124 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.

A very simple recipe for a classic, which helps you to get warm in the winter (ok, I mean when it is getting 4° Celsius in the night in Southern California). The number of servings is accurate when you have it as a meal - as a starter it should serve way more people. I did not list any spices, as I usually have self made chicken broth which is already pretty tasty and spicy, sweetness comes from the onions and the white wine balances it. For bread and cheese - don't think about any fancy, old dry bread is good and any cheese which melts. The onions are king when it comes to taste. Ovenproof crock bowls are very nice for final preparation and serving the soup.

Pork shoulder in chanterelle sauce over buckwheat: tender pressure-cooked pork in a fragrant wild-mushroom sauce with herbs, spooned over nutty buckwheat. A rustic, comforting Eastern European plate.

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.

Puppy's Breath Chili is a no-bean Texas-style bowl of red built on chunks of sirloin and layers of chili powder and pureed dried chiles. The spices go in staged like a cook-off champ, finished with lime and Tabasco.

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.

Jalapeño, raspberry and pecans blend beautifully in this thumbprint cookie from Anna Marie Bleich of California, Mo.

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.

Grilled chicken breast sandwiches stacked with Swiss cheese, baked ham, and a fresh peach-mint salsa. Served on toasted buns with savory grilled peaches on the side.

Make this scrumptious bread made with figs and walnuts that's perfect for breakfast.

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.

Browned chicken breasts baked in a creamy rosemary sauce with artichoke hearts and green beans. A hearty casserole that feeds six with California flair.