of sugar. Deep-frying naturally caramelizes potato sugars, but baking doesn’t, so a pinch of sugar...Read More