Timeless Favorites

From Kim

An orange tree is perfectly evocative of our golden state. California is so fertile and full of life, nurturing thousands of acres of citrus, particularly here in Santa Barbara County. I'm reminded of an amazing dessert I just had in Marrakech.  It was striking, simple and delicious - pealed and sliced oranges, beautifully arranged on a plate with a light dusting of cinnamon on top; an unexpected and refreshing closure to the meal. Closer to home, I recall another sunny dish. Years ago I lived in San Francisco. Since I rarely watched tv I didn't bother getting cable so I had just a few stations to chose from. Once in a blue moon I'd watch Chinese opera, but one particular evening I tuned into an obscure cooking show. The host talked luxuriantly about how to create an "Insalata de Soleil" - he instructed his viewers to choose any fruits available in the colors of the sun - think yellow, orange, coral and red...I think he combined mangos, oranges, papaya and pineapple - but any combo would do. This golden hillside in Montecito is further inspiration. Adding a few freshly washed edible nasturtium blossoms to the salad would bring a whole new dimension to "Insalata de Soleil."