• Food

    Easy Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists

    These Cheesy Olive and Pesto Twists are little bundles, but carry big flavor. The golden crisp and airy, puff pastry dough surrounds a flavorful center that holds buttery California Ripe Olives. Elevated with a garlicky basil pesto, and cheesy goodness. I love an appetizer that is quick to put together and does not skimp on flavor, and these tasty twists check all the boxes!  Spring is bringing with it, all the family gatherings and I know these will be a hit without too much effort. It really is a delicious savory bite, perfect for entertaining. Olives and Basil? One of…

  • Garden

    Garden Seed Starting Guide (Zone 9B)

    As I eagerly await spring and the endless possibilities of a new season, it fills me excitement to think about the year ahead. I hope you use this information packed guide as a resource as we kick off the 2025 gardening season, to start all those fun vegetable varieties for your own garden. In this seed starting guide I will go over my no fuss methods of starting my seeds indoors and outdoors. When and how to start seeds. Why you should know your first and last frost date & growing zone. I will share with you what I like…

  • Food

    Ponche Navideno Con Vino (Mexican Holiday Punch With Wine)

    It isn’t Christmas time without a warm mug of fragrant and fruit loaded Ponche Navideno, with a twist because I am adding wine that makes it extra delicious! Mexican Holiday Punch is a traditional drink that makes an appearance at all the holiday posadas (holiday celebrations that lead up to Christmas) and festivities. Nothing like the smell of simmering fruit in a bath of warm cinnamon and sugar cane to indicate that the holiday season is in full swing. What is Mexican Ponche Navideno? Also known as Mexican Holiday Punch this drink is made from a base of jamaica (hibiscus…

  • Food

    Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars

    These Cinnamon Sugar Churro Bars are kissed with just the right amount of cinnamon and sugar. They have a tender crumb with a soft inside, topped with a crisp chewy cinnamon sugar crust that feels like the baked version of a churro. They are absolutely delicious and loaded with richness that comes from the Real California Milk; Cream and browned butter. They are inspired by traditional Mexican churros, this dessert comes together in a whip and no need to fry anything to satisfy that sweet churro craving . It is incredible how a few basic ingredients can be transformed to…

  • Food

    Roasted Red Pepper Cotija Cheese Dip

    Tis’ the season for ALL the appetizers and let me tell you this Roasted Red Pepper Queso Cotija Cheese Dip, checks off all the boxes. It is easy to make, it’s creamy…cheesy, salty and has a little heat. Loaded with charred roasted red peppers topped with a drizzle of EVOO, all you’re going to need is some crackers and a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail! This is a great appetizer because not only does it look super elegant, it is full of flavor and comes together quickly, you can even make it ahead of time and serve it…

  • Garden

    Growing fava beans in the garden

    Growing fava beans in the garden means abundant food but did you know that fava plants can enhance the health of your soil? Fava beans are often used as a cover crop by farmers and gardeners to boost the nitrogen and condition the soil in agriculture! This versatile legume is more than a delicious addition to the kitchen menu. Keep reading to learn how to reap the benefits of the fava bean in the garden and in the kitchen. Fava beans also known as broad beans that have been dated back to 11,000 years ago! With early cultivation in Israel…

  • Food

    Apple and Prune Caramel Cheesecake

    Fall is in the air and this apple and prune caramel cheesecake is the perfect way to welcome the cooler weather and all things fall. Here in the California Central Valley we are finally getting cooler weather, most likely we will get our first frost sometime in December. I am happy for all of the cozy recipes that come along side the change of seasons. Soup, comfort bakes and of course delectable desserts like this Apple and Prune Caramel Cheesecake. California Prunes are always in season and they marry beautifully with apples that bring a delicious fall flavor combo. The…

  • Food

    Cheesy Potato and Olive Taco Cups

    Cheesy potato and olive taco cups are a delicious twist on regular tacos! Everything there is to love about tacos, tucked in a crispy baked bite that is compact and loaded with comforting flavor. They are perfect for gameday or the holidays which are around the corner. These make a great appetizer that is fun, transports easily and can be customized to your favorite flavor combos. These taco cups are loaded with cheesy goodness, seasoned beef, green onions, and potatoes plus we are maximizing our flavor by adding California Ripe Olives which add a delicious silky and buttery flavor. The…

  • Garden

    Greens to grow in your fall and winter garden

    Growing greens through fall and winter is easier that you think! Here in zone 9B our winter lows are in the 25-30 F range which are perfect conditions to grow an abundance of kales, lettuces, root crops, and brassicas through fall and winter, they can handle some frost. Lets focus on those greens though! If you haven’t tried fresh garden greens you are missing out! The temperature makes the greens concentrate their sugars in their leaves to protect themselves from the cold. This makes for sweet crunchy greens. I use all the following greens interchangeably in my smoothies, stir-fry’s, omelets,…

  • Food

    Brown Sugar & Peach (Sheet Pan) Pancakes

    These Brown Sugar and Peach Pancakes are everything we need as we wrap up the summer. My kids are back in school and there is a lot going on between life, work and the garden demanding attention. I like something quick and satisfying to start the day, these are the perfect, fast AND a delicious way to start the morning. These pancakes are fluffy and have a light and airy crumb, thanks to Real California Milk Dairy. They are buttery with a hint of sweetness from the brown sugar and yellow peachs. Topped with a brown sugar cinnamon whipped butter,…