A Vegan Fourth- Foods Invented in California, USA!

Are you tired of seeing red, white, and blue foods yet? (lol) Well, this patriotic post is about foods invented in the United States... more specifically, in California.

Pisco Punch:  San Francisco, CA 

This fruity punch, named after the Peruvian city where Pisco brandy was first purchased, was invented in the late 19th century.  Be careful- this punch packs quite a punch!

Servings: 12
Source: Epicurious.com


Ingredients:
1 large pineapple, peeled, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 750ml bottle of Pisco brandy
2 cups simple syrup
1 1/2 tsp. grated lime zest
1 1/2 tsp. grated grapefruit zest
2/3 C. lemon juice
Ice cubes
Spinz:
Soak pineapple in the Pisco in a fridge for 3 days, shaking occasionally.  Divide simple syrup into two bowls, putting lime zest in one and grapefruit zest and soak in a fridge overnight.  Strain Pisco into a pitcher, discarding pineapple.  Strain both syrups into the pitcher, add lemon juice, and stir to blend.  Pour over ice cubes and garnish with fresh pineapple chunks (optional).

The California Roll:  Los Angeles, CA

Invented in the late 70's, this sushi roll has become the most popular sushi in America.  Although Japanese people may find it strange to put mayonnaise, imitation crab, and avocado in their sushi, we Americans can't get enough of it!  I never liked the imitation crab, so I usually substitute pickled veggies or tofu salad.

Green Goddess Dressing:  San Francisco, CA

(pic and recipe from Fat Free Vegan Blog)

Invented in 1923 by Chef Philip Roemer of the Palace Hotel, this dressing was a tribute to the hit play, The Green Goddess.  Traditionally made with mayo, sour cream, and anchovies, I love this vegan version.

Btw:  like OMG, you can totally dip that Cali roll into your green goddess dressing... hella bitchin, Dude!

Peanut Butter:  Alameda, CA

First invented by Dr. John Kellogg (of corn flakes fame) in 1890, it was perfected commercially for the first time in 1922 under the brand name Skippy.  

What could be more American than a 

Chocolate Covered Graham Cracker Peanut Butter Banana Ice Cream Sandwich... on a stick?

I think the name says it all, but if you want to make these, here's how it's made:

-Pack in softened ice cream into a loaf pan that is lined with plastic wrap.  Put into freezer to harden.

-Prepare a casserole dish (or similar) with parchment or wax paper lining the bottom. This will be going into the freezer, so make room!

-Prepare a dish of crushed peanuts (optional)

-Break graham cracker in half, and spread peanut butter on each piece.  

-Place four slices of banana on one of the pieces.  Repeat until you have the desired number.

-Once ice cream has hardened, slice quickly into 1/2" slices to fit onto the cracker with bananas.

-Put the other cracker on top, and smoosh a little.

-Put in a popscicle stick, place into prepared dish, and pop the whole thing into the freezer to get really cold.

-Melt chocolate chips (I used one and a half 12 oz. packages) in a double boiler, with about 2 tablespoons of coconut oil.

-Once smooth, take off heat and pull out your frozen bars.

-Spoon chocolate mixture over each bar, making sure to cover completely.

-Sprinkle with nuts and place upside down onto parchment or wax paper.

-Work quickly, and put them in the freezer again to harden up.

Happy Fourth Everyone!