Pesto Walnuts - The perfect cheese platter addition

California is known for many things.

Sunshine, beaches, movie stars...

and WALNUTS!

They are a treat simply fresh out of the shell,

 but if you are looking for a little pizzaz, 

you need to make these Pesto Walnuts.

They have all of the classic flavors of pesto on the walnut,

 instead of the walnut being in the pesto...

They are savory and so flavorful.

The perfect snack on their own or a great addition to your holiday entertaining.

Don't you wish they all could be California nuts?

Pesto Walnuts

Place 1 cup of California halved walnuts, 1 Tablespoon of Butter and 2 finely minced garlic cloves in a small pan. Sautè over medium heat, until golden, about 8-10 minutes. Let mixture cool slightly and toss with shaved parmesan cheese, lemon zest and chopped, fresh basil and kosher salt. 

New Year Taco Tuesday - Cauliflower Chili Lime Tacos

It is the first Taco Tuesday of the New Year. 

Although I don't do big resolutions, 

I have decided to add more vegetables to my diet whenever I can.

Tonight for dinner I am whipping up simple and colorful 

Cauliflower Chili Lime Tacos or as my son calls them

Cali Cauli Tacos, thus being served on our California tray...

Light, crisp, fresh and ready in a snap.

You just need a few ingredients,

 but boy do they give the cauliflower a bold flavorful punch.

Just toss tiny florets...

zesty lime...

olive oil...

and chili powder. 

Roast, then dig in.

You won't feel one bit guilty for having a state-full!

Cauliflower Chili Lime Street Tacos
makes 8-10 small tacos

2 cups shredded cabbage
2 cups cauliflower, cut into to small florets
2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lime juice, plus wedges for serving
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon chili powder
dash of salt
crumbled cotija cheese or cheese of your choice
small or street taco size tortillas


Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix cauliflower with lime juice, olive oil, chili powder and salt.  Spread onto a foil lined baking sheet.  Roast in oven about 10 minutes until the cauliflower is slightly tender.  Warm tortillas then top with cabbage, cauliflower and cheese.  Serve with lime wedges.

It's Bittersweet... a California Candy Send Off

The day has come.

It is my daughter's last night in California before she heads off to college.

In an effort to keep things positive and hold back the tears, 

I took a cue from my favorite college band, Big Head Todd and the Monsters, 

"It's bittersweet, more sweet than bitter..."

So we are celebrating with an all California candy extravaganza! 

She's always been a sucker for See's...

Gung Ho for Ghiradelli...

Rah Rah for Red Vines...

and jubilant for Jelly Bellies...

all made in the Golden State she's leaving behind!
Sweet Dreams, there are Boulder things ahead...

Festive Fig Appetizers

Celebrating local foods is one of my favorite ways to cook.

California has an incredible array of produce 

and recently I've gotten festive with figs.

Yes, figs!

Figs are luscious, versatile, sweet and their mild flavor 

pairs perfectly with cheese for amazingly easy appetizers.

It is no secret that burrata is a staple in our house.  

This creamy cousin of mozzarella is fresh, light and melts in your mouth.  

Top it with a sweet, succulent fig and it's a party in your mouth.

I place a ball of buratta in a bowl, give it a squeeze of lemon...

then sprinkle on a dash of kosher salt, fresh thyme and lemon zest...

spread on a toasted baguette slice, then place a California Fig on top.

I love how the fig has a soft outside but just a slight crunch with the tiny inner seeds.

The flavors meld perfectly with the a hand crafted, boutique style burrata I use, 

made by Southern California's Di Stefano.

Fresh, bright, pretty and totally addictive.

Fig spreads are another way to have figgy goodness all year long.

I love serving them with a dark bread and a stunning goat cheese like Humbolt Fog.

This savory, earthy spread is full of fig flavor 

and is the perfect match for tangy, light goat cheese, 

especially the artisan, award winning Cypress Grove Humbolt Fog.

I am anticipating serving this constantly over the holidays.

So good, so simple, such a stunning flavor combination.

California Figs and spreads are available anytime from Valley Fig Growers.

Whole figs are sold as Blue Ribbon Orchard Choice or Sun-Maid 

and the 4 amazing spreads are from Orchard Choice.

It is no fun to party alone, 

check out what delicious pairing some of my cheesiest blog friends are sharing!

Miss Cheesemonger

Cheese Sex Death

The Snobby Foodie

Thank you to Valley Fig Growers for sponsoring this post.  All content is my own.



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Red, white and Poppy Bridal Shower Invitations

Two of the things that epitomize Summer for me are 

the 4th of July and wedding season.

I've combined the two with a little California Poppy fun,

 for Lisa's Bridal Shower Invitations.

A festive, simple and pretty salute to this summer bride...

We've ignored that urban myth that it's illegal to pick a wild California Poppy, 

and gathered quite a few...

Kale-ifornia - Handcrafted Green Smoothies from the Golden State

California is the state of 

endless sunshine, surfers, movie stars, 

yoga and fitness addicts with hippies sprinkled into the mix, right?

Whatever stereotypes are out there about my home state, 

I have to agree most of us eat Kale!

I love all foods and try my best to eat healthy,

and this California girl loves green smoothies for "nutritional peace-of-mind".

Kale Power is the perfect meal replacement and the only handcrafted Kale Smoothie on the market. Their smoothies contain a mega-dose of kale and other green veggies and just enough fruit to be delicious, but not too sweet.  The ingredients are 100% organic whole food and are blended with care in Davis, California in Vitamix blenders, just like you would at home.  

Perfect to keep in the frig or to grab when you are on the go.

And for an additional punch of California fun... 

they are endorsed by the Golden State Warriors!

Find out more about how easy being green can be on the Kale Power website.

Cheers and Viva Kale-ifornia!

Thank you to Kale Power for sending me their fabulous Green Smoothies to sample. All opinions are my own.

A San Francisco Super Bowl

Are you ready for some football?

It's time to celebrate The Super Bowl in true San Francisco style...

We will be kicking back on Sunday, watching all the festivities

and enjoying as many iconic Bay Area treats as we can.

First down:

our favorite California cheeses with fabulous

Boudin sourdough football bread...

Second Down:

Classic Fisherman's Wharf Clam Chowder in a bread bowl,
(because in this town - bread bowls are SUPER)

paired with Anchor Steam Beer...

Third Down:

We've got to have the San Francisco Treat, right?

Fourth Down:

Legendary, decadent and amazing It's It ice cream sandwiches

Wherever you left your heart.

I hope your team wins.

Follow Alexis Murphy's board Sports Parties and Snacks on Pinterest. 

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