Vietnamese chefs introduced Californians to the delights of five-spice chicken, and the dish is now entrenched in the Golden State repertoire. A cool, crunchy, lime-laced cucumber salad provides a refreshing contrast to the highly seasoned chicken. The marinade makes the chicken skin extra-crisp and tasty, so purchase skin-on thighs if possible. View recipe →
Make this colorful savory tart in late summer when tomatoes are at their flavor peak. Serve in thin slices as an appetizer or in bigger portions with a side salad for lunch. The tart also works nicely as a side dish for a roast leg of lamb or roast chicken. View recipe →
Wild-caught California salmon is one of the culinary highlights of summer in the Golden State. A fresh corn salad with a Mexican accent is the perfect complement and would be just as compatible with halibut fillets, scallops, or shrimp. View recipe →
Spain’s aromatic pimentón de la Vera (smoked paprika) gives these succulent chicken thighs a deep, ruddy color as they roast on a bed of red onion and sliced Meyer lemon. You’ll want to serve every drop of the lemony, garlicky pan juices. The lemon slices can be eaten or not, as you prefer. View recipe →
This savory, custardy bread pudding makes an irresistible side dish for roast chicken, but it may well become a new tradition at your Thanksgiving table. View recipe →
With slow, moist braising, pork shoulder becomes fork-tender and succulent. Trim the meat well before cooking and your stew will be rich but lean. Butternut squash and dried plums contribute the sweet notes that pork loves and bring the flavors and colors of fall to your table. View recipe →
Cooking duck breasts “low and slow” renders almost every speck of fat, leaving the skin crisp and the meat juicy. A light, crunchy salad dressed with a little of the hot duck fat helps balance the meat’s richness. Pair with California Pinot Noir or Grenache. View recipe →
Ask your butcher to saw the lamb shanks in half crosswise to resemble the veal used for osso buco. Exposing the bone adds body to the sauce and makes it possible to enjoy the bone marrow. However, you can make the dish with whole lamb shanks, if you prefer. View recipe →
Meaty chicken thighs are braised and crisped in an aromatic broth infused with roasted citrus and North African spices. View recipe →
These crab cakes are fresh, delicate and lightly bound with baby shrimp, which amplify the crab’s natural sweetness. View recipe →
A fresh version of a robust Italian puttanesca sauce, infused with lemon and basil, is a bright complement to buttery-rich salmon. View recipe →
A citrusy blend of fresh herbs and garlic does double duty in this recipe as an aromatic marinade for pan-seared lamb chops and a bright dressing for baby spring greens. Pair with California Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
This crispy, sweet and tangy chicken is a perfect main dish any night of the week. Pair with California Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
Braised and caramelized endive is subtly bittersweet—and a perfect partner for tender crispy-skinned salmon filets. Pair with California Chardonnay or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
This vibrant, sweet and savory salad is finished with toasted nuts and creamy fresh mozzarella. Pair with California White Blend or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
Juicy and tender, this red wine¬–glazed turkey breast is infused with aromatic spices. Pair with California Pinot Noir or Red Blend. View recipe →
Tender grilled chicken is enhanced with a dazzling lemon vinaigrette. Pair with California Rosé or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
Red pepper flakes add a hint of heat to this light and zesty salad. Pair with California Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
Curry and chiles infuse delicious hints of smoke and heat into the coconut milk of this poached, fresh salmon. View recipe →
Black sesame seeds and peppery accents of arugula enliven seared, fresh Ahi tuna. Pair with California Pinot Noir or a California White Blend. View recipe →
Tender chicken breast with a delicate, rosemary-scented cream sauce served alongside a golden-toasted potato cake with Parmesan. View recipe →
This hearty earthy, woodsy, robust soup is a meal in itself. Serve with California Pinot Noir or Merlot. View recipe →
A slightly sweet cherry sauce enhances this tender, moist, crispy duck breast. Pair with California Pinot Noir or Zinfandel. View recipe →
A delicious combination of zesty citrus and roasted beets. View recipe →
Sweet, smoky, sharp, and creamy; this easy-to-make dessert can also be served cold on a warm summer night. Pair with California Pinot Noir or Viognier. View recipe →
Cilantro pesto complements the subtle sweetness of freshly-caught salmon. Pair with California Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Noir. View recipe →
This earthy and subtly floral roast chicken makes excellent use of herbs grown throughout California. Pair with California Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. View recipe →