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Persimmon Cakelets

Persimmon cakelets

The Fruit of Winter

“In three months Charles got a colored postcard of the bay at Rio, and Adam had written on the back with a splottery pen, ‘It’s summer here when it’s winter there. Why don’t you come down?’”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

On a trip looking for locally grown apples and pears Athena and I stopped at Everett Family Farm farmstand in Soquel. We were both dazzled by the Hachiya persimmon orchard that we found. Hung like brightly colored jewels the irresistible persimmons were framed by festive jade green leaves. The glamorous trees must be mother nature’s inspiration for Christmas trees. The farmstand is a very special place with heirloom apples, persimmons, fresh berries, flowers, eggs and a wide variety of seasonal vegetables. READ MORE . . .

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Grapes

Roasted Brussels sprouts and grapes

A Trip to Chualar

“I thought we’d go for a little trip.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The fields of Brussels sprouts growing just south of Salinas in Chualar were splashed with giant drops of morning dew. Green, glinting of silver with crevasses of navy blue shadows, a forest of broad leaves hid the sprouts from view. Watching the morning fog climb over the tips of the Santa Lucia’s Athena and I were given a tour of Taylor Farms Brussels sprouts fields. When standing in the furrows, the tops of the Brussels sprouts plants reached our thighs. Sheltered by thick broad leaves the sprouts grow on the plants main stalk. The individual sprouts can not be seen until the dark green leaves are moved to reveal the central stem of the plant. The sprouts at the bottom of the plant mature first; necessitating several passes by the harvesting crews as the sprouts mature. The sample of Taylor Farms trimmed and washed Brussels sprouts I brought home was a pleasure to cook with. Fresh, bright green and with virtually no prep required I began my sprouts cooking adventure. Cooking with fresh Salinas Valley produce has never been easier! READ MORE . . .

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Croissants and Pumpkin Bread Pudding

Croissants

Baking as Therapy

“Lee sighed. He had worked so hard, so tenderly, and his work seemed to have succeeded.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Baking as therapy. I mistakenly thought the therapy was the indulgence. Rich, if just for that moment. The sweet buttery tenderness we crave. Each lush bite eases the unexpected sharp curves in the road we travel. The intoxication of satiety cushions the bumps on the long ride home. Instant gratification is a constant companion on any road trip. Are we there yet? When will we arrive? The drive is for results. The process of driving just gets us where we want to go. Baking gets us to the sweet spot where the traffic lights are all green. But the therapy is in the doing. Creating when the hands and mind connect and work in unison is when the frenzy of a busy mind disappears. This is the therapy. When restless, sad or filled with anxiety get busy. Just the act of starting will coax the mind to tag along for the sweet ride. READ MORE . . .