How to Make Your Holiday Meals Local!

Rhode Island has no shortage of farmers, fisherman and aquaculturists who can fill your table with locally raised produce, seafood and meats.  In addition, there is a wide variety of bakers, artisans, breweries, vineyards and purveyors who can supply all the extras to keep your holiday meals local.  Here some suggestions on creating a local holiday spread.:

1.  Make Your Main Dish from a Local Farm:  Here is a list of farms that can supply you with local meats to make your main dish a Rhode Island raised delicacy.  If it is something from the sea you would prefer, click here.  And, if you are opting for a vegetarian main dish, here are a few recipes (not tofurkey) that might interest you…just take the time to incorporate the locally sourced ingredients into the dishes.  Here are a few tips on cooking local meats and a few recipes!
2. Make Your Side Dishes from Local Produce:  Your typical holiday meal consists of one main dish and several accompaniments.  More often than not, they include some starches and veggies.  Farmers Markets are the prefect place to stock up on your fixings for the sides.  You can get the list of indoor markets here.  You can also find a list of stores that provide local produce here.
3. Plan Ahead–  When choosing your menu, be sure to consider what is in season or readily available from local producers.  Create a list and then do your research to be sure that you can find all that you need locally.  Farm Fresh has a great deal to guide you in your quest for local goods.
4. Local Liquid Libations–  A great way to impress your guests is to “tap” into our thriving local beer scene.  Gather some growlers and let the festivities begin.  The good news is…you have the perfect reason to visit a local brewery and sample the goods.  You can find out where and when to taste and tour here.  Sons of Liberty is a local distillery that has some great cocktail recipes here.  Wine brings warmth and cheer to any holiday spread.  There is a host of vineyards where you can purchase local wine.  Here are a few to get you started.  Cider is a great accompaniment to any meal, especially this time of year.  Here are a few places where you can get local cider.  Here is a great food pairing blog from Whaler’s Brewing Co.
5. Dessert, The Sweet Note–  If you are the baking type, then choose local ingredients for your recipe.  Or, if you are like many…let someone else do the baking.  There are plenty of local bakeries that can sweeten your holiday meal.  Here is a great start!  Again,  a Farmers Market is also a great place to find local bakers!

We love hearing success stories, please share with us your local recipes or your favorite way to get locally sourced items!