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Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad

Delicata Squash Feta Pomegranate Salad

On a foundation of lettuce greens, the bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized winter squash in this recipe for Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad.

“Later Samuel and Adam walked down the oak-shadowed road to the entrance of the draw where they could look out at the Salinas Valley. Will you stay to dinner? Adam asked.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad would be a fabulous addition to any holiday gathering. On a foundation of lettuce greens, bitter flavors of radicchio contrast with sweet, caramelized Delicata roasted with fresh thyme. Tangy feta and sherry dressing add a pop of flavor and let the sweet Delicata dance in this lush fall salad. Pomegranate arils deliver color and crunchy texture in the Delicata Squash, Feta and Pomegranate Salad. READ MORE . . .

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One Bowl Greek Salad

One Bowl Greek Salad

One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite.

“On the wide level acres of the valley the topsoil lay deep and fertile. It required only a rich winter of rain to make it break forth in grass and flowers. The spring flowers in a wet year were unbelievable. The whole valley floor, and the foothills too, would be carpeted with lupins and poppies.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

My oregano plant thrives in the winter. It had outgrown its’ space and got a good trim. Oregano is very pungent when fresh. It pairs well with other strong and assertive flavors. One Bowl Greek Salad with salty feta, tangy olives and flavor packed tomatoes is a stellar match for the zing of fresh oregano. Tossed with refreshing cucumber and perched on a bed of crisp romaine One Bowl Greek Salad is a favorite. READ MORE . . .

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Spicy Sweet Broccoli with Roasted Lemon and Feta

Sweet Broccoli with Roasted Lemon and Feta

Almost Spring

“Well, you know the railroads built those fruit cars. I went down and had a look at them. They’re pretty good. Do you know we could ship lettuce right to the east coast in the middle of winter?”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

The massive El Nino storms have paused. It has been warm, which feels like spring. I was looking ahead to early spring with the first harvest of local produce when I learned that Tanimura and Antle grows Artisan Sweet Broccoli year round in the Salinas Valley. To grow a perishable commodity like broccoli, year round in the same place is amazing! The day I went to take photos of the Artisan Sweet Broccoli fields in Spreckels, the sun was shining and it felt like spring had already arrived. Next month the harvest of lettuce, broccoli, cauliflower, celery and other produce will bring the Salinas Valley alive from it’s short winter slumber. READ MORE . . .

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Almost Miss Spoon’s Quinoa Salad

Almost Miss Spoons Quinoa Salad

Kindness

“After awhile, said Cyrus, you’ll think no thought the others do not think. You’ll know no word the others can’t say. And you’ll do things because the others do them. You’ll feel the danger in any difference whatever—a danger to the whole crowd of like-thinking, like-acting men. What if I don’t? Adam demanded.”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Did you pick a word for this year? It’s a resolution for the new year, in a word. It’s another avenue for self-improvement. A mantra, a meditation in mindfulness, in just one word. To be better than before, to do better than before. To keep trying. I have chosen gratitude and forgiveness before. This year I chose kindness. I don’t think of myself as unkind, but I can be. Often it is a protection to cover that fragile place of vulnerability. I can find it tantalizing as a replacement for anger. A reward for getting even after a petty misunderstanding. The always unjust places of pride and arrogance can spew unkindness. How can being unkind be so right, when later it feels so wrong. It’s so borderline, the knife blade is sharp, it can cut. The blade slices while the rest of the knife just follows along. I’m trying not to follow along, to break the pattern. To keep the knife dull, it makes it more difficult for a fast, clean cut. READ MORE . . .

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Savory Summer Hand Pies

Savory Hand Pies

Summer Longing

“I don’t know whether you notice it, but it seems like every other word you say is California. Do you really want to go?”

East of Eden, John Steinbeck

Inspiration

Living along the central coast of California is nothing less than divine. Except, except we really don’t have a summer. We have fog. By August there are rumblings of fall. I become anxious. Summer is like a fad sweeping the northern hemisphere and I’ve missed out on the latest trend. I long to complain about endless sunshine and a kitchen too hot for baking. Dinner on the patio without wearing a sweatshirt is just a fantasy. Actually leaving the house to go anywhere without a light jacket is just plain foolish. If by chance it is sunny, the fog can return at any time. Our summer vocabulary is studded with “when will the fog burn off” and “when will the fog roll back in”. I live in a place where a day above seventy-five is considered hot. We tend to melt at anything above eighty-five. It may be August, but I’m still longing for summer. Any day now our Indian Summer will arrive and wrap us in late season sunshine. We’re ready. READ MORE . . .