California Regional Cuisine
California's amazing produce, concentration of some of the finest chefs in the world, and the region's anything goes attitude, makes for one of America's most fascinating regional cuisines. The Golden State's wealth of epicurean riches is seemingly endless. California has changed the entire country's culinary culture.
Below you'll find a collection of recipes, from early days of the Spanish Missions, and the hungry 49'ers, to the refined modern "fusion" cuisine, flavored with influences from every corner of the globe.
Below you'll find a collection of recipes, from early days of the Spanish Missions, and the hungry 49'ers, to the refined modern "fusion" cuisine, flavored with influences from every corner of the globe.
Whole Roasted Garlic Recipe
Roasting whole garlic bulbs is an easy and delicious method, and the sweet, soft cloves can be used in countless ways. Roasted garlic cloves are a great garnish for a main course, like roasted chicken, and can also be mashed up and added to dressings and sauces.
Roasting whole garlic bulbs is an easy and delicious method, and the sweet, soft cloves can be used in countless ways. Roasted garlic cloves are a great garnish for a main course, like roasted chicken, and can also be mashed up and added to dressings and sauces.
Grilled Corn on the Cob with Garlic Soy Glaze
This super-simple garlic soy glaze recipe really brings out the natural sweetness of grilled corn. If you like, you can add some hot Asian chili sauce for an extra kick. This glaze recipe is also great brushed on other grilled vegetable.
This super-simple garlic soy glaze recipe really brings out the natural sweetness of grilled corn. If you like, you can add some hot Asian chili sauce for an extra kick. This glaze recipe is also great brushed on other grilled vegetable.
Sweet-Hot Thai Burger Recipe
This sweet and spicy Thai burger recipe was the $50,000 Grand Prize winner at the 2007 Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Contest and Cook-Off. It was created by Karen Bernards, and features an Asian-inspired take on the classic American burger.
This sweet and spicy Thai burger recipe was the $50,000 Grand Prize winner at the 2007 Sutter Home Build a Better Burger Contest and Cook-Off. It was created by Karen Bernards, and features an Asian-inspired take on the classic American burger.
Butter-Roasted Cauliflower Recipe
This roasted cauliflower recipe is a great way to enjoy this very nutritious vegetable. Cauliflower recipes aren't usually the most exciting dishes on the table, but this butter-roasted version is as unusual as it is delicious.
This roasted cauliflower recipe is a great way to enjoy this very nutritious vegetable. Cauliflower recipes aren't usually the most exciting dishes on the table, but this butter-roasted version is as unusual as it is delicious.
Gilroy Garlic Shrimp Recipe
This garlic shrimp recipe is named for Gilroy, California, known as the "Garlic Capital of the World." This simple shrimp recipe is a delicious and garlicky classic, and only takes a few minutes to cook.
This garlic shrimp recipe is named for Gilroy, California, known as the "Garlic Capital of the World." This simple shrimp recipe is a delicious and garlicky classic, and only takes a few minutes to cook.
Seared Black Pepper-Crusted Ahi Tuna Steaks
If you like steak, you will love this black pepper-crusted Ahi tuna steak recipe. This cut of tuna is best enjoyed medium-rare, like any great steak recipe, and the spicy pepper crust is perfect with this meaty fish.
If you like steak, you will love this black pepper-crusted Ahi tuna steak recipe. This cut of tuna is best enjoyed medium-rare, like any great steak recipe, and the spicy pepper crust is perfect with this meaty fish.
Roasted Halibut Recipe with Grapefruit Fennel Salsa
Giada de Laurentiis prepared this delicious roasted halibut recipe, with grapefruit fennel salsa, at Caesars, Atlantic City, for the 2008 "Toast to the Coast" Vine & Dine event.
Giada de Laurentiis prepared this delicious roasted halibut recipe, with grapefruit fennel salsa, at Caesars, Atlantic City, for the 2008 "Toast to the Coast" Vine & Dine event.
Garlic, Fennel and Orange Grilled Chicken Recipe
When your brain wants chicken, but your heart wants Italian sausage, this easy grilled chicken recipe is for you. Using the flavors traditionally found in Italian sausage recipes, this chicken recipe will get rave reviews at your next barbecue.
When your brain wants chicken, but your heart wants Italian sausage, this easy grilled chicken recipe is for you. Using the flavors traditionally found in Italian sausage recipes, this chicken recipe will get rave reviews at your next barbecue.
California Asian-Style Barbecue Sauce Recipe
This California Asian-style barbecue sauce recipe combines some classic American barbecue sauce ingredients, with a few traditional Asian flavors, for a great all-purpose sauce.
This California Asian-style barbecue sauce recipe combines some classic American barbecue sauce ingredients, with a few traditional Asian flavors, for a great all-purpose sauce.
Grilled Herb and Fennel Lamb Loin Recipe
This grilled herb and fennel lamb loin recipe is proof that simple, is sometimes best. These few ingredients match perfectly with the loins, and make for a grilled lamb recipe that will have people asking you for your "secret" recipe.
This grilled herb and fennel lamb loin recipe is proof that simple, is sometimes best. These few ingredients match perfectly with the loins, and make for a grilled lamb recipe that will have people asking you for your "secret" recipe.
Sole Dore Recipe
Sole Dore is named after a town in England, and is a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate flavor of sole. The sole is sautéed in butter after a light egg batter, and finished with an easy lemon caper sauce.
Sole Dore is named after a town in England, and is a wonderful way to enjoy the delicate flavor of sole. The sole is sautéed in butter after a light egg batter, and finished with an easy lemon caper sauce.
Fresh Strawberries with Yogurt and Honey
Simple, healthy and delicious - strawberries with yogurt and honey makes for a quick breakfast, snack, or quick dessert recipe.
Simple, healthy and delicious - strawberries with yogurt and honey makes for a quick breakfast, snack, or quick dessert recipe.
Sticky "Oven-Fried" Ginger Garlic Chicken Wing Recipe
Most "crispy" chicken wing recipes call for a deep fryer, but this great "oven-fried" method works beautifully, and is much easier. These sticky ginger garlic chicken wing recipe is a delicious twist on the venerable Buffalo chicken wing.
Most "crispy" chicken wing recipes call for a deep fryer, but this great "oven-fried" method works beautifully, and is much easier. These sticky ginger garlic chicken wing recipe is a delicious twist on the venerable Buffalo chicken wing.
Orange and Ginger-Glazed Buffalo Chicken Wings
Buffalo chicken wings are the great American appetizer, but this delicious version uses some classic Asian flavors for a tasty twist. This buffalo chicken wing recipe is perfect for any party platter.
Buffalo chicken wings are the great American appetizer, but this delicious version uses some classic Asian flavors for a tasty twist. This buffalo chicken wing recipe is perfect for any party platter.
Roasted Beet and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese
This colorful, healthy, and delicious roasted beet and arugula salad is a wonderful combination of tastes and textures. The earthy, sweet beets, the spicy greens, the tangy cheese, and the crunchy pecans all shine in this impressive salad recipe.
This colorful, healthy, and delicious roasted beet and arugula salad is a wonderful combination of tastes and textures. The earthy, sweet beets, the spicy greens, the tangy cheese, and the crunchy pecans all shine in this impressive salad recipe.
Low-Fat Garlic Herb Chicken Breast on Lentil and Arugula Salad
This satisfying, low-fat chicken breast recipe is full of flavor, and very nutritious. The contrast between the hot, aromatic chicken breast, and the cool, savory salad makes for an interesting and delicious plate.
This satisfying, low-fat chicken breast recipe is full of flavor, and very nutritious. The contrast between the hot, aromatic chicken breast, and the cool, savory salad makes for an interesting and delicious plate.
Lemon Thyme Mashed Potatoes
This mashed potato recipe is perfect to serve along side seafood, or chicken recipes. Lemon and fresh thyme are a classic combination, and will turn those plain mashed potatoes into something special.
This mashed potato recipe is perfect to serve along side seafood, or chicken recipes. Lemon and fresh thyme are a classic combination, and will turn those plain mashed potatoes into something special.
Syrah-Poached Dried Fig and Sausage Skewer
This skewered fig and pork sausage hors d'oeuvre was created for a food and wine pairing in Sonoma, California. The original used wild boar, but it's delicious with almost any pork sausage. The dried figs are ideally poached in the same wine that this skewer is going to be served with.
This skewered fig and pork sausage hors d'oeuvre was created for a food and wine pairing in Sonoma, California. The original used wild boar, but it's delicious with almost any pork sausage. The dried figs are ideally poached in the same wine that this skewer is going to be served with.
Fresh Strawberry and Kiwi Cocktail
This fresh strawberry and kiwi cocktail is a super-easy and delicious fruit dessert. The strawberries and kiwi make their own sauce after you cut them up and add a little sugar.
This fresh strawberry and kiwi cocktail is a super-easy and delicious fruit dessert. The strawberries and kiwi make their own sauce after you cut them up and add a little sugar.
Creamy Cheesy Asparagus Pizza
This creamy cheesy asparagus pizza recipe is an example of a "white" pizza. So, instead of tomato sauce, the fresh asparagus is on a delicious cream sauce. In keeping with the white theme, the whole thing is topped with white cheddar cheese. This a great vegetarian pizza!
This creamy cheesy asparagus pizza recipe is an example of a "white" pizza. So, instead of tomato sauce, the fresh asparagus is on a delicious cream sauce. In keeping with the white theme, the whole thing is topped with white cheddar cheese. This a great vegetarian pizza!
Faux Crab and Avocado Salad Sandwich
When budget, or availability makes using real crab difficult, imitation crab is a surprisingly tasty, and low-fat alternative. This crab and avocado salad sandwich is fast to make, and cost a fraction of what the real stuff would have.
When budget, or availability makes using real crab difficult, imitation crab is a surprisingly tasty, and low-fat alternative. This crab and avocado salad sandwich is fast to make, and cost a fraction of what the real stuff would have.
6 Deliciously Different Ways to Enjoy Fresh Asparagus
Asparagus is America's favorite spring vegetable for a reason; it's delicious, packed with nutrients, fast to prepare, low calorie, and can be enjoyed in a huge array of recipes. Here are 6 easy asparagus recipes that really show off the versatility of this succulent spear.
Asparagus is America's favorite spring vegetable for a reason; it's delicious, packed with nutrients, fast to prepare, low calorie, and can be enjoyed in a huge array of recipes. Here are 6 easy asparagus recipes that really show off the versatility of this succulent spear.
Baked Bacon and Asparagus Omelet
This baked bacon and asparagus omelet is what the Italians call a "frittata." It's an easy way to enjoy the wonderful combination of eggs, bacon, cheese and asparagus.
This baked bacon and asparagus omelet is what the Italians call a "frittata." It's an easy way to enjoy the wonderful combination of eggs, bacon, cheese and asparagus.
Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Garlic Butter
This very simple asparagus recipe really brings out the fresh flavor of the spears. Lemon and garlic butter is great on anything, but especially tender, grilled asparagus!
This very simple asparagus recipe really brings out the fresh flavor of the spears. Lemon and garlic butter is great on anything, but especially tender, grilled asparagus!
Spring Pea and Asparagus Pasta Primavera
"Primavera" means spring, and this easy pasta recipe feature two great spring vegetables -asparagus and peas. You can tweak this pasta primavera recipe by adding almost any vegetables you like.
"Primavera" means spring, and this easy pasta recipe feature two great spring vegetables -asparagus and peas. You can tweak this pasta primavera recipe by adding almost any vegetables you like.
Seared Scallops with Fava Beans, Bacon, and Mint
Scallops and bacon are great together. Beans and mint are great together. What happens when you put all four together? A delicious, fast and easy, seared scallop recipe!
Scallops and bacon are great together. Beans and mint are great together. What happens when you put all four together? A delicious, fast and easy, seared scallop recipe!
Easy Asparagus Soup
This asparagus soup recipe is a great example of the less-is-more school of cooking. It's just a simple puree of asparagus with a bit of cream. The result is a delicious asparagus soup that tastes like…asparagus!
This asparagus soup recipe is a great example of the less-is-more school of cooking. It's just a simple puree of asparagus with a bit of cream. The result is a delicious asparagus soup that tastes like…asparagus!
Fat-Free Black Currant Balsamic Reduction
This very simple fat-free sauce recipe is great with pork, poultry, and game. You can easily customize the sauce recipe by switching the type of fruit preserves used.
This very simple fat-free sauce recipe is great with pork, poultry, and game. You can easily customize the sauce recipe by switching the type of fruit preserves used.
Creamy Spinach Artichoke Dip
It's not exactly low calorie, but if you're going to make a rich and creamy dip, why not make one that has lots of nutritious spinach and artichokes in it? This is one of the most popular vegetable dips in casual restaurants, and an easy one to make at home.
It's not exactly low calorie, but if you're going to make a rich and creamy dip, why not make one that has lots of nutritious spinach and artichokes in it? This is one of the most popular vegetable dips in casual restaurants, and an easy one to make at home.
Sausage and Egg Breakfast Pizza
Never thought of topping a pizza with eggs? Well, after you taste this amazing pizza, you may never eat it any other way! The soft yolks, running over the cheese and sausage, topped with the cool greens, makes for a very memorable pizza experience. It is called a breakfast pizza, but this is wonderful anytime of the day.
Never thought of topping a pizza with eggs? Well, after you taste this amazing pizza, you may never eat it any other way! The soft yolks, running over the cheese and sausage, topped with the cool greens, makes for a very memorable pizza experience. It is called a breakfast pizza, but this is wonderful anytime of the day.
Seared Sonoma Foie Gras with Mission Fig and Balsamic Reduction
Foie gras, which means "fat liver" is one of the world's great culinary experiences. The flavor and texture is virtually impossible to describe. This extremely expensive product was once only produced in Europe, but there are now several great American sources for foie gras.
Foie gras, which means "fat liver" is one of the world's great culinary experiences. The flavor and texture is virtually impossible to describe. This extremely expensive product was once only produced in Europe, but there are now several great American sources for foie gras.
Caramelized Onion and Garlic Chicken
This caramelized onion and garlic chicken recipe is easy to prepare, and delicious to eat. The onion and garlic mixture keeps the chicken moist and tender.
This caramelized onion and garlic chicken recipe is easy to prepare, and delicious to eat. The onion and garlic mixture keeps the chicken moist and tender.
Garlic-Studded Buffalo Roast
Many higher-end grocery stores now sell buffalo meat right along side beef in the butcher case. Buffalo has a mild, delicious flavor and has only half the cholesterol of beef. This garlic-studded buffalo roast recipe is a great way to enjoy this healthy meat.
Many higher-end grocery stores now sell buffalo meat right along side beef in the butcher case. Buffalo has a mild, delicious flavor and has only half the cholesterol of beef. This garlic-studded buffalo roast recipe is a great way to enjoy this healthy meat.
Chicken and Baked Brie Ciabatta
This chicken and baked Brie Ciabatta sandwich is a beautiful, and delicious, way to break the boring sandwich routine. The sweetness of the fig jam, and warm melting Brie cheese, go so well with the chicken breast and chewy Ciabatta.
This chicken and baked Brie Ciabatta sandwich is a beautiful, and delicious, way to break the boring sandwich routine. The sweetness of the fig jam, and warm melting Brie cheese, go so well with the chicken breast and chewy Ciabatta.
Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Casserole
The addition of broccoli and cottage cheese turns an ordinary macaroni and cheese recipe into a deliciously healthy casserole.
The addition of broccoli and cottage cheese turns an ordinary macaroni and cheese recipe into a deliciously healthy casserole.
Low-Carb Seared Sea Bass with Olive Oil Braised Celery Root and Roaste
This easy, low-carb recipe is a great example of modern California fish cookery. The winter vegetables, and light, aromatic sauce, are topped with a freshly seared fish fillet. Simple, elegant, and delicious. This recipe was inspired by California-born star chef Traci Des Jardins. If bass isn't available, any firm white fish will work perfectly.
This easy, low-carb recipe is a great example of modern California fish cookery. The winter vegetables, and light, aromatic sauce, are topped with a freshly seared fish fillet. Simple, elegant, and delicious. This recipe was inspired by California-born star chef Traci Des Jardins. If bass isn't available, any firm white fish will work perfectly.
Pan-roasted Asparagus with Lemon and Garlic
No need to blanch the asparagus first in this easy and delicious asparagus recipe. Asparagus cooked in this style is more flavorful, and keeps more of the valuable nutrients. This asparagus recipe is great for a first course or as a vegetable side.
No need to blanch the asparagus first in this easy and delicious asparagus recipe. Asparagus cooked in this style is more flavorful, and keeps more of the valuable nutrients. This asparagus recipe is great for a first course or as a vegetable side.
10-Minute Vegetable Chili
You won't miss the meat in this great vegetarian chili recipe. This vegetable chili is healthy, delicious, and super fast to make.
You won't miss the meat in this great vegetarian chili recipe. This vegetable chili is healthy, delicious, and super fast to make.
Fat-Free Kale and Sweet Potato Soup
It's hard to come up with a more nutritious soup recipe than this fat-free kale and sweet potato soup. No butter or oil is needed when you're using the delicious combination of satisfying sweet potatoes and the flavorful kale. Not only is this fat-free soup nutritious and tasty, it's incredibly easy and fast to prepare. Both the main ingredients are on many of the "super foods" lists and this kale and sweet potato soup is a great way to enjoy them.
It's hard to come up with a more nutritious soup recipe than this fat-free kale and sweet potato soup. No butter or oil is needed when you're using the delicious combination of satisfying sweet potatoes and the flavorful kale. Not only is this fat-free soup nutritious and tasty, it's incredibly easy and fast to prepare. Both the main ingredients are on many of the "super foods" lists and this kale and sweet potato soup is a great way to enjoy them.
Avocado and Grapefruit Salad with Yogurt Dressing
This colorful, healthy avocado and grapefruit salad recipe features an exciting array of tastes and textures. It has peppery arugula lettuce, a simple and light yogurt dressing, sharp curls of Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. These ingredients really go wonderfully with the silky avocado, and the sweet and tangy grapefruit.
This colorful, healthy avocado and grapefruit salad recipe features an exciting array of tastes and textures. It has peppery arugula lettuce, a simple and light yogurt dressing, sharp curls of Parmesan cheese, and toasted pine nuts. These ingredients really go wonderfully with the silky avocado, and the sweet and tangy grapefruit.
Pumpkin Seed Pesto
This simple and healthy pumpkin seed pesto recipe is delicious used as you would any pesto recipe; to top a piece of fish, tossed into hot pasta, or stirred into a soup. Pumpkin seeds are one of nature's most nutritious foods, and this delicious pesto recipe is a great way to eat them!
This simple and healthy pumpkin seed pesto recipe is delicious used as you would any pesto recipe; to top a piece of fish, tossed into hot pasta, or stirred into a soup. Pumpkin seeds are one of nature's most nutritious foods, and this delicious pesto recipe is a great way to eat them!
5 Spice Carrots
The carrot recipe is an extremely easy, yet unusual, carrot side dish using one of my favorite "secret" ingredients; Chinese 5-spice. This spice mix was invented literally thousands of years ago, and is suppose to season food in perfect balance with the five elementary flavors of Chinese cuisine; sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory. This dish is a great example of how Asian influences in California can transform a basic roast carrot recipe into something extraordinary.
The carrot recipe is an extremely easy, yet unusual, carrot side dish using one of my favorite "secret" ingredients; Chinese 5-spice. This spice mix was invented literally thousands of years ago, and is suppose to season food in perfect balance with the five elementary flavors of Chinese cuisine; sweet, sour, bitter, salty and savory. This dish is a great example of how Asian influences in California can transform a basic roast carrot recipe into something extraordinary.
Seared Scallops with Pancetta and Leeks - Video Recipe
The sweet and and savory leeks and pancetta make the perfect bed for these quickly seared scallops. Less is more with this very simple and delicious scallop recipe.
The sweet and and savory leeks and pancetta make the perfect bed for these quickly seared scallops. Less is more with this very simple and delicious scallop recipe.
Green Bean Salad with Fresh Mint
This quick and easy green bean salad recipe is very low fat thanks to a light, simple rice vinegar dressing. Rice vinegar has a natural sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh mint. A cold green bean salad is a very refreshing side dish served next to richer entrees.
This quick and easy green bean salad recipe is very low fat thanks to a light, simple rice vinegar dressing. Rice vinegar has a natural sweet and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the fresh mint. A cold green bean salad is a very refreshing side dish served next to richer entrees.
California Cumberland Sauce
This Cumberland sauce recipe is a modern Californian take on a very old English sauce. This fat-free sauce is traditionally served cold with wild game such as venison, pheasant and goose. Cumberland sauce is a very versatile condiment that also goes very well with roast turkey, ham, and duck.
This Cumberland sauce recipe is a modern Californian take on a very old English sauce. This fat-free sauce is traditionally served cold with wild game such as venison, pheasant and goose. Cumberland sauce is a very versatile condiment that also goes very well with roast turkey, ham, and duck.
Classic Lemon Curd
This delicious lemon dessert topping is an old British recipe that came to America with the early English settlers. A bit too intense to be eaten by itself, it is traditionally served as a sauce or topping alongside berry tarts, pies, cakes, and gingerbread. If you've never had homemade lemon curd you are missing out on one of the great dessert toppings of all time!
This delicious lemon dessert topping is an old British recipe that came to America with the early English settlers. A bit too intense to be eaten by itself, it is traditionally served as a sauce or topping alongside berry tarts, pies, cakes, and gingerbread. If you've never had homemade lemon curd you are missing out on one of the great dessert toppings of all time!
Cioppino - San Francisco's Famous Fish Stew
This amazing recipe is the City by the Bay's signature dish. A rich stew featuring an array of fresh seafood in a flavorful tomato and wine sauce, just waiting for a large hunk of sourdough bread to be dunked into it! This is San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf in a bowl.
This amazing recipe is the City by the Bay's signature dish. A rich stew featuring an array of fresh seafood in a flavorful tomato and wine sauce, just waiting for a large hunk of sourdough bread to be dunked into it! This is San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf in a bowl.
Savory Peach and Mozzarella Fresca Bruschetta on Walnut Bread
The combination of the sweet fruit, the nutty, crisp toasted bread, the creamy, tangy cheese; all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and flaky kosher salt makes for an incredible bite.
The combination of the sweet fruit, the nutty, crisp toasted bread, the creamy, tangy cheese; all brought together with a drizzle of olive oil, black pepper and flaky kosher salt makes for an incredible bite.
Vegetarian "I Can't Believe I Don’t Miss" Meatloaf
Yes, vegetarian meatloaf is an oxymoron, but a delicious and nutritious one! This satisfying loaf is a great change of pace.
Yes, vegetarian meatloaf is an oxymoron, but a delicious and nutritious one! This satisfying loaf is a great change of pace.
Gilroy Garlic Ice Cream
This bizarre combination is always one of the most talked about items at the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival every year.
This bizarre combination is always one of the most talked about items at the famous Gilroy Garlic Festival every year.
Fried Oyster Stew with Cream of Cauliflower and Chervil
The French Laundry is a small gourmet restaurant located in Yountville, CA, in the Napa Valley. It’s considered by many the finest restaurant in the country and the Chef/Owner, Thomas Keller, is consider by many the country’s top Chef. This fried oyster and creamy stew is a hot take on one of his classic cold appetizers; cauliflower “Panna Cotta” topped with a fresh raw oyster and caviar.
The French Laundry is a small gourmet restaurant located in Yountville, CA, in the Napa Valley. It’s considered by many the finest restaurant in the country and the Chef/Owner, Thomas Keller, is consider by many the country’s top Chef. This fried oyster and creamy stew is a hot take on one of his classic cold appetizers; cauliflower “Panna Cotta” topped with a fresh raw oyster and caviar.
The Cobb Salad
Cobb Salad was invented at The Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, California in 1926. It is named for its creator, a Mr. Bob Cobb.
Cobb Salad was invented at The Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, California in 1926. It is named for its creator, a Mr. Bob Cobb.
California Coleslaw
This recipe is a very fast and fresh twist on that boring old coleslaw. The dressing is surprisingly simple, but highly flavored. This is a great recipe for the busy cook, as it only takes a few minutes to put together.
This recipe is a very fast and fresh twist on that boring old coleslaw. The dressing is surprisingly simple, but highly flavored. This is a great recipe for the busy cook, as it only takes a few minutes to put together.