As we give thanks at Thanksgiving, be sure to remember our farmers and local businesses by gracing your Thanksgiving table with some of the best products Long Island has to offer. Here are five must-haves for this year’s Thanksgiving table.
- Apple Cider from the Jericho Cider Mill. I remember as a child, before I could drink wine, a special treat was to have apple cider from the Jericho Cider Mill. For over 150 years, the Jericho Cider Mill has been producing the sweetest, most delicious cider around. Whether you’re a child or an adult, no Thanksgiving table should go without this heart-warming beverage. It’s great for mulling too!
- Turkey from Makinajian Poultry Farm. For the freshest, cleanest turkeys around there is no other place to get them from, then Makinajian in Huntington. This family-owned poultry farm has been serving customers since 1948. Along with fresh killed turkeys and chickens, Makinajian also has fresh eggs and certified organic produce. Place your order early.
- Vegetables. Support your local farmers market or head out to the North Fork for some fabulous produce. It’s hard to make a clear choice of where to go since farm stands are nearly everywhere, but one of my favorites is Schmitt’s Farm Stand on Sound Avenue in Riverhead. This small stand has some amazing produce, as well as homemade salad dressings, pickles and their famous Holy Schmitt’s horseradish, which comes in six varieties. Family owned and operated, Schmitt’s farm is a sure bet for top produce.
- Wine. Just a short ride down the road from Schmitt’s is Roanoke Vineyard. Be sure to pick up a bottle or two of their 2014 chardonnay The Wild! If you prefer red, definitely try the 2012 Cabernet Franc. You better hurry because time is running out. Roanoke Vineyard is closing its doors to the public by midnight on December 31, 2015. So if you are a lover of their wines, I suggest you do what I did and join their wine club.
- Pies. Although I usually make my own pies, if you are short on time and want something homemade, I recommend three different places: Helen’s Greenhouses and Flower Farm on Union Avenue in Aquebogue. They offer over 27 different types of pies which are made daily or made to order. Place your order early. Lenny Bruno Farm in Manorville. As soon as you enter this farm stand which is just off the LIE, all you smell are delicious pies. The Dutch apple pie is fantastic. More centrally located is Kerber’s Farm in Huntington. Looking for something chocolatey? Their s’mores pie is to die for. They also offer a selection of gluten-free pies as well.
So support your local businesses and show off their goods at your Thanksgiving table this year. A happy Thanksgiving to all!
