Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that California supplies more than half of the produce in the United States?

This recipe combines some of that fresh produce to make a tasty salad! Kids enjoy mixing the ingredients together, and love the fresh fruit flavors!

CALIFORNIA Avocado and Fruit Salad

What You Will Need:

• 3 Kiwi, peeled and sliced


• 2 Grapefruit, peeled and segmented


• 2 cups Strawberries, sliced


• 1 ripe California Avocado, seeded and peeled (cut half the avocado into 8 slices and the other half of the avocado into cubes)


• 10 oz. package of Mixed Baby Greens


• 1/4 cup Olive Oil


• 2 tablespoons Raspberry Vinegar


• 2 tablespoons Walnuts, chopped and toasted


• 1 teaspoon Lime Peel, grated


• 1 tablespoon fresh Lime Juice


• 1 tablespoon fresh Basil Leaves, chopped


• 1/2 teaspoon Dry Mustard


• Salt, to taste


• Pepper, to taste


• Large Salad Bowl


• Mixing Bowl

What You Do:

• In a large bowl, combine salad greens, kiwi, grapefruit, strawberries, and avocado cubes.


• In a separate mixing bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, walnuts, lime peel and lime juice, basil, mustard, salt, and pepper. Whisk until well mixed.


• Pour salad dressing over the salad in the large bowl and toss until salad greens are coated with dressing.


• Top the salad with the avocado slices and serve.


• Makes 8 servings.

California State Information – Click this link to learn more about California attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more! Make sure to check out the interactive map!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

California Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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