California Food Porn....

One of the great things about California - We actually get fresh and sweet strawberries practically year round. What started off as a call from hubby, "What are we having for dinner tonight? Tri-tip sounds good." Became the kick off of the summer season. We left for our trip April 2nd, got home the 14th, to find everything in bloom. Skip spring, go straight to summer. Days like today would be perfect for me year round. Open all the doors, no a/c, slight breeze, with the whiff of everyone else's BBQ's in progress.

Trimmed all the fat off the tri-tip roasts and coated with a garlic rub a friend brought us back from their trip to Gilroy. Let the meat sit out for 1/2 hour at least at room temp and BBQ real slow.

Tri-tip with Garlic Rub:




I also decided to make some BAKED BEANS.

Slow-Cooker Baked Beans:


These rolls seem to be a No. California thing. Never heard of them before moving here, I have my sandwiches made with them even because they are my favorite(second to SLO Sourdough though). Crisp them up in the oven for 10 minutes.

Dutch Crunch Rolls:


Our Table(& key)


I piled my plate with Mixed Greens, topped with a sweet balsamic vinagrette, blue cheese, and the tri-tip. Dipped my roll in CHILI OIL washed down with a tall glass of Herbal Berry Lemonade.

We also decided we needed strawberry shortcake. Not as good as the Sea Shanty's, but still tasty.

Semi-Homemade Shortcakes:



My Semi-Homemade Ice Cream:





The only thing I think missing is a big bowl of BBQ'd veggies and of course, friends!