The Soul of California: Cooking for the Holidays

This collection of soulful California cuisine recipes incorporates the casual lifestyle of the West Coast with the deep roots of the South, nearby Mexican traditions and delicious Asian influences. Organized by menus, the cook can mix and match the recipes to impress his or her family and friends.

The menus focus on the winter holidays -- Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's Day and Superbowl Sunday.

The Menus:
Thanksgiving & Christmas
Smoke Your Holiday Turkey
Cheating Gravy
Super Healthy Mashed Potatoes
Healthy Sweet Potatoes
Fresh Fruit Salad
Ruth’s Apple Pie Cake
Spicy Bread Pudding
Spiced Nuts

New Year’s Day
Pork Loin with Orange Sauce
Chicken Thighs with Apricot Pineapple Sauce
California Style Black-eyed Peas
Savory Brown Rice
Roasted Vegetables
Swiss Chard with Bacon
Ruth’s Sweet Potato Pie

Super Bowl Sunday
Baked Nachos
Homemade Guacamole
Baked Ribs with Brown Sugar Beans
Sweet and Sour Chicken
Macaroni ’n Cheese
Sautéed Baby Bok Choy and Swiss Chard
Potato Salad
Green Pea Salad With Cheese and Ranch Dressing
Almond Butter Cookies
Cheatin’ Cookies - Red Velvet

There's something for everyone, from the simplest to more complex recipes -- or what looks complex to those not privy to these delicious recipes.