Recipes

August is prime time for California nectarines, peaches, and plums—all considered “stone fruits” because of the stone, or pit, inside. If you have never grilled them, you are in for a treat. Grilling heightens their sweetness and lightly caramelizes their natural sugar. For this salad, you can use nectarines alone, or a combination of stone fruits. Serve as a separate course at a dinner party or as a side salad with grilled sausages. In larger portions, the salad makes a beautiful summer lunch. View recipe →

Most people have a soft spot for a good beef stew, the ultimate comfort dish on a cold night. This version will perfume your kitchen with the sweet scent of paprika and wine. On another occasion, try different vegetables, such as rutabagas, potatoes, or add chickpeas. Chances are you’ll devour a warm scone before you even get the stew to the table, but you’ll still have plenty of scones for dipping in the luscious sauce. If you’re pressed for time, serve the stew with egg noodles instead of the scones. View recipe →

The baby back ribs that most people throw on the barbecue make a succulent, rustic pasta sauce. You’ll need a friendly butcher to saw across the ribs for you, but the rest of the method is easy. The sauce (sugo in Italian) reheats well so you can make it a day ahead. Set your formal manners aside here. The best way to enjoy this dish is to nibble the meat off the riblets between bites of pasta. Cutting the meat off would spoil the fun! View recipe →

Take over grill duties on Father’s Day and show dad you have the right stuff with these succulent pork chops. Shoulder chops aren’t as common as loin chops so you may need to ask a butcher to cut them for you. They have more flavor, and this garlicky rub guarantees that they will be a dish you want to make all summer long. Juicy California nectarines make this slaw a standout. View recipe →

It’s long past time to bust the myth that artichokes don’t go with wine. This pasta dish is perfectly wine friendly thanks to an assist from pasta, sweet peas, and meaty prosciutto. Chill a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc and prove it to yourself. If you can’t find fresh baby artichokes, substitute frozen artichoke hearts rather than marinated hearts. View recipe →

If you’d rather spend more time dining with your Valentine than cooking and cleaning up, why not assemble an abundant cheese board that will take your evening from antipasto through dessert? View recipe →

A thick Porterhouse or bone-in ribeye steak is a luxury, so give it the red-carpet treatment: a hot grill to sear it and a side of aromatic garlic toast basted with fresh, peppery California olive oil from the first autumn pressing. View recipe →

When life gives you sweet, California-grown tomatoes, make chilaquiles, a genius use for tortillas that are a few days old. September is the height of the harvest for the meaty plum tomatoes that make thick, flavorful sauce. Resist the temptation to substitute store-bought tortilla chips for the home-fried tortillas; the chips soften too much, and the result is not nearly as satisfying. View recipe →

Buttery avocados make any sandwich better, and they put this burger over the top. Grass-fed beef can be lean, but the sliced avocado and spicy chipotle mayonnaise ensure that this burger is a luscious, moist, flavor-packed experience. 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 →

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 →

Chances are you’ll find many other uses for this fragrant sweet-tart jam. Enjoy it on a grilled-cheese or ham sandwich or serve it with a cheese or charcuterie board. It’s the perfect complement for fresh goat cheese or a tangy Cheddar. View recipe →

Hanger steak, sometimes known as the “butcher’s cut,” is exceptionally tender and beefy. If you can’t find it, flank steak or the super-thin skirt steak make good alternatives. The sesame-scented noodles can be prepared hours ahead apart from the finishing touches. 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 →

These tender filet mignon steaks are napped with a rosemary-infused red wine reduction and topped with a luxurious compound butter, making this dish worthy of any celebration. View recipe →

Caramelized figs, oozing cheese, salty prosciutto, and fresh arugula are a delightful combination of flavors and textures in this autumnal pizza. View recipe →

Fresh cherries round out the smoky heat of a feisty barbecue sauce that glazes tender pork ribs as they crisp on the grill. Pair with California Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. View recipe →

This spicy, fragrant bowl is heaped with crisp vegetables and char-grilled skirt steak, perched on a bed of rice noodles finished with a piquant Vietnamese dressing and a shower of fresh herbs. Pair with California Chardonnay or Rosé. 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 →

These succulent beef ribs in red wine sauce are hearty, bold and deliciously tender. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah. View recipe →

Fresh tomatoes with balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs and briny olives add a delightful zing to seared steak. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Red Blend. View recipe →

These lightly grilled tortillas are topped with spicy, smoky seasoned pork and creamy avocado. Pair with California Viognier or Zinfandel. View recipe →

These tender chops are marinated with herbs and garlic, cooked quickly in a hot pan and served with sautéed leeks. Pair with California Syrah or Cabernet Sauvignon. View recipe →

Earthy spices and the mellow licorice flavor of fennel add an extra savory dimension to everyone’s favorite meat and potatoes. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Petite Sirah. View recipe →

Fragrant anise adds a subtle sweetness to this warming stew. Pair with California Zinfandel or Pinot Gris. View recipe →

A succulent rib roast served with peppery herbed ricotta cheese. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. View recipe →

Fresh herbs, crunchy pistachio nuts and the slight sweetness of caramelized cauliflower complement this dramatic, crusted rack of lamb. Serve with California Cabernet Sauvignon or a California Red Blend. View recipe →

This classic dish highlights the earthy flavors of Portobello mushrooms, the richness of mascarpone polenta and the elegance of seared, rib eye steak. Pair with a California Merlot or California Syrah. View recipe →

This crunchy summer salad topped with grilled steak—marinated in California Zinfandel—gets zing from a spicy-mustard vinaigrette. View recipe →

This aromatic broth has hints of fresh ginger, anise and black pepper—and slices of tender, five-spice pork. Pair with California Viognier or California Rosé. View recipe →

This flavorful roast can be served hot with roasted carrots and savory pan drippings or cold, thinly sliced for sandwiches. Pair with California Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon. View recipe →

This mini hamburger is packed with layers of flavor. Serve with a side of crisp, tangy slaw and pair with California Syrah or Merlot. View recipe →

This tender grilled steak with smoky, spiced salsa is served alongside crunchy fresh-corn fritters. Enjoy with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Cabernet Franc. View recipe →

Enjoy grilled grass-fed beef with asparagus and carrot salad and creamy mashed potatoes. View recipe →

These fall-off-the-bone ribs are complemented by the sweet roasted flavor of beets and creamy texture of roasted potatoes. Pair with a California Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot. View recipe →

Pair with a California Merlot or California Chardonnay. View recipe →

Citrus marinated steak and rich, smoky tomatillo sauce turn these tacos into something special. Pair with California Cabernet Sauvignon or Zinfandel. View recipe →