In our search for a marinade full of California flavor, we went to Fresno County where two sisters are making quite a name for themselves. Joyce Kierejczyk and Carole Gostanian say the secret of their success dates back to their childhood. Joyce and Carole grew up in Fresno enjoying fresh fruits and vegetables grown by their Grandpa Charlie. In 1905, Charles Gostanian (Grandpa Charlie) emigrated from Armenia and settled in Fresno County. Throughout his life, he was a dedicated farmer who shared his love of agriculture with his family. Today, his legacy lives on. Joyce explains, "We’ve always talked about Grandpa Charlie and how he had these great barbecues on Sunday afternoons, so why don’t we make something to honor him." That’s exactly what these two sisters did by creating "Grandpa Charlie’s Marinades."

The marinades are made with over ten agricultural products grown in Fresno County. Carole says that’s the key to its great flavor. "That’s what makes the marinade so good. You get these little bites of fresh sweet vegetables and there’s no sugar, no fat, and it’s low sodium. So, what you’re tasting is the goodness coming from the garden." The marinade can be used for meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables. Simply marinade the food for 30 minutes, grill, and enjoy.

For more information about Grandpa Charlie's Marinades, call (559) 222-7000

If you’d like to make your own version of this hearty and healthy marinade, here’s how:

California Tomato Marinade (From "Grandpa Charlie’s Marinades")

1 tbs. red wine vinegar
1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 large onion
1 cup tomatoes
1/2 cup parsley
3 cloves garlic
juice of 1 lemon
salt and pepper to taste

Finely chop the above vegetables. Add the red wine vinegar, lemon juice and then salt and pepper to taste. Marinade meat, poultry, fish, or vegetables for 30 minutes or overnight. Grill on the barbecue and enjoy!!!

California Burgundy Marinade (From "Grandpa Charlie’s Marinades")

1 green pepper
1 red pepper
1 large onion
1/2 cup parsley
3 cloves garlic
1/2 cup red wine
salt and pepper to taste

Pour the red wine into a bowl. Finely chop the above ingredients and add to the wine. Salt and pepper to taste. This marinade is perfect for beef, lamb, or pork. Simply marinade the food for 30 minutes or overnight, grill, and enjoy!

If you have additional questions or comments about this story, please E-mail Producer/Reporter Allison Lund Thompson at athompson@kvie.org.