Seasonal Menu for February

February is ringing in cold and wet in Yolo County, but the land is beginning to color green with the promise of spring. Mid-to-late February will see Yolo’s more than 9,000 acres of mature almonds in full bloom. For a special treat, drive the back roads of western Yolo County into the scenic Capay Valley, when the trees will be covered with clouds of pinkish white blossoms. On February 24th is the 93rd Almond Festival, celebrated throughout the Capay Valley.

Citrus is still being harvested, and the county’s market growers' acreage is full of cabbages, kale, sweet turnips and rutabagas, Asian greens, radicchio, and leeks. Going to market, along with the fresh crop, is the stored crop of winter squashes, potatoes, and dried fruits.

• Radicchio Cups with Fresh Goat Cheese and Smoked Salmon
• Escarole Salad with Grapefruit and Red Onion
• Whole Roasted Chicken Stuffed with Fresh Thyme
• Mashed Potatoes and Rutabagas with Butter and Cream
• Meyer Lemon Meringue Pie