Glossy magazines and slick commercials might suggest that Thanksgiving dinner only features the traditional turkey, boxed stuffing, and pumpkin pie, but we’ve known since watching Snoopy sling toast, popcorn, and a handful of pretzel sticks and jellybeans that not all tables look the same. Nor should they. Each individual Thanksgiving table spread is full of family history, new traditions, and welcomed additions, just like the people sitting around it. And how wonderful is that?!
Whether you’re sticking with what’s usually written on your menu or you’d like to add a new page, the Dallas Farmers Market has all the ingredients you need — locally grown broccoli, carrots, green beans, and onions, along with grapefruits, oranges, pecans, and sweet potatoes. Don’t miss farm-fresh eggs, naturally raised meats, artisan breads, tempting cheeses, and Texas wines, and grab your staples any day of the week at Kelley Produce in The Market.
Looking for some Thanksgiving menu plot twist inspiration? Here are a few tried-and-true ideas from our crew.
Grandpa’s Holiday Ham: Kate Crenwelge – Farmers Market Assistant Director
“When Grandpa made this ham, he always let us pour the brown sugar while his hands were covered in mustard. We still make it every year for Thanksgiving (with showing Turkeys in 4-H, we got tired of eating turkey all the time). Grandpa may no longer be with us, but he’s remembered every time we have that ham.”
Granny’s Candied Yams recipe: Emily Dugal – Director of Programming and Events
“This side dish is a staple at every family Thanksgiving or Christmas we have at Granny’s house. She has made this for decades, and it reminds me of Louisiana and childhood. You can always add pecans or candied pecans on top for extra crunch.”
Italian Sausage Stuffing: Lisa Ferri – Director of The Market
“My Aunt Jo-Jo from Rochester, NY, has been making this every Thanksgiving since I was a little girl, and has passed it down through all our generations.”
Western PA Redneck Haluski: Ricky Kowalewski – Farmers Market Director
“This recipe comes from my late grandma, who was an excellent cook and taught me a lot about cooking and gardening. Haluski is basically buttered noodles with cabbage and sometimes bacon, and it’s even better if you make the noodles at home.”
Once all the dirty dishes are finally put away, it’s time to get festive at the DFM! For a limited time, Hemingway Hill is bringing back their sustainably grown, freshly cut Christmas trees. Visit our Christmas tree stand at The Shed on Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28, to reserve your tree. Customers may also call the farm at (972) 998-3343 or visit their website to secure a tree before the weekend. The Hemingway Hill team will then be on-site Saturday, November 29 (9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) and Sunday, November 30 (10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.) for tree pickup and sales.
This is the ONLY weekend Hemingway Hill will have Christmas trees at the Dallas Farmers Market (they’ll continue offering them at the farm for a bit longer), so make sure all the Thanksgiving leftovers don’t slow you down!
Things can get overwhelming this time of year, but in this brief quiet moment, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude to you. The Dallas Farmers Market thrives because of your continued support of local farmers, small businesses, and community connections. Thank you during this Holiday season and always. We love that you’re part of our story.
