Farm-to-table Thanksgiving recipes

Thanksgiving time is here! Incorporate fresh, locally sourced ingredients into your Thanksgiving feast as you gather with loved ones and celebrate the harvest. When you embrace farm-to-table and buy local, you’ll enjoy healthier, more flavorful dishes made from the produce and ingredients at the season's peak. Grace your table and impress your guests with these delicious farm-to-table Thanksgiving recipes.

Roasted butternut squash soup

Start your Thanksgiving meal with a warm, comforting bowl of roasted butternut squash soup. Butternut squash is a fall staple that’s easy to find at your local produce farm during the season.

Ingredients:

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/2 cup coconut milk (or heavy cream)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme or sage for garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Toss the cubed butternut squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25-30 minutes, or until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté the onion and garlic until soft and fragrant.
3. Add the roasted squash and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 10-15 minutes.
4. Blend the soup until smooth using an immersion blender or in batches in a regular blender.
5. Stir in the coconut milk or cream, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh thyme or sage before serving.

Maple-glazed root vegetables

Root vegetables like carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes are hearty, nutritious, and perfect for a Thanksgiving side dish. Using locally grown produce adds freshness and flavor to this simple yet elegant dish.

Ingredients:

• 4-5 large carrots, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 parsnips, peeled and cut into sticks
• 2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes on a large baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, maple syrup, and balsamic vinegar. Drizzle over the vegetables and toss to coat evenly.
3. Roast for 25-30 minutes, tossing halfway through, until the vegetables are tender and caramelized.
4. Garnish with fresh rosemary and a sprinkle of salt before serving.

Apple and sage stuffing

Try this homemade apple and sage stuffing using fresh apples from your local farm stand! The sweet and savory flavors make it the perfect Thanksgiving side dish.

Ingredients:

• 1 loaf of crusty bread, cubed
• 2 large apples, peeled and diced
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon fresh sage, chopped
• 1/2 cup vegetable or chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Spread the cubed bread on a baking sheet and toast in the oven for 10-15 minutes until lightly golden.
2. In a large pan, melt the butter and sauté the onion, celery, and apples until soft, about 5-7 minutes.
3. In a large bowl, mix the toasted bread cubes with the sautéed vegetables and apples. Add the chopped sage and stir in the broth until the mixture is moistened.
4. Transfer the stuffing to a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is crispy and golden.

Pumpkin pie with fresh whipped cream

No Thanksgiving meal is complete without dessert, and pumpkin pie is the quintessential fall favorite! Make this classic dessert using fresh, locally-grown pumpkins and serve it with a dollop of homemade whipped cream.

Ingredients:

• 1 homemade or store-bought pie crust
• 2 cups fresh pumpkin puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• Homemade whipped cream for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a pie dish with your crust and set aside.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the pumpkin puree, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, spices, and salt.
3. Pour the filling into the pie crust and bake for 50-60 minutes, or until the filling is set and slightly wobbly in the center.
4. Let the pie cool before serving with a generous dollop of your homemade whipped cream (see recipe in the link above).

Buy local this Thanksgiving

This Thanksgiving, celebrate the season by incorporating fresh, locally sourced ingredients into your meal. Whey you buy local from farmers and markets, you’re not only creating a memorable feast but also giving back to your community. Happy Thanksgiving from Gretna Farmers Market!