Best California Squares Recipes

FONTINA AND PROSCIUTTO STUFFED PORK CHOPS WITH GRILLED POLENTA SQUARES AND ROASTED CALIFORNIA GRAPES

Steps:

• Prepare the pork chops. Make a brine by combining the water, sugar, salt, thyme sprigs, clove and all-spice berries in a re-sealable bag. Add the pork chops, seal up the bag and put in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes.
• Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
• Drain the pork chops and pat dry. Using a paring knife, make a horizontal cut into the center of each chop to make a pocket. Stuff a slice of fontina and prosciutto inside each pocket and secure with a toothpick. Set 2 large cast iron skillets over medium-high heat and add a 2-count of extra-virgin olive oil to each skillet. Add 2 chops to each of the skillets and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until golden. Turn chops, push to 1 side and set grape clusters in pan. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper before putting the pans in the oven. Roast chops for 5 to 7 minutes until cooked through and cheese has melted. Remove from oven when done and set chops and clusters of roasted grapes aside on a plate - keep warm.
• Consolidate juices into 1 pan and set over medium heat. Add a splash of chicken stock to the pan, scraping the bottom to extract all the flavors. Fold in cold butter while whisking to thicken sauce. Season with salt and pepper. To serve, set 1 pork chop on each plate on top of a Grilled Polenta Square, garnish with a cluster of roasted grapes and drizzle with pan sauce. Set a stack of hydroponic watercress to 1 side and serve.
• Bring water and salt to a boil in a large saucepan. Gradually whisk in the cornmeal in a slow steady stream. Lower heat and continue to whisk until the polenta is thick and smooth, about 20 minutes. Add the cream and butter and continue to stir until incorporated. Remove from heat; fold in Parmesan and black pepper. Pour the polenta into a buttered 9 by 13-inch shallow baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Cover and chill a few hours. Cut the polenta into squares. Brush both sides with olive oil and transfer to a hot grill. Grill on both sides until golden brown.

SENSATIONAL CALIFORNIA SUSHI SQUARES

Steps:

• Spread plastic wrap over the buttom and sides of a 9 x 13 pan.
• Sprinkle seasme seeds evenly over the buttom of the pan.
• Spoon half the rice over the sesame seeds. Dampen your hands with cold water and press the rice down into an even layer.
• Cover the rice layer with the nori sheets.
• Peel the avocado. Cut the avocado into thin strips and layer over top of the nori.
• Mix the crab, mayonnaise and green onion together. Spoon over the avocado layer and spread evenly.
• Peel the cucumber. Cut the cucumber lengthwise and use a spoon to scoop out the seeds. Cut the cucumber into thin strips and layer over top of the crab meat.
• Spoon the rest of the rice over the cucumber layer. Dampen hands with cold water and press the rice down into an even layer.
• Cover the last layer with plastic wrap. Set another 9 x 13 inch pan on sushi and press down firmly.
• Put pan in the fridge for two hours.
• Take buttom layer of plastic wrap and invert pan on to a cutting surface.
• Using a VERY sharp knife, cut into 64 squares. Wipe your knife after each cut and dip into cold water before each cut.
• Arrange on a platter and serve with soya sauce and wasabi.
• Other Sushi Combination Ideas .
• Boston Rolls - Scallion, Crab, Salmon.
• Egg Salad Rolls - Hard-Cooked Eggs & Mayo, Green Onion Strips.
• Holiday Rolls - Cranberry Salsa, Turkey Strips, Cream Cheese Strips.
• New York Rolls - Sliced Apple, Sliced Avocado, Smoked Salmon.
• Pesto Rolls - Pesto, Turkey or Chicken Strips, Cream Cheese Strips.
• Philadelphia Rolls - Smoked Salmon (thin sliced), Cucumber, cut into strips, Cream Cheese, cut in long, thin strips.
• Smoked Salmon Rolls - Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese Strips, Cucumber Strips.
• Summer Melon Rolls - Prosciutto, Melon Strips.
• Shrimp Rolls - Shrimp, Cream Cheese Strips.
• Texas Rolls - Sliced cooked beef, Cucumber, cut into strips, Spinach Leaves.
• Tuna Salad Rolls - Tuna Salad, Lettuce Leaves.
• Veggie Rolls - Pesto, Cucumber Strips, Tomato Strips, Mushroom Strips.
• Veggie Rolls II - Mushrooms Strips, Egg, scrambled, Scallions or Roasted Sweet Peppers.

CALIFORNIA SQUARES 1965

Steps:

• Base:.
• Sift together the sugar, flour, salt, baking powder.
• Add the wet ingredients; eggs, warmed milk, butter, and vanilla.
• Beat all well; pour into a greased 8 inch cake pan.
• Bake at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes.
• Topping:.
• Combine the coconut, evaporated milk, butter, and brown sugar until thick.
• When the base is done, remove from oven.
• Spread the coconut/brown sugar mixture on top.
• Place back into the oven and broil until brown and bubbly all over.
• Remove to rack and let cool completely.
• Cut into bars.