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I love eating locally — not just the idea of it, but the flavours of unusual varieties, like the Cippolini onions from Pfennings Farms in Baden, Ont. and potatoes called “cranberry reds” from Kawartha Farms. While local produce offerings may be slimming down at this time of year, I know many of them can still take centre stage at my family’s Christmas dinner.

Let’s talk turkey. I am a wholehearted convert to a locally raised bird. Not only is a smaller bird operation more sustainable, healthier and a great source of jobs on the rural landscape, those turkeys are delicious. (And I’m actually glad not to have my turkey injected with butter, thank you!) For Thanksgiving, my mom ordered a turkey from Wendy Banks, local food distributor in the Frontenac Arch region. If you would like to try a local bird, your neighbourhood butcher shop might have some unfrozen turkey for sale, as might specialty grocery stores.

When it comes to veggies for Christmas dinner, it’s hard to beat mashed potatoes made with local spuds. (No really, they’re hard to beat, but put some elbow grease into it and you’ll get there!) Here are a few of my favourite Homemakers holiday recipes made with home-grown foods.
- Here is Andrew Chase’s favourite turkey recipe. (Andrew is Homemakers’ food editor.)
- If you have a little time before the meal, go for Carrot Souffle with Parsley Sauce. It’s delish, so make sure you save a full serving for yourself!
- Yes, rutabaga can be mouthwatering. Try Maple-Glazed Rutabaga and Parsnips.
- You could have the usual stuffing. Or you could go all-out and have Bacon, Celery Root and Rye Bread stuffing!
- You could have pumpkin pie for dessert, or you could have Squash Custard with Ginger Caramel. Mmm!

Have a local wine with your Christmas dinner and you’ll have one a truly green Christmas!

What are your favourite holiday dishes?