This cake was inspired by Depression-era cakes that made do with water and oil instead of eggs and butter. It uses sparkling water to give it a little extra lift…
Red Cabbage Salad with Citrus Dressing
It is the easiest thing to slice up some red cabbage for a quick salad or slaw. I created this particular version to make use of the oranges or tangerines…
Spiced Plum Jam
The flavors of autumn shine in this jam. Many plum varieties are available from May to December. If you had a big harvest of plums earlier in the summer and…
Roasted Delicata Squash
Delicata squash starts hitting the markets in late summer and continues on through fall. I love the flavor of this squash when it’s roasted. It needs nothing more than olive…
Chickpea Breakfast Bowl
Msabaha, often described as the rustic cousin of hummus, is often eaten for breakfast in Lebanon. This is my take on the dish, topped with a soft-cooked egg, and I…
Peach Gazpacho
I’ve had a love affair with gazpacho ever since I went to Spain a few decades ago. It was the first meal that I had in Barcelona that started off…
Strawberry Salad
Strawberries don’t have to be relegated to desserts and smoothies.
Rhubarb Bread Pudding
Try this deliciously updated Rhubarb Bread Pudding with candied ginger—an easy twist on a WWII-era classic from The Joy of Cooking.
White Wine Risotto with Cherry Tomatoes
This white wine risotto with cherry tomatoes is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for summer. With fresh herbs, Parmesan, and a touch of Sauvignon Blanc, it’s a simple yet elegant meal.
Chardonnay Shallot Sauce
This tangy Chardonnay Shallot Sauce is an easy, flavorful addition to grilled seafood, chicken, or vegetables. Made with local Santa Barbara Chardonnay, it pairs perfectly with fresh shallots for a light yet rich pan sauce.
Red Oak Smoke Rising
Santa Maria-style barbecue is not just about the meat; it’s a celebration of community, hospitality, and the unique flavors imparted by red oak smoke. From tri-tip sandwiches to grilled linguica sausage, this cherished local tradition brings friends and family together to savor summer.
Pasta with Chickpeas and Artichokes
Despite the bounty of the farmers markets, farm stands and gourmet grocery stores, there are times when you look in the refrigerator and think to yourself that there is nothing…