It is hard to believe it, but the holiday season is already upon us. As you prepare to gather around the Thanksgiving table, it is easier than ever to support farmers in your local area. At Gather Wisconsin, we have curated a special list of Wisconsin food brands to include as you put together your menu.
Turkey
Did you know that one of the most well-recognized turkey brands, Jennie-O, sources a portion of their turkeys from Wisconsin? Available at grocery chains statewide, the Jennie-O brand also offers a variety of resources to help with your holiday planning online, including tips for cooking a whole turkey and food handling safety information to ensure your dinner guests stay safe as well as satisfied!
Cranberries
Nothing says Wisconsin like cranberries at the table. Wisconsin cranberries are used in thousands of products from a variety of businesses and growers statewide. Wisconsin is the nation’s leader in cranberry production. Even one of the most notable cranberry brands, Ocean Spray, has roots to Wisconsin, producing juices, canned sauces, sweetened dried cranberries and more in our state.
Vegetable Casserole
Iconic casseroles and other vegetable-inspired side dishes also have a tie to Wisconsin agriculture, thanks to brands like Del Monte. Although a noteworthy national brand, Del Monte Foods has growers right here in Wisconsin. If you have a green bean casserole or scalloped corn on your menu, you can thank Wisconsin farmers, like the Hutkowski family, for the ingredients!
Potatoes
Whether you like them mashed, scalloped, baked or prepared any way in between, potatoes are a staple at any family holiday. They are also a staple in Wisconsin agriculture thanks to farmers like Larry Alsum of Alsum Farms & Produce in Arena! You can find Alsum potatoes at many major grocery stores across Wisconsin, including Aldi’s, Woodman’s, Piggly Wiggly, Costco and more.
Dairy (in many forms!)
It comes as no surprise that America’s Dairyland is home to a variety of dairy brands in many forms. Here are just a few options we suggest when assembling your holiday grocery shopping list:
- Cheese: There is no shortage of Wisconsin Cheese brands, but a few we enjoy for the holidays include Sartori (perfect for pairings and cheese boards), Carr Valley (with cheese spreads for the perfect appetizer) and Renards Artisan Cheese (with a variety of cheddars perfect for pairing). Look for the Wisconsin Cheese badge for more great options wherever you get your groceries!
- Butter: Wisconsin is also home to a variety of butter brands perfect for holiday baking, including Organic Valley, Crystal Farms, and Westby Cooperative Creamery.
- Milk: There are a variety of milk brands bottled in the state, offering fresh, local and sustainable options to suit your holiday meal. Brands like Kemps, Lamers Dairy, Prairie Farms and Sassy Cow Creamery all are based here in Wisconsin!
Desserts and Beverages
Complete out the holiday meal with a delicious dessert. Enjoy one of Racine Danish Kringles sweet kringles paired with a cup of one of the gourmet holiday flavors by Door County Coffee. If you are feeling spirited, there are many Wisconsin brands to add to your holiday cocktail, such as J. Henry & Sons bourbon in an old fashioned or Driftless Glen Distillery Reserve Brandy for holiday slush.
When it comes to the holidays, your holiday meal is the perfect opportunity to support local farms and in-state brands leveraging our state’s agriculture in every course. From all of us at Gather Wisconsin, we wish you a happy holiday season!
*Disclaimer: Brands mentioned throughout this blog post are not affiliated with or compensated by Gather Wisconsin.