Recipes

Part of being excited about locally grown fruits and vegetables is having new, exciting ways to prepare them! We have compiled some of our favorite recipes to give you a fresh idea for your next meal with friends and family. Let us know your favorite by tagging #PlacerGROWN on social media!

Browse through our recipes below!

GRILLED APRICOTS WITH LEMON THYME AND HONEY

Serves 6 Ingredients:6 small apricots, washed, halved and pitted1 Tbsp. Olive Oil1 Tbsp honey4 sprigs lemon thyme or regular thyme2 Tbsp unsalted butter, meltedsalt and pepper, to taste Preheat grill. In a small bowl mix the honey, thyme sprigs, melted butter, salt and pepper. Set aside. Brush the apricot halves with the olive oil and grill,…

ARUGULA AND PISTACHIO PESTO

Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used:  Arugula Ingre­di­ents: Instruc­tions: Place every­thing in a food proces­sor and process to a creamy con­sis­tency. Use the same way you would basil pesto, on pasta, fish, bread, etc. Yields 1 cup.

CURRY-ROASTED WINTER SQUASH with FUYU PERSIMMON CHUTNEY

Serves 6 – recipe by Courtney McDonald  Ingredients: -6 Tbsp. Extra Virgin olive oil -2 Tbsp. unsalted butter -3 Tbsp. mild curry powder -2 medium winter squash, such as acorn, turban, kabocha or butternut -3 Tbsp. local honey -salt and pepper, to taste Make the curry oil:  Heat the olive oil, butter, curry powder in…

LEEK & PUMPKIN SOUP WITH MANDARIN BROWN BUTTER

Serves 6; Recipe By Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -6 lbs. RougeVif d’etampes, Musque de Provence or other pumpkin, seeds removed and cut into wedges for roasting -3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil -1/4 cup unsalted butter -2 leeks, green tops removed, washed well and sliced crosswise -1 medium carrot, peeled and thinly sliced -2 ribs celery, thinly sliced…

SPICED EGGPLANT DIP WITH SQUASH CHIPS

Recipe by Courtney McDonald; Serves 6 Ingredients: 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil 1 large yellow onion, diced 4 cloves garlic, peeled and thinly sliced 1 ½ tsp. ground cumin 1 ½ tsp. ground coriander 1 Tbsp. smoked Spanish paprika 1 ¼ lbs. black beauty or other eggplant 1/2 tsp. crushed smoked dried chilies 1/4 cup…

ROASTED PEACHES WITH LAVENDER, HONEY AND YOGURT SORBET

Recipe by Courtney McDonald; Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 firm-ripe freestone peaches, any variety 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp. local honey 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. dried lavender buds pinch of salt 1 basket strawberries, washed, hulled and quartered 1 quart frozen yogurt (recipe follows) or vanilla ice cream 1/2 cup “Wing Nuts” trail mix…

STIR-FRIED SNOW PEAS WITH FRIED EGG

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6 Ingredients: -2 Tbsp. olive oil -2 stalks green garlic, thinly sliced -2 green onions, thinly sliced (including whites) -1 Tbsp. minced fresh ginger -1/2 tsp. crushed red chili flake -1 1/2 pounds snow or sugar snap peas, stems and strings removed and cut in half -1 pound Daikon radish,…

MANDARIN BUTTERMILK TART

Makes 1 tart Ingredients: -2 large eggs, lightly beaten -3/4 cup sugar -1 Tbsp. heavy cream -¾ cup buttermilk -4 Tbsp. melted butter -1 ½ Tbsp. fresh mandarin juice -1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice -zest of 1 mandarin -3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour -1 prebaked sweet tart crust (recipe below) -1/4 cup sweetened whipped cream Preheat…

SPRING BERRY COBBLER WITH VANILLA ICE CREAM

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6 Ingredients: -1 cup all-purpose flour -3 Tbsp. sugar -1 tsp. baking powder -1/2 tsp. baking soda -1/4 tsp. salt -3 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cold, diced into pea-sized pieces -1/2 tsp. poppy seeds -2/3 cup buttermilk -3 baskets fresh blueberries, washed -2 baskets fresh raspberries, cleaned -2 baskets fresh strawberries,…

PRESERVED MEYER LEMONS

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Makes 1 quart jar Ingredients: -5 Meyer lemons -1 mandarin -1/3 cup kosher salt -2 whole star anise -1 cinnamon stick -2/3 cup fresh Meyer lemon juice (from about 5 lemons) Scrub lemons and mandarin and dry well. Quarter lemons and mandarin lengthwise, leaving 1/2 inch at bottom intact. Toss fruit…

PAN-ROASTED PORK WITH APPLES AND THYME

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6 Ingredients: -2 Tbsp. olive oil -6 pork loin chops -2 Tbsp unsalted butter -8 fresh thyme sprigs -3 tart green apples, peeled, cored and sliced ¼ inch thick -2 Tbsp honey -sat and pepper, to taste Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Heat a large cast-iron pan over medium-high…

ROAST LEG OF LAMB WITH RATATOUILLE

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6-8 For the lamb: -1 bone-in or boneless leg of lamb (3-5 lbs) (you could also use a rack, loin or loin chops for this recipe if you prefer – adjust cooking time accordingly) -1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil -4 sprigs fresh rosemary -1 orange, sliced into ¼ inch rounds…

LACTO-FERMENTED OKRA PICKLES

Lacto-fermented vegetables are pickled in a simple brine of water, salt, and sometimes whey, plus spices as you like — no vinegar. Recipe by Karen Killebrew, adapted from Frog Bottom Farm (1 pint – doubles easily) Ingredients: as many okra (washed and stems cut off) as will fit in a pint jar 1-2 cloves garlic,…

GRILLED STEAK WITH TOMATOES AND BLUE CHEESE

Serves 6; recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -6 NY strip steaks or ribeyes -1/2 cup olive oil -6 cloves garlic, smashed -1 shallot, sliced -2 sprigs rosemary -2 Tbsp red wine -4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick -4 ounces salty blue cheese, such as Bleu d’Auvergne or Roquefort -1 small red onion or…

FALL SQUASH LASAGNA WITH GOAT CHEESE

Serves 6 with leftovers; recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -3 1/2 pounds butternut, kabocha or acorn squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch pieces -2 tablespoons olive oil -salt and pepper, to taste -1 pound whole-milk ricotta cheese -1 pkg no-boil lasagna noodles (you may not need all of them) -1/2 cup heavy cream -2…

BARBEQUED CHICKEN WITH GRILLED NECTARINES

Serves 6-8; recipe by Courtney McDonald For the chicken: -2 whole farmers’ market chickens, each cut into 8ths with bone in -2 cups Snow’s Citrus Court Mandarin Orange Grill Sauce -6 yellow or white firm-ripe nectarines -3 Tbsp olive oil -2 Tbsp honey -salt and pepper, to taste Several hours before you plan to serve…

SAUTEED CABBAGE WITH FRESH GINGER, APPLE AND MANDARIN

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6 Ingredients: -3 Tbsp. olive oil -2 cloves garlic, thinly sliced -1 bunch green onion or ½ red onion, thinly sliced -1 Tbsp minced fresh ginger -1 Tbsp minced fresh turmeric,or ½ tsp dried turmeric (optional) -1 head green or Savoy cabbage,thinly sliced -2 green apples, thinly sliced -4 mandarins,…

MEYER LEMON BUTTERMILK TART

Serves 2 (with leftovers!) Ingredients: -2 large eggs, lightly beaten -3/4 cup sugar -1 Tbsp. heavy cream -3/4 cup buttermilk -4 Tbsp. melted butter -1 ½ Tbsp. fresh Meyer lemon juice -zest of 1 Meyer lemon -3 Tbsp. all-purpose flour -1 prebaked tart crust (you could use a store-bought graham cracker pie crust) -1/4 cup…

CITRUS AND WINTER GREENS SALAD WITH GOAT CHEESE AND WALNUTS

Serves 2 – recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1/2 cup fresh citrus segments- mandarins, grapefruit, orange, blood orange or mix of all -1 small head butter lettuce or ½ head other lettuce (you could also use 1 bunch arugula or mizuna) -1 tsp. Meyer lemon juice -zest of 1 Meyer lemon -1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive…

HEIRLOOM TOMATOES WITH BLUE CHEESE AND RED ONION

Recipe by Courtney McDonal; Serves 6 Ingredients: -4 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced ¼ inch thick -4 ounces salty blue cheese, such as Bleu d’Auvergne or Roquefort -1 small red onion or torpedo onion, thinly sliced -1/4 cup fresh basil leaves -2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil -salt and pepper, to taste On a large platter, lay…

FARMERS’ MARKET TABBOULEH SALAD

Serves 6; recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 ½ cups cracked bulgur wheat -3 cups hot tap water -1/2 cup chopped Italian parsley -1/4 cup chopped fresh basil -2 Tbsp. chopped fresh mint leaves -3-4 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice -grated zest of 1 lemon -3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil -2 large tomatoes, seeded and…

SALAD NICOISE WITH OLIVE PUREE

Recipe by Courtney McDonald; Serves 6 Ingredients: -1/2 pound green beans, trimmed, blanched and shocked in ice water -1/2 pound yellow wax beans, trimmed, blanched and shocked -1 pound fingerling potatoes, washed and roasted until tender and cooled -1 bunch radish, trimmed and sliced -1 torpedo onion, thinly sliced -2 small mild sweet peppers, thinly sliced…

MIXED LETTUCES WITH STRAWBERRIES, WALNUTS AND PICKLED RED ONION

Serves 6; Recipe By Courtney McDonald Ingredients: For the pickled red onion: -1 medium red onion peeled and thinly sliced crosswise -1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar -1/2 cup water -1/2 cup sugar In a small saucepot, heat the vinegar and water with the sugar until warm to the touch. Remove from the heat and stir until…

FRESH CHERRY CROSTATA WITH HONEY CREME FRAICHE

Serves 6; Recipe By Courtney McDonald Ingredients: For the pastry dough: -2 cups flour -1/2 tsp. salt -1/2 tsp orange zest -3 sticks (1 ½ cups) unsalted butter, diced and chilled -1/3-1/2 cup heavy cream, cold For the filling: -4 pints fresh cherries, halved and pitted -1/4 cup sugar -pinch of salt -1 tsp. cornstarch…

PLUM AND APRICOT SORBET WITH OPAL BASIL

Recipe by Courtney McDonald Serves 6 Ingredients: -1 ¼ cups strained plum puree (about 1 pound plums, pitted and pureed in the blender) -1 ¼ cups strained apricot puree (about 1 pound apricots, pitted and pureed in the blender) -1/3 cup- 1 cup sugar (to taste, depending on the sweetness of the fruit) -1 Tbsp….

BROILED PERSIMMONS WITH MANDARIN JUICE

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -3 fuyu persimmons, cut in half crosswise -3 Tbsp. brown sugar -juice and zest of 2 mandarins -1 pint vanilla ice cream (optional) Preheat broiler to high. Sprinkle the cut side of each persimmon half with the brown sugar and mandarin juice and zest. Place on a baking sheet…

VANILLA ICE CREAM WITH STRAWBERRIES, RASPBERRIES AND LAVENDER

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 pint good-quality vanilla ice cream -1 pint strawberries, hulled and sliced -2 baskets raspberries, carefully rinsed and dried -1/2 tsp. fresh lavender blossoms, finely minced -2 Tbsp. Snow’s Citrus Court Mandarin Orange Ice Cream Topping (or more, to taste) -1 crumbled oatmeal cookie as garnish (optional) In…

SUMMER VEGETABLE “PANADE” CASSEROLE

Serves 6 – recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 loaf day-old crusty bread, cut into ½ inch slices -2 Tbsp olive oil -1/4 cup unsalted butter -2 bunches green onion, thinly sliced -6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced -1/4 cup all-purpose flour -4 cups milk -2 large meaty tomatoes, thinly sliced -1 small zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise -1 small yellow…

ROASTED PEACHES WITH BACON, BALSAMIC AND BLUE CHEESE

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 3 firm-ripe freestone peaches, pitted and cut into quarters 6 sprigs fresh thyme 1 tsp. olive oil 6 slices bacon, cut into 1” strips 1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese 2 cups baby spinach, washed and dried (optional) salt and freshly-ground black…

GRILLED APRICOTS WITH LEMON THYME AND HONEY

Serves 6 Ingredients: 6 small apricots, washed, halved and pitted 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil 1 Tbsp honey 4 sprigs lemon thyme or regular thyme 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted salt and pepper, to taste Preheat grill. In a small bowl mix the honey, thyme sprigs, melted butter, salt and pepper. Set aside. Brush the apricot halves…

BEET AND PEAR SALAD WITH SPINACH AND WALNUTS

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -3 small red beets, washed and trimmed of stems and tails -2 ripe pears, any variety -2 cups spinach, triple washed, stems removed -1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion -1 1/2 Tbsp balsamic vinegar -1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil -1/2 cup chopped toasted walnuts -salt and pepper, to…

MANDARIN, RADISH AND APPLE SALAD WITH WINTER GREENS

Serves 6 – recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -6 mandarins, and cut crosswise into ¼ inch medallions -4 radishes, washed and thinly sliced -2 cups winter greens such as arugula, mizuna or spinach, washed and torn into bite-size pieces -2 crisp apples -juice and zest of 2 meyer lemons -1/4-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil -1/2…

SUMMER VEGETABLE PANZANELLA (BREAD SALAD)

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 loaf good-quality crusty bread, sliced ½ inch thick -1 tbsp olive oil -1 clove garlic, finely chopped -1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil -3 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar (or lemon juice) -2 large heirloom tomatoes, hulled and diced into 1 inch chunks -4 ears fresh corn, kernels removed -1/2…

PERSIMMON, RADISH AND APPLE SALAD WITH WINTER GREENS

Serves 6 – recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -3 fuyu or gosho persimmon, pits removed, cut into 8ths -4 radishes, washed and thinly sliced -2 cups winter greens such as arugula, mizuna or spinach, washed and torn into bite-size pieces -2 crisp apples -juice and zest of 2 meyer lemons -1/4-1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil…

RAW KALE SALAD WITH ROASTED ONIONS AND PISTACHIOS

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -2 bunches tender kale (any variety), stems removed, leaves torn into bite-size pieces and washed thoroughly -1 Tbsp fresh meyer lemon Juice -3 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil -1 large onion, any variety, sliced into ½ inch rings -1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves -2 cloves garlic, smashed -1/2 cup…

SWEET CORN AND CHERRY TOMATO SALAD

Serves 8; prep time – 15 minutes Ingredients: -1 small pkg. pea shoots, rinsed and dried -1 small pkg. sunflower greens -4 ears yellow corn, shucked -1 basket cherry tomatoes, rinsed and halved -1/4 cup julienned fresh basil leaves -2 tsp. dark balsamic vinegar -2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. XV olive oil -salt and pepper,…

ASIAN INSPIRED MIZUNA AND ARUGULA SALAD WITH FRESH PLUMS

Serves 8; prep time – 15 minutes Ingredients: -1 bunch mizuna, triple washed and dried -1 bunch arugula, triple washed and dried -4 firm-fleshed plums, rinsed -1 ½ tsp. Two Spicy Ladies “Oriental Stir Fry” spice mix -1 tsp. dark balsamic vinegar -1 tsp. white balsamic vinegar -2 Tbsp. + 2 tsp. XV olive oil…

SHAVED CABBAGE SALAD WITH LIME AND CILANTRO

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 head cabbage, any variety -2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil -juice of 2 limes -1 tsp. ground cumin -1 clove garlic, minced -1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro -1/2 red onion, thinly sliced -4 radishes, thinly sliced -salt and freshly-ground black pepper, to taste Trim the outer leaves and…

SHAVED SUMMER SQUASH SALAD WITH CUCUMBER AND CHERRY TOMATOES

Serves 6; Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 pound small zucchini, ends removed -1/2 pound small yellow squash, ends removed -1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced and soaked in ice water for 30 minutes -1 basket mixed cherry tomatoes, cut in half -1 large Armenian cucumber or 4 lemon cucumbers, thinly sliced -1/4 cup chopped…

SPINACH SALAD WITH FUYU PERSIMMON

Serves 6; Recipe By Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -6 slices bacon -2 bunches spinach, washed, long stems removed -2 ripe Fuyu persimmons, peeled and sliced -1 tart green apple, cored and sliced -2 Tbsp. chopped green onion -1/2 cup toasted and chopped walnuts -1 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar -salt and pepper, to taste Cook the bacon…

WATERMELON AND TOMATO SALAD WITH FRESH CORN, LIME AND COTIJA CHEESE

Serves 6 (dinner-sized portions); Recipe by Courtney McDonald Ingredients: -1 medium watermelon, rind removed (discard) and diced into 1 inch chunks -4 large heirloom tomatoes, hulled and diced into 1 inch chunks -3 ears fresh corn, kernels removed -1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced -juice and zest of 2 limes -1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil…

BLACKBERRY-LEMON UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

Cat­e­gory: Dessert Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Black­ber­ries Eggs Eureka Lemons Ingre­di­ents: 2 tea­spoons but­ter — melted ½ cup packed brown sugar 1½ tea­spoons grated lemon rind 2 cups fresh blackberries 1¼ cups all-purpose flour 1½ tea­spoons bak­ing powder ¼ tea­spoon salt 2/3 cup gran­u­lated sugar 2 table­spoons but­ter — softened 1 large egg ¾ tea­spoon vanilla extract ½ cup fat free milk Instruc­tions: Pre­heat oven…

CHILLED CUCUMBER SOUP

Cat­e­gory: Main Dish Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Arugula Chiles Cucum­bers Onions Pep­pers Toma­toes Served with these Plac­er­Grown Prod­ucts: Toma­toes Ingre­di­ents: 4 large cucum­bers — peeled 4 assorted col­ored bell pep­pers — seeded 1 cup cilantro or arugula 2 cups green onions — sliced (2 bunches) 1/2 cup assorted chopped chilies that have been roasted peeled and seeded 2 cloves…

CHOCOLATE ZUCCHINI CAKE

Cat­e­gory: Dessert Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Eggs, Oranges (Blood and Navel), and Walnuts Ingre­di­ents: 2 1/2 cups flour 1/2-cup cocoa 2 1/2 tea­spoons bak­ing powder 1 1/2 tea­spoons soda 1-teaspoon salt 1-teaspoon cin­na­mon 3/4-cup soft butter 2 cups sugar 3 eggs 2 tea­spoons vanilla 2 tea­spoons orange peel 2 cups coarsely shred­ded zucchini 1/2-cup milk 1 cup chopped…

CROCK POT BLUEBERRY MUFFIN CAKE

Cat­e­gory: Baked Goods Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Blue­ber­ries, Eggs Ingre­di­ents: Crumb top: 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 3 table­spoons unsalted but­ter — chilled Cake bat­ter: 3 table­spoons unsalted but­ter — room temperature 1/2 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1/2 tea­spoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup (4 ounces) sour cream (not fat reduced) 1 cup all-purpose flour 1/2…

ENDIVE ORANGE AND FENNEL SALAD

Cat­e­gory: Salad Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Honey Oranges (Blood and Navel) Served with these Plac­er­Grown Prod­ucts: Oranges (Blood and Navel) Ingre­di­ents: 1/2 table­spoon orange juice 1/2 table­spoon rice wine vinegar 1 tea­spoon honey 2 table­spoons extra vir­gin olive oil Coarsely ground black pep­per to taste 1 head Bel­gium endive-washed-dried and cut into 2 inch pieces 1 small navel orange-peeled and cut into…

GRILLED VANILLA STRAWBERRIES

Cat­e­gory: Side Dish Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Strawberries Served with these Plac­er­Grown Prod­ucts: Strawberries Ingre­di­ents: 2 pounds large-sized firm strawberries 2 table­spoons butter ½ cup vanilla syrup Soaked bam­boo skewers Instruc­tions: Pre­heat grill to medium heat. Make sure grate is well oiled. Thread straw­ber­ries onto skew­ers, about 4–6 berries per serv­ing. Arrange on pat­ter or bak­ing sheet. Warm but­ter and…

HELEN’S PUMPKIN CAKE

Cat­e­gory: Baked Goods Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Eggs Pump­kins Walnuts Ingre­di­ents: 4 large eggs 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 cups fresh pump­kin puree 1 cup veg­etable or canola oil 1 1/2 tea­spoons ground cinnamon 1/2 tea­spoon each ground all­spice and ground ginger 1 tea­spoon vanilla extract 2 cups flour 2 tea­spoons bak­ing powder 1 tea­spoon bak­ing soda 1/2 tea­spoon salt 1/2 cup chopped wal­nuts or…

LAMB GOULASH AU BLANC

Cat­e­gory: Main Dish Plac­er­Grown ingre­di­ents used: Lamb, Meyer Lemons, Onions Ingre­di­ents: 3/4 cup butter 1 medium onion (chopped) 1 cup veg­etable stock 1 lemon sliced very thin and seeded 1 tsp. caraway 2 tsp. marjoram 1 clove garlic 2 lbs. Fresh lamb — shoul­der or ribs (cut into 1 1/2 inch cubes) Instruc­tions: In a large skil­let saute onion…

MIXED GREENS WITH PLUMS, FETA, RED ONION AND PISTACHIOS

Foothill Farm­ers Mar­ket Asso­ci­a­tion Recipe Mixed Greens with Plums, Feta, Red Onion and Pistachios Serves 6 —  recipe by Court­ney McDonald Ingre­di­ents: 6 cups mixed greens, washed and spun dry 3 ripe plums, pit­ted and cut into wedges 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced and rinsed in cold water 1/4 cup Snow’s Cit­rus Court Orange Bal­samic Dressing 3/4…

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