California turkeys apparently didn't make the cut this year for the Presidential Turkey Pardon for 2014. Ohio farmer Gary Cooper, COO of Cooper Farms and recently selected head of the National Turkey Federation, is traveling to Washington, D.C. with a couple of his best turkeys for the president of the U.S. to pick and pardon. Each year an annual tradition that some describe as "dumb" sends a lucky ducky (turkey) off to  Mt. Vernon to live life happily ever after.  The National Turkey Federation represents turkey farmers throughout the nation, while California Poultry Federation is the voice for turkey farmers in our state, which ranks among the top 6 in the U.S. for turkeys.

Turkey Statistics:

• If you eat turkey or chicken in California, there's a good chance your fowl comes from Zacky Farms of Fresno or Foster Farms of Livingston.
• George H. W. Bush formalized the turkey pardon in 1989. Before that, the turkey was eaten at the White House.
• Turkey candidates for presidential pardon are trained to be comfortable around people.
• More than 226 million turkeys are consumed in the United States in a year. 46 million of those turkeys are eaten at Thanksgiving, 22 million at Christmas and 19 million at Easter.
• Approx. 736 million pounds of turkey are consumed in the United States during Thanksgiving.

Turkey on the Table:

• DEEP FRIED TURKEY: Size Matters when it comes to deep frying. Smaller turkeys, 8 pounds to 10 pounds and turkey parts, such as breast, wings, drumsticks and thighs, are best for frying. 12 to 14 pound turkeys are the maximum size for successful deep frying.
• 2 HOURS MAXIMUM: Put your turkey into the fridge if it's been out two hours. That's the maximum amount of time it should be at room temp after cooking.
• 3-4 DAYS: You should eat your leftover (refrigerated) turkey within three to four days.
• LEFTOVERS: 10 strategies for eating leftovers: Thai Grilled Pizza, Turkey Monte Cristo, Easy Cheesy Turkey Enchiladas, Turkey Cranberry Croissant, Turkey Reuben Sandwich, Turkey Pot Pie, Slow Cooker White Turkey Chili, Creamy Creole Turkey Bake, Using It All Turkey Soup, Turkey, Mandarin and Poppy Seed Salad.

Turkey, Mandarin & Poppy Seed Salad Recipe (courtesy National Turkey Federation)

• 1/4 Cup: orange juice
• 1-1/2 Tablespoons: red wine vinegar
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons: poppy seeds
• 1-1/2 Teaspoons: olive oil
• 1 Teaspoon: Dijon-style mustard
• 5 Cups: red leaf lettuce, washed, dried, chilled and torn
• 2 Cups: baby spinach leaves, washed, dried, chilled and torn
• 1/2 Pound: COOKED TURKEY BREAST, cut into 1/2-inch julienne
• 10-1/2 ounces mandarin orange slices
• 1 Teaspoon: orange zest

Dressing: In small bowl combine orange juice, vinegar, poppy seeds, oil, mustard and 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper. Set aside. Salad: In large bowl toss together lettuce, spinach, turkey and oranges. Pour dressing over turkey mixture. Garnish with orange zest and serve immediately.