Thanksgiving – a holiday that brings family and friends together to share each other’s company and, of course, delicious food and drink. There are several ways to add Real Maine ingredients and products to your Thanksgiving to give your holiday some local flavor. Here are some ideas, both traditional and non-traditional:
BIRD IS THE WORD
Having a local turkey as a centerpiece of your Thanksgiving meal supports Maine farms and provides you with the tastiest and freshest gobbler possible. You can pre-order yours online or by calling, or go to your local specialty store. You can also consider other local meat, like roasting a chicken, or other alternatives.
A suggestion from Real Maine member Jackman Maple Syrup: Local maple syrup or honey (such as their V’s Bees) make great choices to use in baking or cooking your favorite meal during the holidays. Maple syrup and honey work well for drizzling on, glazing, basting, or topping your meat, sides, appetizers, or desserts. You can even whip some maple syrup or honey into your butter.
SPOTLIGHT ON SIDES
Thanksgiving side dishes can steal the show (and fill your plate)! Bring locally grown vegetables to the table, such as Real Maine parsnips, carrots, onions, and squash. There are more options than ever to source local produce during the holidays, whether by preordering for pickup at your local farm or farmers’ market, choosing a farm delivery option (such as FarmDrop or the Daybreak Growers’ Alliance), or shopping at stores that carry Real Maine products.
Of course, no Thanksgiving in Maine would be complete without potatoes. It’s easy to find Maine-grown potatoes at farm stands, farmers’ markets, and local specialty/grocery stores. Even large supermarkets typically carry hearty Maine potatoes. Just be sure to check the packaging or signage to learn where the potatoes are from. Russet potatoes and Yukon Golds are both perfect for mashing, and both are grown in Maine.
CRANBERRY SEASON
Cranberries are harvested on Maine farms in the fall and become available in time for the holidays. They are a rugged little berry that stores in the refrigerator, freezes well and are a versatile ingredient. You can pair Real Maine cranberry products in a number of ways with your Thanksgiving celebration.
Maine Homestead Market’s cranberry sauce is a tart, locally made, traditional treat, with just a hint of orange, that compliments a variety of holiday dishes.
Cranberry vinegar made by West Maquoit Vinegar Works is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of ways during the holidays. Try their recipes for cranberry & ginger relish and holiday butter. Their spruce beer vinegar is also suggested for an ingredient in veggie roasts and winter meals such as their squash soup.
BOARDS AND BEVERAGES
For a crowd, or even for yourself, a local charcuterie or cheese board is something sure to please and satisfy before or during a holiday meal, or even as a snack. You can build your own or order one prepared by a Real Maine member. Lakin’s Gorges Cheese starts its boards with farmstead cow’s milk cheese, and you can choose to add local and seasonal accompaniments.
The holidays represent a perfect time to sample local craft beers, wines, ciders and spirits, or to use them to make a flavorful cocktail. Real Maine member Sweetgrass Farm Winery & Distillery suggests using its apple brandy, made from heritage apples grown in Mid-Coast Maine, as the base for this concoction:
HOT TODDY
1 tsp sugar
6 oz. boiling water
2 oz. brandy
Put the sugar into a mug. Add the boiling water and brandy. Stir and sprinkle with some freshly grated nutmeg.
ADDITIONS TO YOUR PANTRY OR MEAL
There are many ways to include Real Maine products in your cooking and for stocking your pantry.
Thirty Acre Farm’s sauerkraut, a fermented cabbage dish, pairs well with a host of different cuisines, especially during the holidays. Read more about sauerkraut and its connection to Thanksgiving here.
Local herbs and spices are flavorful and vibrant and add personality to your dishes during the holidays and year-round. Be sure to sample and add Real Maine products such as small-batch paprika, chili flakes or pepper flakes from Morning Dew Farm or culinary saffron from Backyard Saffron to your creations in the kitchen.
If you are traveling for the holidays, don’t forget to bring something for the host or hostess. Show your appreciation with Real Maine products, such as a gift set from Perry Home Naturals.
Real Maine is the state’s official agriculture and agritourism promotions program. From Thanksgiving ingredients to Christmas trees to holiday gifts, plan your Real Maine agricultural experience. Visit www.RealMaine.com to connect to farms, food, and agriculture throughout Maine.
