Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Turkey day approaches - Are you prepared?

In just over three weeks, Thanksgiving will be upon us. I'm guessing that many of you cooking dinner for family and friends have given thought to the feast you'll prepare. I myself have been invited to a dinner and only have to think about a side dish (or two). Maybe my aunt's pumpkin roll recipe? But certainly something savory too. Need to figure this one out!

Anyway, I wanted to write a post for those interested in landing a local and sustainable bird that will most certainly be the centerpiece of your dinner. The MD Dept of Agriculture has a nice listing of MD turkey farms. The list is sorted by county and many provide a description of the type of turkeys that are still available.

You'll need to be committed to this since it does not appear that these farms deliver. But you do have some choices in both Montgomery and PG counties.

In addition, if you act before November 8 (this Sunday), South Mountain Creamery - located just north of Fredrick - will deliver a turkey right to your doorstep. Their delivery charge is just $3.75 and the birds are raised on a family farm in Thurmont, MD. The turkeys range in price from $30 for the smallest ones to around $80 for the really big birds.

I haven't ordered from SMC in a while, but those are good folks who run the farm. They have definitely have good quality products. If you do order, you should do yourself a favor and get some egg nog too. We drank a lot of this last holiday season. Tasty!

I know it's more costly to purchase a bird from a local farm, but I feel confident in the short-run (taste) and the long run (your family's health) it will be a wise choice.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this! I'd rather spend my money on a turkey with these guys than a turkey from Whole Foods whose origin may or may not be local. Always better to directly support local farms.

Springvale Roader said...

I just want to suggest that people consider sparing the turkeys and going with a vegetarian meal instead.

However, if you must have your turkey, please only buy an animal that was raised humanely on a farm where it could enjoy sunshine and roaming free, and not one raised in a godawful factory farm. Better for the bird, you, and the environment.

Anonymous said...

This has nothng to do with this post, but just reporting that I read in the washington business journal (oct 30 issue) that Peterson company signed a lease for Nandos Peri Peri
in the old Bombay & Co space on Ellsworth. Hate Ellsworth all you want, but Nando's makes some incredible chicken and more. Their Chinatown location is awesome. Quick, somebody get us some details on the opening!!!