Alison and Jay Carroll divide their time between the rugged beauty of Joshua Tree and a quaint island in Maine. These contrasting locations nurture their connection to nature, inspiring them to create dishes with seasonal produce and drive their successful olive oil and skincare venture. Their life reflects their values and curiosity, allowing them to thrive.
When we arrived at their Joshua Tree home for a mid-week dinner, Alison was busy butterflying a chicken. Her relaxed hosting style belied her culinary knowledge, as she moved confidently in the kitchen, reminiscent of Picasso's advice to master the rules before bending them. Close friends Ryan and Calley Belli joined us from Los Angeles, and we spent a lovely afternoon cooking together, playing with 6-month-old Bo, and finally gathering around the table as the sun dipped below the mountains.
We left feeling nourished, both physically and spiritually, inspired by Alison’s thoughtful hosting. Continue reading for our interview and all the delicious recipes she shared.
Life in Joshua Tree
A glimpse into a typical day…
What shapes your culinary approach?
A selection of favorite cookbooks, weekly visits to local farmers markets, and a lot of instinct! Cooking is one area where I trust my gut. I often start pulling ingredients from the fridge without a strict plan, letting meals form organically. Occasionally, I dive deep into mastering a new technique, whether it’s gluten-free baking or cooking over an open flame.
Living in Joshua Tree means enjoying an abundance of citrus, dates, pomegranates, and Persian cucumbers during the winter months, all sourced from local markets. Our summers in Maine are filled with fresh catches from local fishermen, lobsters, and wild blueberries. We also built a wood-fired oven recently, so this summer will be all about experimenting with it!
We adore Wonder Valley. How did it start?
Jay and I founded Wonder Valley in 2014, beginning in a spare bedroom. My background as marketing director for the California Olive Oil Council allowed me to connect with industry experts and discover the best domestic olive oils. We seized the chance to introduce olive oil to a broader audience and celebrate California's high-quality offerings. Our initial harvest sold out within a month!
We harvest olives while they’re still green, resulting in a robust oil rich in antioxidants and omega fatty acids. A few years later, we began formulating skincare products using our olive oil, which transformed the health and radiance of our skin in this dry climate. It's gratifying to promote the connection between internal wellness and external beauty through our products.
What can you tell us about your Joshua Tree home?
We purchased this house in 2015 after a year of searching. This neighborhood appealed to us for its closeness to the national park and stunning panoramic views. We stumbled upon a charming homestead with weathered pink stucco and boarded-up windows, and after locating the owner, we inquired about buying it. A few months later, we closed the deal!
Initially, we envisioned this as a weekend getaway, but we quickly fell in love with the expansive views and the renovation journey. We lived in a 1950s trailer on-site while navigating the renovation process. My favorite part of the house is our dining room, once two cramped bedrooms, now a space surrounded by mountains with a glimpse of San Gorgonio in the distance.
We launched Wonder Valley shortly before relocating here, and this home has provided us with the freedom to grow our business thoughtfully and without compromise.
Describe a typical day at home.
My day often includes calls and collaborating with our team, based in LA and Joshua Tree. We sometimes work together in our VW HQ studio on the property. I make it a point to spend time outdoors, ideally taking a walk with our dog, Lefty, along the nearby trails.
As night falls, I enjoy an outdoor shower while star gazing. It's a magical experience, and I often bring one of our candles to light the area.
We also have an outdoor tub for Bo's afternoon baths. Most meals are simple, health-focused, and prepared quickly, primarily using farmers market produce. Some nights we watch movies or host friends in our vintage trailer, which we've converted into a guest house. I love to read until I drift off to sleep.
With our baby girl Bo, mornings are unpredictable. I kickstart my day with a shot of olive oil, tea, and a hearty breakfast. Having a baby beside me is a new experience, so I often take my time in the mornings.
Bo finds joy in watching my morning routine unfold at a leisurely pace. It begins with an oil cleansing followed by a face mask or gentle exfoliation, always finishing with our Wonder Serum for hydration and glow. I transition from my robe to a jumpsuit from my line, alsbigdeal.com, which is comfy and practical for working from home and breastfeeding.
Handmade in Los Angeles, this high-temperature glazed stoneware platter is versatile, perfect for salads, grilled chicken, or even cookies.
Shop Now
Madre Linen + Wonder Valley Napkins
These beautiful napkins are crafted in partnership with Madre Linen, known for their exquisite fabrics that feel like timeless heirlooms.
Shop NowThis stunning handmade wooden salad bowl graces our dinner table often, filled with seasonal greens and veggies drizzled with quality olive oil.
Handcrafted Wood Salad Bowl, $92
Shop NowOn Hosting and Togetherness
Alison and Jay’s approach to bringing people together…
What defines a great gathering for you?
We love hosting! This shared passion drew us together. I relish the trips to the market, crafting menus, and spending a whole day cooking. Jay enhances our gatherings with lovely floral arrangements, curated playlists, and a beautifully set table with candles and incense. We often grill, sometimes using our small yakitori grill or the larger outdoor wood-burning grill. With scenic trails nearby, we usually take a pre-meal walk while enjoying cocktails.
Try Alison’s recipe for Carrot, Kumquat, and Golden Beet Salad.
What table products do you love?
Our new napkins made with Madre Linen are favorites. Their linen is stunning, creating an instant heirloom feel.
Kevin Willis for Commune Votive Holders are perfect for ambiance, crafted by our talented neighbor.
La Soufflerie Glassware is another favorite. We have unique Verre Tete glasses shaped like heads.
What’s your essential cooking tool?
A sharp knife is crucial. It’s my most utilized kitchen tool, and a well-balanced, sharp 9” Japanese chef’s knife empowers me to create effortlessly.
Get the recipe for Alison’s Simple Potato Salad with Smoked Chile Aioli.
What cookbooks do you recommend?
The Canal House books are timeless and were among my first purchases at 20, written by two women with a restaurant near my hometown in New Jersey.
The Cannelle et Vanille cookbooks inspire gluten-free baking, showing me how to create gorgeous sourdough, tarts, and bagels.
Nancy Singleton Hachisu’s books focus on Japanese cuisine, especially Japan by Phaidon.
What are some staples in your refrigerator?
Miso, preserved lemons, capers, spicy mustard, yuzu kosho, and a type of kraut or kimchi.
What’s your entertaining fear?
Washing dishes!
Signature dishes for entertaining?
Grilled avocado with yuzu kosho and vanilla ice cream drizzled with olive oil and sea salt for dessert. Both are simple yet beloved.
Your go-to weeknight meal?
Roast chicken is a staple. I roast a whole chicken with herbs, lemons, and garlic, then create a pan sauce with vegetables and rice. We extend this with salads, sandwiches, and a stock made from the bones.
Budget-friendly hosting tip?
Taco night is a fun, economical choice! It’s easy to utilize braised meat and load up on beans and veggies. Guests can customize their plates, accommodating dietary preferences. Make your own tortillas with Maseca corn flour, which enhances the experience and involves everyone in the cooking process.
Try Alison’s Italian Salsa Verde.
What’s on your dinner party playlist?
Good music is essential! Our eclectic tastes span genres and eras. Here’s a favorite playlist we often use from our bar, La Reina, in Santa Fe.
Favorite centerpiece?
A bottle of olive oil makes for a charming candlestick or vase.
Any no-stress entertaining rule?
Go with the flow. If things go awry, embrace it. Guests won’t remember the mishaps, but they will pick up on your stress if you let it show.
Try Alison’s Gluten-Free Citrus Cake with Strawberries and Cardamom Coconut Cream.
Dream dinner guests?
John Waters, Ramdane Touhami, Helen Nearing, John Prine, Dolly Parton, and Sade.
Fill in the blank:
A perfect meal should …
Encourage spontaneity and creativity, complemented by unique condiments!
It’s not a dinner party without …
Music!
Every cook should know how to…
Create a balanced vinaigrette for a perfect salad.
30 Simple Delights to Add to Your June Calendar
