Last night I made a roasted artichoke for dinner and it made me reminisce of summer nights growing up. It was a common occurrence to have grill outs with chicken, steak, corn on the cob, big salads, and of course, artichokes. My love for these weird veggies began early, pulling off leaf after leaf, dipping them into luscious garlic butter and scraping the meat off creating one fresh, garlic-y little bite. It's such a fun way to be interactive with your food!
It wasn't until I moved that I realized how spoiled I was to grow up in Southern California. I didn't realize things could be "seasonal" and that certain fruits and veggies (like artichokes) couldn't grow everywhere. It was clear I didn't take advantage of the situation when I was in it. This wasn't more clear as when my Montana friends came to CA for the wedding. I'm pretty sure most of them got sick from eating so many fresh oranges from our orchard.
In honor of Spring and fresh produce I want to share a few recipes that are iconic California to me, and because I love Montana too I want to share a few heartier dishes that remind me of the Treasure State:
California
Roasted Whole Artichokes
This recipe has a step-by-step picture tutorial of how to roast an artichoke. It's insanely simple and pretty much full proof. If you don't feel like using garlic or lemon juice just use olive oil, salt and pepper. This will allow for a simpler flavor.
http://pinchmysalt.com/how-to-roast-whole-artichokes/
Whole Orange Cake
I made this with my friend Abi over spring break last year. It has an amazing fresh citrus flavor that could be dessert or breakfast if you're feeling a little naughty! My only advice is really beat those oranges to heck in the food processor, we ended up with some chunks of orange peel in it which was no bueno.
http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/whole-orange-cake-50400000126573/
Blackened Chicken and Cilantro Lime Quinoa with Avocado Cream Sauce
I'm probably the only Californian that doesn't like raw avocados. Avocados are classic California and have made its way into the trendy food world popping up in ice cream and pasta, personally that makes me want to gag. However, I do like it in sauces and dips such as this one.
http://www.sarcasticcooking.com/2012/03/15/blackened-chicken-and-cilantro-lime-quinoa/
Montana
When I think of Montana I don't think of produce, I think of all things meat. You haven't tasted meat until you've been to Montana. The fact that you can look across the street and see your dinner eating grass confirms the quality and freshness that comes from Montana ranchers and farmers. Do me a favor, go to Montana just once and try a steak, your life will be changed.
Bacon and Blue Cheese Butter
I'm pretty sure no matter where you're from when you think Montana you think cowboys and when you think cowboys you think meat. This butter has two, well three, of my favorite things: butter, bacon, and blue cheese. When placed on top of a perfectly cooked medium-rare steak....oh em gee. Pure heaven.
http://www.steamykitchen.com/5984-bacon-blue-cheese-butter-on-grilled-steak.html
Honey Garlic Pork Chops
I made these the other night for dinner and I'm pretty sure they're one of the simplest and yummiest pork dishes around.
http://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=59689
Mustard and Cracked Pepper Roast Beef
This dish is hearty yet refined, the way I look at Montana. It has traditional elements with a few surprises.
http://reecenosh.blogspot.com/2009/01/mustard-roast-beef-recipe-courtesy.html
Enjoy!
Maddie
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