Pumpkin picking season may be behind us, but our east end farm stands are still in full swing. Right up to Thanksgiving week, they are bursting with a bountiful cornucopia of colorful and enticing produce. Stalks of Brussels sprouts, bouquets of leafy Tuscan kale, majestic purple cauliflower and decorative acorn squashes join the potatoes, peppers, carrots and broccoli.
As darkness settles in earlier each day and temperatures start to descend, families turn to the comforts of cozy fall fare created in their kitchens. Long Island families have the good fortune of having a diverse selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables to prepare and serve at their tables. There are plenty of welcoming farm stands that dot the north fork. As many of these stands close up for the winter, the fall harvest is one final opportunity to support local growers.
Any farm stand’s vast inventory is a rich source healthy nutrition and of inspiration for Thanksgiving menus. From butternut squash and corn chowder to honey-glazed carrots to roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, you can find all of the ingredients grown close to home. Many farm stands offer their own home baked autumn pies to contribute to the holiday meal’s dessert course. You will also find honeys, jams and baked goods to satiate sweet cravings.
The Riverhead farmers market has now relocated indoors for the cold weather months. The market now occupies a larger venue than that of last winter, situated on the corner of East Main Street and McDermott Avenue. The increase in space allows room for more vendors, which means more opportunities to procure your locally produced provisions. From exotic mushrooms, artisan breads and cheeses to wine and craft beer, the market is a virtual headquarters for most of your Thanksgiving needs. The Riverhead farmers market remains open every Saturday throughout the winter.
Also open throughout the winter are the wineries. Sample a flight to choose your bottle selections for the big day or sip a warming glass of a crimson merlot fireside. Since no post Thanksgiving dinner game is complete without beer, no less than five east end breweries are now announcing their releases of winter ales, warmers, porters and stouts.
The warm days of summer and the bustle of fall's festivals may be over, but there is still a wealth of enjoyment to be savored along Sound Avenue and Route 25. As you and your family sit down to dinner this Thanksgiving, take a moment to toast and give thanks to all of Long Island's farmers, bakers, vintners, brew masters, fishermen and food artisans that provide our palates with a rich tapestry of local color and flavor, and for the joyful knowledge that the fruits of many of their labors can be enjoyed all year.
As darkness settles in earlier each day and temperatures start to descend, families turn to the comforts of cozy fall fare created in their kitchens. Long Island families have the good fortune of having a diverse selection of locally grown fruits and vegetables to prepare and serve at their tables. There are plenty of welcoming farm stands that dot the north fork. As many of these stands close up for the winter, the fall harvest is one final opportunity to support local growers.
Any farm stand’s vast inventory is a rich source healthy nutrition and of inspiration for Thanksgiving menus. From butternut squash and corn chowder to honey-glazed carrots to roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon, you can find all of the ingredients grown close to home. Many farm stands offer their own home baked autumn pies to contribute to the holiday meal’s dessert course. You will also find honeys, jams and baked goods to satiate sweet cravings.
The Riverhead farmers market has now relocated indoors for the cold weather months. The market now occupies a larger venue than that of last winter, situated on the corner of East Main Street and McDermott Avenue. The increase in space allows room for more vendors, which means more opportunities to procure your locally produced provisions. From exotic mushrooms, artisan breads and cheeses to wine and craft beer, the market is a virtual headquarters for most of your Thanksgiving needs. The Riverhead farmers market remains open every Saturday throughout the winter.
Also open throughout the winter are the wineries. Sample a flight to choose your bottle selections for the big day or sip a warming glass of a crimson merlot fireside. Since no post Thanksgiving dinner game is complete without beer, no less than five east end breweries are now announcing their releases of winter ales, warmers, porters and stouts.
The warm days of summer and the bustle of fall's festivals may be over, but there is still a wealth of enjoyment to be savored along Sound Avenue and Route 25. As you and your family sit down to dinner this Thanksgiving, take a moment to toast and give thanks to all of Long Island's farmers, bakers, vintners, brew masters, fishermen and food artisans that provide our palates with a rich tapestry of local color and flavor, and for the joyful knowledge that the fruits of many of their labors can be enjoyed all year.