California cuisine is a style of cuisine marked by an interest in fusion cuisine (integrating disparate cooking styles and ingredients) and in the use of freshly prepared local ingredients. A highly varied range of micro-climates, dominated by a mild Mediterranean climate, and popular health-conscious diets and lifestyles in California promote the production, use and consumption of fresh fruits, vegetables and meats, many of them organic. The food is typically prepared with strong attention to presentation. Foods low in saturated fats and high in fresh vegetables and fruits with lean meats and seafood from coast often define the style. The term “California cuisine” arose as a result of culinary movements in the last decades and should not be confused with the traditional foods of California. French cuisine, Italian cuisine, Mexican cuisine, Chinese cuisine, and Japanese cuisine have all influenced Californian fusion cuisine, though this is by no means a complete list of influencing cultures.
Here are the most wanted and best 10 recipes from California. Enjoy!
California Grilled Veggie Sandwich
via thedashdiet.net
Brush vegetables with olive oil on each side. Brush grate of grill with oil. Place bell peppers and zucchini closest to middle of grill, and set onion and squash pieces around them. Cook for about 3 minutes, turn, and cook for another 3 minutes. The peppers may take a bit longer. Remove from grill and set aside. Spread some of the mayonnaise mixture on cut sides of bread; sprinkle each with feta cheese. Place on the grill, cheese side up, and cover with lid for 2 to 3 minutes. Watch carefully so the bottoms don’t burn. Remove bread from grill and layer with vegetables.
California Coleslaw
via allrecipes.com
A sweet summer slaw filled with fresh vegetables. It tastes better the second day after the vegetables have soaked in the marinade. This dish is amazing mix of so many different vegetables.
California-Thai Flank Steak
via allrecipes.com
This Thai-inspired marinated steak is a family favourite. Serve with basmati rice, a fresh salad and/or soup, and fresh fruit for desert!
The Undone California Roll Salad
Undone California Roll Salad is incredible easy to make. In typical sushi style there is no cooking, just a little chopping and mixing and you are done! We used the fake “crab” meat like you would typically get in a real California roll. If you wanted to upscale this recipe you could swap in some real crab meat if you wanted to. Give it a try and let me know what you think of my almost sushi salad.
West Coast Cod and Shrimp
via allrecipes.com
Spicy grilled fish are cooled down with a fresh crunchy veggie salsa featuring fresh corn. Your guests will swim back for seconds. Enjoy this another one Californian recipe.
Southern CA Strawberry Shortcakes
via californiastrawberries.com
Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes. Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally. Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.
California Chicken Casserole
via genaw.com
This is a quick and easy casserole combining a few of my favourites (chicken and California-blend vegetables) mixed together with my favourite gravy spices.
California Salsa
via cindynunnery.healthcoach.integrativenutrition.com
A classic tomato blend that can be thrown together in minutes for those teenage invasions and impromptu parties. We just throw this together, but it is very popular and requested at potlucks. Serve with tortilla chips.
California Chicken Spaghetti
via allrecipes.com
Angel hair pasta is tossed with chicken and roma tomatoes in this simple but flavourful dish. The spicy blackened meat seasoning combines well with the crumbled feta cheese. Easy, but great for a company dinner.
California Citrus Cake
via cooks.com
Beat eggs; add cake mix, pudding, water and oil. Beat 10 minutes. Pour into greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 50 minutes. Cool in pan. For glaze: Combine and heat to boiling, sugar and orange juice; stir in orange rind. Cool. When cake is cool, remove from pan, put on plate. Drizzle glaze over cake. Garnish with orange slices.
