Going local – Farm-to-Table Thanksgiving
Are you in charge of making the turkey this Thanksgiving or did you take on the challenge of bringing dessert? Maybe you are pulling together the whole show from turkey to pumpkin pie. Whatever the case, make the holiday a memorable experience by using local foods.
The Star of the Show
Any Thanksgiving focuses on the star of the meal, the turkey. Area supermarkets abound with standard choices, providing a variety of sizes as well as organic and grain-fed options; but if you want to raise your meal game a level, consider sourcing turkey that has been locally raised, and ideally on an open range for the ultimate in flavour. But start early!
Ontario small farms can only raise 50 turkeys per year, providing little return for the effort involved, so farms that take the time to raise and sell turkeys are few and far between. Making a reservation now will ensure you can bring a beautiful turkey home for the holiday. There are plenty of farms within 15-20 minutes of town and more options if you’re willing to travel further.
Here are a few we’ve found:
Nicholyn Farms
3088 Horseshoe Valley Road West
Phelpston, ON
http://www.nicholyn.com
Round the Bend Farm
16225 Jane Street
Kettleby, ON
http://www.roundthebendfarm.com
Dingo Farms
3412 Line 8
Bradford, ON
https://dingofarms.myshopify.com
Side Dishes
Whatever your favorite dinner entrées include, most can still be found locally as the Ontario harvest season winds down. Locally-sourced potatoes, squash, carrots, green beans, greens, and even sweet corn can still be found in abundance. Visit the Simcoe County Farm Fresh page for a list of farms near you with produce available.
Simcoe County Farm Fresh
Farm & Food Directory
http://www.simcoecountyfarmfresh.ca/listing.php?id=2
Dessert
Finally, the part of Thanksgiving everyone manages to find a little extra space for: dessert!
If you have the touch to produce flaky, melt-in-your-mouth pie crusts with a delicious holiday-inspired filling, your family is doubly blessed! For those of us who lack that talent or time, local bakers are anxious to treat your family to their delectable offerings. From cakes and pies to cupcakes, butter tarts, and meringues, all can be found at the local level.
Find your baker early, and be sure to make a reservation, as this is a very busy time of year. Make a weekend visit to your nearest farmers’ market to investigate which local bakers are present, and inquire about getting a dessert reserved.
Here are a few we’ve found:
Hewitt’s Farm Market and Bakery
3331 Townline RR #5
Coldwater, ON
http://www.hewittsfarmmarkets.com
Murphy’s Farm Market and Bakery
5141 Simcoe County Road 10
Alliston, ON
http://www.murphysfarmmarket.com
Homestead Artesian Bakery
43 Owen Street
Barrie, ON
http://www.homesteadartisanbakery.com/thanksgiving/
From the Vine
Your local meal would not be complete without a local beverage, and Simcoe County offers quality spirits in abundance if a glass of wine, cider, or beer fits your meal plans. Complementing local beverages can be purchased directly from where they are produced, at your local farmer’s market, or simply found in the Ontario section of most LCBO vendors.
Here are a few local vineyards we’ve found:
Georgian Hills Vineyards Inc.
496350 Grey Road 2
Blue Mountains, ON
http://www.georgianhillsvineyards.ca/
Heritage Estate Winery and Cidery
21 Penetanguishene Road
Barrie, ON
http://heritageestate.ca/
Holland Marsh Wineries
18270 Keele St, Newmarket
ON L3Y 4V9
http://hmwineries.ca/