We all know the struggle of having to dish up the biggest dinner of the year. The planning and the preparations can be daunting, especially with the heat on for family and friends.
Thanksgiving doesn’t have to be as stressful as we make it out to be. Instead, let’s focus on planning a Thanksgiving with roots in mind: a locally grass-fed turkey and fresh, seasonal side dishes. To make it easy for you, we created a one-stop-shop guide for finding all the components to have a sustainable Thanksgiving: Reading Terminal Market Style.
First things first: the main dish.
For you carnivores, this means the turkey: the centerpiece of the table and what ties everything together. Did you know that the Fair Food Farmstand offers a variety of locally raised organic turkeys?
Tell your doubting Aunt Debbie that the conditions in which turkeys are raised (any animal for that matter), reflect the quality of meat that we consume. Animals on natural diets (i.e., what they’re supposed to eat), are typically healthier and produce higher quality meat with more of the good fats like omega-3s, according to food expert, Michael Pollan. You’ll support local farmers and up the senses or all your guests.
Not interested in meat? Meatless options can exclude a ‘traditional’ main, or replace a turkey with something like a seitan roast from Miss Rachel’s Pantry.
How you compliment the main dish is JUST as important as the main affair. The side dishes should colorful, fresh, and reflect the products of the season.
What’s in season, you ask?
If you’re making a dash through Reading Terminal, look for inspiring side dishes in Iovine Brothers Produce, with aisles of colorful and unique fruits and vegetables that will be sure to please your thanksgiving crowd.
Whatever you create for your Thanksgiving meal, challenge yourself with the 100 mile theory (aka try to create a meal sourced within 100 miles). You’ll celebrate local farmers with a meal that tastes so good, you’ll forget that you’re reducing the carbon footprint as well!
Readers, what are your thanksgiving favs?
Feature Photo Credit: Reading Terminal Market
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