Post in partnership with Pete and Gerry’s Organic Eggs When the temperature drops below 90 degrees here in the valley, I call that the start of fall. This creamy delicata squash pasta is my kick-off to the season (just don’t be surprised if more tomato
Seasonality Late Summer/Fall Quick Tips How to cook with limes I primarily keep limes on hand for the juice and zest, which add brightness to recipes that I feel have something missing. Key limes are good for desserts (obviously, the key lime pie). Occasionally I
Seasonality Fall Quick Tips How to cook grapes Grapes are best raw, roasted, sautéed, pickled, or made into jam (primarily the concord variety). I like to use sweeter varieties, like muscat, for sweeter desserts and sorbets. How to buy grapes Grapes do not ripen off
Seasonality Winter/Spring Quick Tips How to cook grapefruit Traditionally served raw or broiled, grapefruit can also be grilled or roasted as well. How to buy grapefruit Look for grapefruit that feels heavy relative to its size, gives slightly when pressed, and free of soft spots
Seasonality Summer/Early Fall Quick Tips How to cook cucumbers Nearly every time I cook with cucumbers, I use them raw or pickled. However, cucumbers can be roasted, braised, or sautéed – just don’t overcook them. Also, one of my favorite tips from Deborah Madison: if
Seasonality Year Round (w)Aug-Oct (c) Quick Tips Cooking RawRoastedSteamedSautéed/Stir Fried Buying Look for cauliflower that is uniform in color without brown spots. The florets should appear crisp and tight while the leaves around the cauliflower should look fresh, not limp. Storing Wrapped in plastic, cauliflower
Seasonality Fall/Winter Quick Tips Cooking Butternut squash is versatile and can be cooked whole or peeled and cubed. Try roasting or steam-roasting whole squash. Peeled and cubed squash is great for roasting, steaming, or sautéing. Buying Look for squash that’s firm to the touch with
Seasonality Summer Quick Tips Cooking Blueberries are excellent fresh. I also love adding them to warm oatmeal for breakfast. These fruits can also be made into jams, pies and baked goods. Buying If you can find a U-Pick operation, I highly recommend picking your own!
Seasonality Winter/Spring Quick Tips How to cook avocado Avocados can be grilled, fried, or baked but I almost always eat them raw. How to buy avocado Look for avocados that have no cuts or large dents on the outside. To tell if an avocado is
Seasonality Summer/Early Fall Quick Tips How to cook apricots Apricots are great fresh, roasted, sauteed, added to baked goods, and dried. I prefer to use cooked apricots as a topping for morning oatmeal or pancakes. How to buy apricots Look for apricots that are free