Some local items on our Thanksgiving table

Let me start by saying, there are many things that could be on this list and aren't....  Many people who choose to focus on local foods have pretty stringent guidelines about what qualifies as local, and strive to be exclusively local.  I applaud this committment.

I also know, however, that many people make changes in baby steps.  Rather than skip the idea of including local foods because you see it as too difficult or restrictive, try starting with a few ingredients and commit to only buying those locally.  Or choose to have at least 1-2 local items per meal. 

I have joined an eat local challenge, and I really wanted to buy a local, heritage turkey for our meal.  But I am feeding 19 people today, and heritage turkeys were not even close to being in the budget.  So this is what I am doing... on our table today the following local ingredients will appear in key and supporting roles in one or more dishes...

• cornmeal
• carrots
• pecans
• green beans
• herbs (dried and fresh)
• crabapples
• squash
• apples
• peppers

Try it out!  Not only does it save gas and result in tastier produce that was picked at its peak (instead of early so it could travel!), it's satisfying to know where your food comes from, and who grew it.  And the more connected to our food we are, the healthier we - and our planet - will become.  And that will truly be something to be thankful for!