The other day, Warren and I took a spur-of-the-moment drive to Blue Earth, Minnesota. I wanted a photo with the giant for a new website I’m working on. Warren gave me a funny look, but at least he didn’t roll his eyes!

We headed south on Highway 169, surrounded by beautiful fields of corn, soybeans, and hay. Forty-four miles later, we reached the junction of I-90 and Highway 169, and there he was, looming ahead, the 55.5-foot-tall Jolly Green Giant himself! He stood proudly on his eight-foot base, his six-foot-long feet snug in size 78 shoes, wearing that warm, welcoming smile. A steady stream of visitors milled about, snapping photos, strolling the grounds, and stopping in at the Jolly Green Giant Museum next door. What more could you ask for on a perfect summer afternoon?

We started by climbing the steps behind the giant for a photo from up high, then circled around to the front for a more “official” shot. Of course, we couldn’t resist poking our heads through the cutout to become the Jolly Green Giant for a moment. Nearby, a park dotted with oversized musical instruments seemed to call for an audience, so we answered, creating our own playful symphony.

After our “grand finale,” we wandered into the museum, packed with memorabilia, photos, and childhood treasures that sent us tumbling down memory lane. We laughed, reminisced, and even joined in when a familiar voice rang out: “Ho, Ho, Ho… Green Giant!”

That’s where we learned the story. In the late 1970s, local radio station owner and talk show host Paul Hedberg sought to ensure that travelers would still stop in Blue Earth after the new I-90 highway bypassed his community. With support from local business owners and a significant personal investment, construction began in the summer of 1978. By July 6, 1979, the Jolly Green Giant was firmly bolted to his base, arriving in Blue Earth just in time to preside over the dedication of the Golden Stripe, the ceremonial marker where I-90’s east and west construction crews finally met.  Today, people from all over the world are still making the trip to see him. And, just as we hoped, he didn’t disappoint.

I found the following recipe on the Green Giant website. It sounds too good to pass up. I plan to make it this weekend!

Kale, Corn, and Quinoa Caesar Salad

SERVINGS: 4

PREP TIME: 10 Mi

COOK TIME: 15 Min

If you love a good kale Caesar salad and you enjoy the texture and flavor of a Caesar salad with quinoa, wait until you try adding the crunchy pop and sweetness of our Steam Crisp Yellow and White corn. One of the perks of this salad is that it holds up beautifully, so it’s perfect for a packed lunch. A lemon kale Caesar salad like this one is also great for potlucks and picnics.

Serving Size: 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Green Giant product(s) used: Green Giant® SteamCrisp® Super Sweet Yellow & White Whole Kernel Corn

Lists of ingredients:

• For Caesar Dressing
  2 Tablespoons olive oil
  2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
  2 Tablespoons lemon juice
  1 anchovy filet, chopped
  1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  1 garlic clove, chopped
  Dash of Worcestershire sauce
  Pinch of black pepper

Note: Store-bought Caesar dressing can also be used.

For Salad
4 cups shredded kale
1 cup cooked tricolor quinoa, chilled
1 cup halved yellow and red cherry or grape tomatoes
1 can (11 ounce) Green Giant® Steam Crisp ® Yellow and White Corn, drained
⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese

STEPS

1. Combine ingredients for Caesar dressing in a wide-mouth mason jar and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside. Ingredients can also be added to a small blender and blended until smooth.

2. Add kale to a large bowl and massage with clean hands to tenderize. Add quinoa, tomatoes, corn, and dressing. Stir gently to coat. Transfer to a serving bowl and top with Parmesan cheese.

TIPS & TRICKS

Our tangy Caesar dressing gets its creamy texture not from raw egg yolks, but from mayonnaise. It comes together in seconds with the help of an immersion blender (or a blender or food processor). Pressed for time? Just use your favorite bottled Caesar dressing.

If you’re looking to add a little variety to your daily greens, just grab a can of Green Giant® Steam Crisp® corn, drain it (no need to rinse), and toss it into the mix. You’ll add instant flavor, color, and texture.