Party Recipe: Welcome to California

Rob and I are hosting a dinner party tonight for a visiting friend from Japan. I tossed around ideas for classic “American” dishes (roast turkey, meatloaf, banana splits) and eventually settled on a menu that makes the most of California’s summer produce and relaxed spirit.

Cocktails
California white wine
Pistachios in shell

Dinner
Pan-fried artichokes with soy dip
Wine poached wild salmon with fresh dill
French cut wax beans
Roasted garlic purple mashed potatoes

Dessert
White peaches baked with a crumb topping
Organic whipped cream
Decaf coffee