50 california recipes

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.

Heavenly sauce folds egg yolks and powdered sugar into whipped cream with dried figs, toasted almonds, and crystallized ginger. A no-cook dessert topping for ice cream or cake.

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.

This very dense chocolate cake is named after the famous California fault becaus it forms big cracks as it bakes and cools.

Bulgur wheat pilaf with dried figs, orange juice, sherry, and toasted sesame seeds. A nutty, fruity grain side dish with California flair.

Romaine salad with tomatillos, ripe tomatoes, avocado, lime juice, olive oil, and fresh cilantro. A California-Mexican inspired composed salad with no-toss presentation.

Santa Maria-style grilled tri-tip marinated 24 hours in red wine, olive oil, Worcestershire, soy sauce, and garlic. Central California barbecue at its finest.

Mendocino sole baked in white wine and finished with a cream sauce of cognac-soaked grapes. An elegant Northern California-inspired fish dish with French Veronique influence.

Creamy chicken spread loaded with sweet California figs, crunchy nuts, and a zing of crystallized ginger. No cooking needed, just stir and spread for the best sandwich upgrade ever!

Low-calorie chili rice with sauteed brown rice topped in a roasted green chile and cilantro sauce. A quick Mexican-inspired side dish with smoky, tangy flavor.

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.

Linguine with olive-clam sauce made from chopped clams in a creamy roux-based sauce with black olives, wine, garlic, and parsley. A rich, briny pasta dinner ready in 30 minutes.