28 california recipes

Classic, hearty split pea soup just like the famous Andersen's Pea Soup restaurant in California. Thick, comforting, and naturally vegan with an optional Instant Pot variation to speed up cooking time.

Gourmet glazed figs simmered in brandy, apple cider vinegar, and cloves until plump and transparent, then stuffed with toasted almonds. Pairs with roasted meats.

Nut-crusted bananas dipped in honey and lemon juice, sprinkled with crushed macadamia nuts or walnuts. A no-cook, 3-ingredient snack or healthy dessert ready in minutes.

Gingered figs simmered in molasses and sugar until plump and tender. A warm, spiced fruit condiment for ham, pork, roast beef, chicken, or steak.

Dried figs simmered in orange juice, Grand Marnier, and ground ginger, then dipped in melted chocolate. An elegant no-bake confection for holiday candy trays.

Stewed California figs cooked low and slow in water, with variations using orange, lemon, sherry, ginger, or cinnamon. Serve warm or chilled for breakfast or dessert.

Santa Maria salsa is the no-cook California barbecue staple: chopped canned tomatoes, celery, onion, and green pepper sharpened with horseradish, vinegar, and Worcestershire. Pour, chill, serve.

Turkey steaks with Sausalito salsa: quick pan-seared turkey breast topped with a bright orange, tomato, green chili, and cilantro salsa. California-inspired dinner in 25 minutes.

Tender grilled tri-tip with a four-ingredient soy and onion soup mix marinade. Santa Maria style California barbecue, sliced thick, finished rare on the grill for a juicy, beefy crust.

Santa Maria beans made with pinto beans, bacon, ham, tomato puree, and red chile sauce. The classic California Central Coast side dish for tri-tip barbecue, slow-simmered until rich and tender.

Pesto is a fragrant green sauce that many people regard as one of Genoa's greatest gifts to the world. It is a natural complement to tomatoes. Recipe from the California Culinary Acadamy.

Easy to pack and perfect as crudités for that favorite dip, the crunchy texture and sweet taste of carrots is popular among both adults and children. Although they are shipped around the country from California throughout the year, locally grown carrots are in season in the summer and fall when they are the freshest and most flavorful.