California Recipes

This one really wasn't that hard to crack...The ingredients are printed on the container! The only difficult part was working out the correct ratios for each spice, or herb... But patient perseverance, and good ol' 'trial and error' saved the day. The original Old Bay® Seasoning was invented in the 1940's by an American-German immigrant named Gustav Brunn. Initially, it was intended only for use on crab meat (as there was plenty of it in the Chesapeake Bay area where Gustav lived!), but in the last decade or so, it's used in other food areas, such as poultry and salads.

Use a good sourdough starter, one you have tended to, for best flavor.

A very healthy and Hawaiian-style fish taco. For a heartier taco add some coleslaw on top of the mango salsa. If you don't have Mahi-Mahi, substitute any firm, thick white fish.

Horchata (cinnamon rice milk) has been a favorite addition to the many Mexican meals I've had in the Bay Area. It's lightly sweet and refreshing. This is a much easier recipe than the traditional method which requires up to 3 hours to make.

Grilled fish tacos.

California restaurateur Trader Vic is credited with invention of the mai tai. He served the rum and juice cocktail to friends visiting from Tahiti, who exclaimed, 'Maita'i roa ae!' The term translates to 'very good' and the name mai tai stuck.

I came up with this recipe after having fish tacos from a street vendor in Ensenada, Mexico. It is the closest to authentic I have found. Salsa can be made a day in advance for flavors to blend.

I lived in southern California for many years. Around Cinco de Mayo, there would be fiestas in our neighborhood. Vendors sold grilled corn on the cob prepared with butter, mayonnaise, cotija cheese, chile powder and a lime wedge. They were so delicious! After moving, we'd crave this corn, so I altered the recipe using canned corn and mixed in the same ingredients for a similar treat that doesn't require an outdoor grill.

A sweet summer slaw filled with fresh vegetables. It tastes better the second day after the vegetables have soaked in the marinade.

My husband grew up in southern California, and he says this shredded Mexican beef is the best he's ever had. Use it in burritos, tacos, salads and more.

After many attempts and many combinations of ingredients these fish tacos are ULTIMO!

California Roll - it's really good. Serve with soy sauce and wasabi.

This is the best queso dip! Being from Texas, I know my queso, and I think this is the one that beats them all! It's full of flavor and all fresh ingredients. You can substitute half-and-half for the heavy whipping cream, if desired. Serve with tortilla chips.

A wonderful appetizer to enjoy with friends when San Francisco's Indian summer warms the city. The true way to 'cook' the fish is to marinate it in citrus juice overnight, but I find that the poaching process is faster and an easy way to judge if it is indeed cooked. I often buy precooked shrimp (but NOT frozen!) and just poach the scallops. Best when served with cold beer (we prefer Pacifico®) and fresh limes. Using quality and sturdy tortilla chips is essential. Please note that the serving size is meant for appetizer portions.

Recently had homemade rice milk in a Mexican restaurant in San Francisco. I talked to a few friends and they told me a few different ways to make it. Here is a simple version (I like to add vanilla, but it is optional). Seriously, it is the best ever - and, it costs just pennies to make!

Al Pastor is a really popular way to prepare pork, famous in San Francisco's Mission District. It's a marinated roast pork. They make the most incredible tacos and burritos. This is inspired by those flavors.

Roasted eggplant in a French roll with feta cheese, basil and garlic mayonnaise. This was my favorite sandwich of all time, adapted from a cafe at the University of California, Irvine.

I used to make these all the time in California and they are so easy and fresh! You can also omit the mayonnaise and increase the red vinegar to reduce calories. All in all, these are a great main dish for any time of year! We usually serve them with fat-free refried beans topped with cilantro and goat cheese, or a cold corn salad with chopped bell pepper and onion.

Tasty chili whose name says it all! Note: Whole Anaheim peppers are not widely available; this ingredient is optional, and you can use hot pepper sauce instead.

When you feel like splurging a little, San Francisco's famous Cioppino is a great choice. This spicy fish and shellfish stew is a big red bowl of yummy, and when paired with a loaf of crusty sourdough bread, it's downright otherworldly.

This is a Mexican sandwich filled with char grilled steak, beans, avocado, lettuce and tomato all served up on a warm toasted roll. Growing up in Southern California this has become a family favorite. If cotija cheese is not available, use cheddar. Serve warm with Spanish rice.

My family raves about this oven-cooked tri tip roast; it's succulent, flavorful, and even my picky 5 year-old loves it! If you want to get a taste of southern California barbeque, this is it. Serve with fresh salsa, tortillas, rice, and beans. Enjoy!

Had this for the first time at a take-out pizza and pasta place in southern California. We all loved it so much that we came up with our own version that is just as good as the take-out one. This has become an all-time favorite in our house. Serve with your favorite tomato sauce, cream sauce, or other topping sauce. We serve this over spaghetti noodles, then top with favorite sauce sprinkled with cheese. Or just eat as they are straight from the oven.

I have loved tri-tip (bottom sirloin) ever since my father-in-law in Santa Barbara introduced me to it. Tri-tip is a cut of meat that first became popular in Santa Maria, on the central coast of California. I love the taste of the original Santa Maria rub, but this is even better.