We are celebrating our move by spending 6 days in our new home followed by a week long trip to California. 
Ok, not really celebrating but we are indeed in California. The cookbook I tucked in my suitcase, the Pocket Cook Book, by Elizabeth Woody 1942, has some California recipes. Ok, it has recipes that use the word California in them. I thought that would be a good way to get ready for the Blogher Conference.
Like the California BBQ recipe that was much reviled by my children, these recipes are not obviously Californian. At least not to me…ok…maybe it is the almonds, prunes, and the oranges in this case. You have to love a recipe that thinks prunes are a good garnish! (For the record, I like prunes but pretty they usually are not.)
California Custard
Serves 4
1/4 cup sugar
2 tbs. cornstarch
few grains salt
1 egg
1 cup water
1 cup evaporated milk
1/2 tsp almond extract
2 oranges
8 pitted cooked prunes
shredded coconut
Mix sugar, cornstarch, and salt. Beat egg; add with water and milk. Cook over hot water, stirring constantly, until thick. Cool. Add almond extract. Pour into serving dish. Separate oranges into membrane-free sections; use as garnish with prunes and coconut.
