California

Hello Ninjas!

Let’s talk about California…

Here are the basic facts:
Admitted as the 31st State in the Union on September 9, 1850
Population approximately 39,029,342
Capitol – Sacramento
The economy is the largest of any US State
The architecture, as well as city names, are Spanish in influence
While we are unable to confirm it, the name California is rumored to have come from an early 16th-century novel entitled “Las Sergas de Esplandian,” which translates to The Adventures of Esplandia. The book describes an island full of gold and precious stones called.. you guessed it… California!

California boasts some of the most unique geographical features in the United States. It is home to both the highest peak, Mount Whitney, and the lowest point, Death Valley, in the contiguous United States. Additionally, nearly half of the State’s 163,695 square miles are federally owned, a testament to the abundance of National Parks in this diverse State.

If you’re seeking a state that offers a diverse range of landscapes, California is the place for you. From its stunning ocean beaches to its majestic mountains, from its arid deserts to its lush Redwood forests, California boasts a variety of natural wonders. Nearly ¼ of all plant types in North America can be found within the borders of this State, a testament to its rich biodiversity.

California is a melting pot of cultures; its cities reflect this diversity. With cities such as Los Angeles, San Francisco, Big Sur, Carmel, and Hollywood, it is no great shock that the State has a vast list of sports teams and famous people who have called this place home. Here are some that you may have heard of:
From the San Diego Padres (MLB) to the Los Angeles Lakers (NBA), from the 49ers (NFL) to the LA Kings (NHL), California’s sports teams are as diverse as its residents. The State has also been home to a plethora of famous individuals, including Jack London, John Steinbeck, The Beach Boys, Jennifer Aniston, Drew Barrymore, Jack Black, Julia Child, Joe DiMaggio, Snoop Dogg, Marilyn Monroe, The Doors, and Van Halen. (Apologies if I missed out on naming your personal favorite!)
Some of the resident’s favorite things to do in California are surfing, skateboarding, biking, swimming, hiking, eating, and drinking.

The State is well known for being the place that makes salads popular. It should come as no surprise that the food we have chosen to represent California is the Cobb Salad. And being the home of 4,800 vineyards and 5,900 grape growers, it should be no shock that we have paired the Cobb Salad with a delicious white wine.
The Cobb Salad is a classic American salad originating in the 1930s at the Hollywood Brown Derby restaurant in Los Angeles, California. It was created by the restaurant’s owner, Robert Howard Cobb. The story goes that Cobb was scavenging through the restaurant’s kitchen late one night, looking for a midnight snack. He gathered some leftovers, including lettuce, avocado, hard-boiled eggs, tomatoes, chicken, bacon, and Roquefort cheese, and tossed them with some French dressing. The resulting creation was so delicious that it became a signature dish at the restaurant and soon gained widespread popularity. Today, the Cobb Salad is a staple menu item in many restaurants across the United States and beyond.
California is also renowned for its production of high-quality white wines. The State’s diverse climate and varied microclimates create ideal conditions for cultivating a wide range of grape varieties. Some of California’s most popular white wines include Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, and Riesling. The Chardonnay grape, in particular, thrives in California’s wine regions and is known for producing rich, full-bodied wines with notes of tropical fruit, citrus, and oak.
Check out our videos for our step-by-step directions on making the famous Cobb Salad and our thoughts on our chosen white wine.
California with the Exotic Ninjas
California – White Wine

The Hollywood Brown Derby Cobb Salad

This is our very favorite Cobb Salad recipe!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Equipment

• 1 Large Bowl
• 1 Salad Serving Set
• 1 Vegetable Prep Knife

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 1 recipe Old-Fashioned French Dressing See Separate Recipe

Produce

• 3 cups Iceberg Lettuce finely chopped
• 3 cups Romaine Lettuce finely chopped
• 2 Ripe Avocados peeled, seeded & finely chopped
• 2 medium Ripe Tomatoes seeded & finely chopped
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Chives finely chopped

Meat

• 6 slices Bacon cooked & crumbled
• 1/2 pound Turkey Breast finely chopped

Dairy

• 3 Hard-boiled Eggs peeled & finely chopped
• 1/2 cup Bleu Cheese crumbled

Notes

1. Create Old-Fashioned French Dressing and put in refrigerator to chill
2. Toss iceberg and romaine lettuce together in large bowl
3. In straight and separate lines, arrange turkey, tomatoes, avocado, bleu cheese, bacon and egg on top of greens
4. Sprinkle chives in a diagonal line across the salad
5. Present salad and toss with dressing at the table

Keyword Around the States, California, Cobb Salad, Salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Old-Fashioned French Dressing

This amazing french dressing is the perfect finishing touch to a Cobb Salad.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Course Main Course, Salad

Cuisine American

Equipment

• 1 Set of Prep Bowls
• 1 Wisk

Ingredients

  

• 2 Tablespoons Water
• 2 Tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1/2 Teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
• 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 Teaspoon Minced Garlic
• 1/4 Teaspoon Sugar
• 1/8 Teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground
• 1/8 Teaspoon Dry English Mustard
• 1/2 Cup Vegetable Oil
• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil

Notes

1. Whisk together water, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, salt, garlic, sugar, pepper and dry mustard in a small bowl until well balanced.
2. Whisking constantly, add the vegetable oil and olive oil in a slow steady stream until the dressing is emulsified
3. Store covered and chill until ready to serve. Whisk dressing to re-blend just before serving

Keyword California, Cobb Salad, Salad

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!