And now for a little dressing…
A little-known piece of trivia: Ranch dressing and Oprah Winfrey share a birthday. At least, 1954 is the year that Oprah was born, and also the year that a couple in California bought a ranch named Hidden Valley, where they would go on to trademark what has become the most popular salad dressing in American history. Is it a coincidence that Oprah also went on to become the most popular talk show host in American history? I think not.
Photo: Getty Images
You see, 1954 was the year that the fates of mass consumer appeal realized that our country needed some bold talkers. Oprah obviously carried the torch on television, but who forged the way on the salad plate? Ranch dressing comes from humble origins—just buttermilk, mayonnaise and herbs—but essentially annihilates any and all other flavors that come into its path, and there have been some suspect flavors lurking around the American diet over the past half-century. We should never be allowed to forget the ‘60s, an era in which Jell-O and meat regularly merged in common household recipes. Bravely, ranch crashed onto the scene, pacifying our taste buds with its let’s-all-be-friends attitude to foods from all corners, from wings and pizza to celery and carrots. Only recently has America had something of a culinary awakening, but just as we must support Oprah in her new chapter of life behind the camera, we cannot renounce ranch dressing simply because our palates have evolved to grasp the values of health and nuance. Remember who brought us together when we needed it most, and stand with ranch.
—Frances Dodds
