Avocado Deviled Eggs

I’ve found there are several distinct signs of happiness: spontaneous smiling, a sudden and unexplained tolerance for traffic on the PCH, and an empty fridge because to be honest, you’re way too happy to bother filling it. Cue a truly happy me when a friend of mine sends me this text at 6 o’clock on a Sunday: “Wine and cheese at…

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Exploring the Wonders of Tuna Salad

A light and easy recipe for tuna salad, with many ingredients sourced from the local Newport Beach Farmers’ Market.

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Sick Soup Cures All

In case you’re wondering, I’m sick. (Yes, I’m sure you woke up this morning and thought, “How is Melissa feeling today?”) Anyway, in the spirit of turning the bad to good, this ickiness at the very least presents the ideal opportunity for today’s “Make Your Market,” in which I will share an amazing soup I…

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Make Your Market: Mint Tea

OK folks, let’s try something a little different for this week’s episode of “Make Your Market,” the most exciting farm-to-table, farmers’ market culinary series to ever hit Balboa Peninsula (and beyond). Today I want to talk tea. “But really, Melissa?” You might ask, because you’re used to fun recipes you can eat for dinner that…

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Hey, Thanksgiving: You’ve Got Kale

This is crazy. Thanksgiving is in four days. WHERE IS TIME? And does it know how to cook a turkey in the microwave? Anyway, here we are, on Monday morning, steeped in things to do, people to see and the encroaching fear of what to make for Thanksgiving dinner. Well, good thing it’s time for…

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Beach Eats Recipe #1: Brussels Sprouts

Brussels sprouts have recently made something of a turnaround. No longer are they the evil stepmother of summer vegetables; now, they’re chic, trendy, appearing on menus as coveted items to enjoy. This particular Brussels sprout dish is aromatic yet light and summer fresh, and uses Brussels sprouts procured from the farmers’ market at Newport Pier.…

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Newport Beach Farmers’ Market: How to Prepare

Arriving at the Newport Beach Farmers’ Market unprepared is kind of like showing up to a one-time-only Backstreet Boys reunion concert without your ticket. Sure, you could stand outside the arena and listen to Nick Carter solo on “Everybody” but you won’t be able to really experience the show. (Because let’s face it, when you’re…

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