Heirloom Apples – A Taste of History
By Deb Morris, PCFMA The aroma of apple pie on a September day, the smooth flavor of homemade apple butter on toast, or a tempting square of apple cake can…
pair up!: Vegetarian BBQ
By Maria Terry I have many people in my life who choose not to eat meat. I believe that one can create delicious meals centered on vegetables, and no one…
Desert Heat Leads to Watermelon Cultivation
By David King The history of watermelon traces back to North Africa. The flesh of wild-grown watermelons had a hard texture, pale color, and either a bitter or bland taste.According…
Summer Melons – Certified Delicious!
By Deb Morris, PCFMA You have just found a new variety of melon, not the usual watermelon or cantaloupe, but a lovely yellow melon with rippled rind. Or there is…
PAIR UP! ‘Round the World with St. Patrick
By Maria Terry I love St. Patrick’s Day because it is a holiday that celebrates fun. Usually, there isn’t an extensive family commitment. There aren’t any presents to buy, costumes…
Where has all the California asparagus gone?
by Deb Morris A lovely plate of fresh steamed or roasted asparagus is something we look forward to each spring in California. Once called “The King of Vegetables,” the local…
Top Ten Lucky Foods for the Lunar New Year
Need a year filled with luck and prosperity? Certain foods eaten during the Lunar New Year are considered lucky. Whether you desire prosperity, health, happiness, or new beginnings, these foods…
PAIR UP! – Italian Comfort
by Maria Terry Okay Concord, if it’s comfort food you crave, then indulge into this California-Italy pairing.Casseroles are one of the best ways to warm you when it is cold…
PAIR UP! 3 Recipes for End of Summer Wining and Dining
By Maria Terry, www.LaSommelierre.com Welcome to Pair Up. My goal is to create pairings of food and beverage to heights neither would see alone.Each month, I introduce a full evening…
What’s a Barzerria?
OUT to LUNCH By David King I took a road trip to explore the tiny delta town of Isleton, population 840ish, a colorful community located five miles beyond Rio Vista…
Jack’s Restaurant and Bar
When the best eating establishments in the region are mentioned, Jack’s Restaurant and Bar at 80 Crescent Drive in Downtown Pleasant Hill deserves to be on that list. This unique…
Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup
By Carol and Randi, the Frugirls, frugelegance.com Baby, it’s cold outside! And when it’s cold, there is nothing better than a warm, hearty bowl of homemade soup. Our recipe for…