Pinto beans simmered with cumin, coriander, and chipotle, mashed to a thick paste with some texture left for body, and finished with fresh lime. A flavorful, from-scratch staple that outshines any canned version and anchors the whole So-Cal menu.

Gingerbread-espresso cookie dough is shaped into cones, filled with a pecan-brown sugar-cherry mixture, and baked until golden and fragrant. These charming bell-shaped cookies are a treasured holiday heirloom recipe with warm spice, toasty nuts, and a touch of fruity sweetness in every bite.

Yeasted dough filled with cinnamon-brown sugar and optional pecans and raisins, prepped the night before and iced warm from the oven. A make-ahead holiday morning tradition that fills the house with the magic of Christmas Day.

Ziti is tossed with chicken, mushrooms, and cauliflower in a luscious cream sauce enriched with cream cheese, Parmesan, green chiles, thyme, and peas, then baked at 425°F until golden. This make-ahead casserole is the ultimate crowd-pleaser for entertaining, delivering rich comfort food that can be assembled in advance.

Two racks of lamb tied into an elegant crown, slow-roasted then finished at high heat, and served with a vibrant mint-cilantro-almond pesto. A dramatic, centerpiece-worthy roast that elevates any holiday dinner to a truly memorable occasion.

Broccoli rabe roasted with cherry tomatoes and sliced shallots until crisp-tender. A quick, nutritious Italian side dish with bold, slightly bitter flavor.

Corn cereal, peanuts, pretzels, chipotle crackers, lime tortilla chips, coconut, corn nuts, and pepitas are tossed in a butter-lime-chili-Parmesan seasoning and baked at 300 degrees until toasty. This addictive, boldly spiced party mix brings tangy, smoky, salty flavors together for effortless snacking.

A cream cheese and Mexican cheese log seasoned with cilantro and lime zest is coated in a vibrant food-processor cranberry-jalapeno relish. This sweet-and-spicy appetizer is a festive, make-ahead crowd-pleaser ideal for Thanksgiving or holiday gatherings.

A fresh green salad topped with crispy pan-fried polenta croutons and dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. A clever twist on a classic salad with satisfying crunch.

A savory twist on Italian panna cotta infused with horseradish and Dijon mustard. A unique and sophisticated accompaniment to beef tenderloin.