Fruit cobbler

Chef Michael's inspiration for working in a kitchen came from his grandpa, who owned a Cantonese restaurant where Michael loved to help out.

Pear cake

This delicious cake is a favorite at Doug and Cathy Hemly's home in Courtland, California.

Pear crumble pie

Becky Elliot and her children have made this dessert literally thousands of times, primarily as a fundraiser at the annual Courtland Pear Fair.

Oat crisps with blueberries and creme fraiche

Coconut macaroons

50-year apple cake

Black Forest ice cream cake

Medjool date cake

Streusel crumb crust apple pie

Ed Hale's family has grown sugar beets in California's Imperial Valley for three generations. This pie—a family favorite—is best served the same day it's baked and with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Grandma Goodwin's famous fudge

This is a staple during the holidays at the Goodwin house. Ben Goodwin is the general manager of the California Beet Growers Association.