Thanksgiving Dinner: A Local Shopping Guide
Thanksgiving is the time of year when we gather together to reflect with thankful hearts for all we have and those we have around us. There are lots of things that bring us together over the course of this holiday, but we can all agree that it is truly good food that we come together to enjoy as families. This year, make your meals especially delicious by using local ingredients for your feast.
THE MAIN EVENT
Meat
Whether you decide to go traditional with a turkey or you’re cooking up bacon for brunch, all your meat-related needs can be found at Meadowbrook Meat Market and The Pork Shop.
Hint: To take your turkey roasting game to the next level, we recommend infusing the meat or adding a glaze. For a juicy berry flavour, try using Haskapa’s Haskap jam and juice. For something on the sweet side, maple syrup from Acadian Maple or Sugar Moon Farm, or honey from Cornect Family Farms, can easily be whipped up into a mouthwatering glaze.
GETTING SAUCE-Y
Fresh Cranberries
Cranberries have to be one of the most festive fall foods, and the fresher they are, the better! Use local cranberries this year to make this best-ever cranberry sauce – you’ll want to spread it on everything!
FEELING STUFFED?
Homemade Stuffing
Stuffing is a favourite dish in many Thanksgiving dinners, but it can be time-consuming to make. Let Farmer John’s Herbs simplify the process for you with one of their natural stuffing mixes. You can go classic with the traditional summer savory mix, or play with flavour with their cranberry, blueberry, apple, or pecan mixes.
ALL OF A SPUDDEN
Potatoes
Since potatoes are the only main ingredient in this essential Thanksgiving side, they may as well be bought locally! Pick up Nova Scotia spuds at Noggins Corner Farm Market, Masstown Market, Stirling Farm Market or any Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia. Try these recipes: Savoury Dill & Garlic Potatoes, Rosemary Potatoes, Sweet Potato Pie.
Fresh Herbs
Farmer John’s Herbs carries a wide selection of fresh herb mixes, made without preservatives or MSG. They’re the perfect way to add something unique to your potatoes.
AT THE ROOT OF IT
Local Produce
There are so many delicious seasonal veggies to roast- butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, even pumpkin! Whatever your favourites are, you’ll easily find them farm-fresh at Noggins Corner Farm Market, Masstown Market, Stirling Fruit Farm or at one of the many Farmers’ Markets of Nova Scotia.
READY TO ROLL
Bakery Bread
Is there anything more satisfying than freshly baked bread? From rolls to croissants, let Boulangerie la Vendéenne and The Old Apothecary Bakery & Cafe be your go-to bakeries for doughy goodness.
Homemade Bread
There are few things that appear more impressive than making your own bread. With Valley Flaxflour‘s Bread Dough Mix, you can impress guests with your very own homemade loaf!
Hint: If gluten is a no-go at your Thanksgiving gathering, grab one of Schoolhouse Gluten-Free Gourmet‘s handmade creations. Trust us, selection and flavour are definitely not sacrificed in this gluten-free bakery.
FEELING SNACKY
Cheese
It’s pretty difficult to go wrong with cheese, especially when it’s from Fox Hill Cheese House or Knoydart Farm. For an especially festive option, Fox Hill’s Cranberry Cheddar makes a perfect addition to any holiday snack board.
Jellies, Jams & Preserves
We’re fortunate in Nova Scotia to have so many options when it comes to locally-crafted spreads, jams, jellies, and preserves! Check out the vast selections available from Haskapa, Helen B’s Preserves, Tangled Garden, Galloping Cows Fine Foods & Fireside Kitchen!
Chips & Dips & More
Kitchen Door offers delicious gourmet catering and take-home meals for all occasions. For Thanksgiving, check out their menu and make your life easier by picking up dips, desserts, a grazing platter, your main meal or appetizers for easy entertaining.
SWEET TREATS
Recipes
Pies, crumbles, cakes… there are so many decadent Thanksgiving dessert options! Try your hand at one (or some!) of these locally-inspired recipes for your Thanksgiving feast: Pumpkin Pie, Sugar Cookies, Trifle, Salted Caramel Apple Tart, Apple Cinnamon Turnovers, Pumpkin & Gingersnap Cheesecake.
Pre-Made Desserts
If making dessert simply isn’t in your schedule, there are plenty of sweets available to bring home from places such as Gourmandises Avenue Chocolaterie, Sugah!, The Old Apothecary, The Cake Lady, Scanway Catering & Grafton St. Cafe, Stirling Fruit Farms, Masstown Market and The Sweet Spot Chocolate Shop.
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