CALIFORNIA GROWN
As the holiday season unfolds, it’s the perfect time to indulge in some of the flavors that make the Golden State remarkable. Here at California Grown, we’re thrilled to share a selection of holiday recipes that celebrate the state’s bountiful harvests. These recipes aren’t just about delicious food; they’re a tribute to the diverse produce and dedicated farmers who form the backbone of California’s agricultural scene. From the sprawling olive groves to the sun-kissed avocado farms, these dishes bring a taste of California’s farming heritage to your holiday table.
Introducing the DeLeonardis family – olive farmers and enthusiasts who have crafted a unique twist on the traditional Cowboy Caviar recipe. This dish is a vibrant mix of olives, tomatoes, and corn, showcasing the unique and bold flavors that California olives add to your holiday spread.
The Bruce Family’s California Avocado and Smoked Salmon on Homemade Bagel Chips With Wasabi Cream
Meet Mark and Linda Bruce, whose love for avocados is evident in this recipe combining the smooth texture of avocados with the refined taste of smoked salmon. This dish is perfect for an elegant holiday appetizer or a festive family brunch.
Enjoy the natural sweetness of California raisins in these incredible oatmeal raisin cookies. These treats are a nod to the sunny vineyards and the hardworking raisin growers of California, bringing a special touch to your holiday table.
Indulge in the Fiscalini family’s opulent twist on classic mac and cheese. With a trio of fine cheeses, this recipe transforms a familiar favorite into an extraordinary holiday dish.
Relish the indulgent flavor of Renae DeJager’s Boterkoek. This traditional Dutch butter cake, crafted with premium California dairy and almonds, reflects the depth and quality of our state’s dairy production.
Savor the Areias family’s Queijadas de Limao. These Portuguese cupcakes are blended with the zest of California lemons for a delightful combination of tradition and local flair.
Experience the distinct taste of California grapes in Margaret’s Special Grape Pie. This pie is a harmonious blend of sweetness and tanginess, celebrating the abundant grape harvests of California.
This recipe from the Schafer family brings the seasonal charm of California-grown figs to your holiday table. Fresh figs from California are in season from June through the first frost, so this dish is perfect for Thanksgiving and in California can even be served during December holidays too!
This dessert is undeniably moist yet perfectly crumbly, and each bite greets your taste buds with an intense but refined burst of citrus, followed by the subtle, intricate notes of world-class California olive oil.
Keenan Farms in Kettleman City, California famous recipe for Pistachio White Chocolate Chip Cookies is irresistible! They’re crisp on the edges, tender in the middle, and have plenty of crunch from 2 whole cups of California pistachios.
If you think you don’t like prunes, we dare you to try the Mitchell Family‘s Old-Fashioned Prune Cake recipe. A soft, prune-studded spice cake covered in a buttery-sweet glaze that has everyone going back for another slice (or two.)
While we love any and all cinnamon rolls, this sweetpotato-inspired version from California Sweetpotatoes is hands down our favorite way to indulge.
Over 99% of walnuts grown in the United States come from California! Our fertile soils and temperate weather allow these trees to really thrive. Walnuts are available year-round in California. They’re one of the many commodities always in season in the Golden State.
This pocket-sized holiday dessert has everything you could want in a slice of apple pie – a tender, flaky crust, warm cinnamon apple filling, and no need for a fork or plate.
This classic, creamy dip recipe is loaded with spinach, canned artichokes, sautéed onion, garlic, and a mix of creamy, cheesy ingredients that will make you weak in the knees.
“Cook once and eat twice” is a motto we can really stand behind! This Spinach Artichoke Dip is a great appetizer, but it’s also great for other recipes like these stuffed chicken breasts.
This olive and wild rice salad is chock full of always-in-season ingredients like jarred peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and canned artichokes, as well as both green and black California Ripe Olives.
Once a year, over half of all commercial beehives in the United States undergo the largest pollination event in the world – in California! In each of these 1 million beehives live 30,000-60,000 worker bees tasked with pollinating the vast acreage of almond orchards in the Central Valley. This results in some of the most delicious honey in the world!
California 75 Cocktail from Discover California Wines
This sensational wine cocktail with lemons is as bright and effervescent as the ocean views you’ll see driving down California SR75 to sunny San Diego. If you are a fan of a classic French 75, you will love our SoCal-inspired spin. This lemon cocktail calls for sparkling wine and dry vermouth from California in place of the gin called for in the classic version.
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To help consumers recognize California's role in food production and to connect them with the farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers that grow over 400 specialty crops in the Golden State. And Since California produces over 50% of the nation's produce, we have lots of stories to tell.