As the holidays draw closer, families will soon gather for dinners to celebrate the season and each other. Use fresh, local ingredients from Finger Lakes Farm Country to bring the farm to your table this holiday season in everything from appetizers to desserts (even your centerpiece).
Before you sit down to dinner, offer your guests a special charcuterie board made with a selection of delicious cheeses and meats from local producers. Enjoy artisanal cheeses, like the tasty Blueberry Jack and Cranberry Jack from Shtayburne Farm Creamery (that’s right, you can put a new spin on cranberries at the table this year). Golden Age Cheese has several exceptional aged cheddars and delicious cheese curds.
Like raw cheese? You’re in luck, as Sunset View Creamery, a fifth generation dairy farm, makes wonderful raw and pasteurized cheeses. Plan ahead and arrange for some cow cuddling to put you in the mood for all those family hugs that come at holiday time (please call ahead to arrange for cow cuddling). Interested in trying something new? Might we suggest goat cheese instead of the usual cheese made from cow’s milk. Or perhaps add something a little unexpected with bison sticks from Mud Creek Bison Ranch.
Whether your dinner choice is the classic turkey, or options like ham and chicken, you’ll find farms offering local, quality meats. My Little Farm offers pasture-raised, straight from the farm turkey. Several other farms, like Bedient Farms, also offer pasture-raised turkeys. Make sure you order your birds early, as they go fast.
For a variety of alternative choices Hemlock Ridge Farm offers tasty selections of certified organic chicken and beef. Cayuta Sun Farm offers heritage bred pigs with custom cut half-hog options. That means you can take care of your holiday meal and stock up for the winter.
Looking to start your own tradition with London Broil, Brisket, Filet Mignon or other beef options? Englebert Farms, the first Certified Organic Dairy Farm in the United States, offers a wide variety of organic beef cuts. These are just a handful of the farms offering locally-raised, quality meat.
A holiday meal isn’t complete without the side dishes. Everyone has their traditional recipes made year after year. This year amp them up with farm-fresh ingredients. Visit winter farmers markets and get products directly from the farmers to include in your recipes. From fresh produce, milk, eggs, honey, and more, you’ll find everything you need. The Corning Winter Farmers Market, the Painted Post Winter Market, and The Windmill are all open through the holidays for your local shopping needs (the Windmill is open Saturdays through the end of November, as well as Black Friday). And look for farms like Muddy Fingers Farm for seasonal vegetables (they even have a Fall-Winter CSA).
And let’s not forget the grand finale to a great holiday meal. The holidays wouldn’t be complete without a selection of delicious baked goods. You can find tasty pie fillers like jellies, jams and preserves at Apple Barrel Orchards. If you are baking your own sweet treats this holiday, visit FitzPatricks Farm Market for your baking supplies.
Complete your table with a beautiful floral arrangement from Chamberlain Acres. Visit their gift and florist shop to pick one of their pre-made arrangements.
Finger Lakes Farm Country makes it easy to have include local, farm-fresh ingredients included in your meals. Be sure to visit winter markets or stop by the farms to pick up everything you will need for a farm-to-table meal to remember this holiday season.
Check out Finger Lakes Farm Country to find your local ingredients.
We encourage you to call ahead or visit the individual websites for our farms and attractions before your trip for information on seasonality, hours of operation, any potential restrictions, and offerings. And please follow our suggestions for Safely Visiting Our Farms.
