Thanksgiving in Canada is a time to gather with loved ones, reflect on the blessings of the past year, and of course, enjoy a delicious meal. This year, why not make your Thanksgiving feast extra special by embracing the farm-to-table movement? Using fresh, locally-sourced ingredients not only supports Canadian farmers, but also elevates your dishes with seasonal flavours that are truly in tune with the harvest season. Here’s how you can create a sustainable, farm-fresh Thanksgiving meal your guests won’t soon forget.

Start with Fresh, Local Ingredients

The foundation of any memorable farm-to-table meal is the quality of the ingredients. Luckily, October in Canada offers a bountiful harvest of seasonal produce perfect for Thanksgiving dishes. When planning your meal, look to local farmers’ markets or farm stands for ingredients like:

• Squash and Pumpkins: The stars of autumn, these versatile vegetables are perfect for soups, side dishes, and even desserts.
• Apples: Whether used in a fresh salad, as a pie filling, or baked with cinnamon, Canadian apples are abundant and delicious this time of year.
• Root Vegetables: Carrots, beets, parsnips, and potatoes are at their peak in October. Roast them with herbs for a hearty, flavourful side dish.
• Cranberries: Fresh cranberries, often grown in Quebec and Ontario, are a must for a tangy homemade sauce to accompany your turkey.

By sourcing ingredients from nearby farms, you not only reduce the carbon footprint of your meal but also support local agriculture.

Hearty Harvest Recipes to Try

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, it’s time to turn them into a Thanksgiving feast. Here are some farm-to-table recipe ideas that showcase the best of what the Canadian autumn harvest has to offer.

Roasted Butternut Squash Soup with Maple Drizzle

Start your meal with a warm, comforting bowl of roasted butternut squash soup. The sweetness of the squash pairs beautifully with a drizzle of Canadian maple syrup for an extra layer of fall flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 cups vegetable broth
• 1/4 cup pure Canadian maple syrup
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Toss diced squash with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast for 25 minutes until tender.
2. In a large pot, sauté onions and garlic until soft. Add roasted squash and vegetable broth, then simmer for 10 minutes.
3. Use an immersion blender to puree the soup until smooth. Stir in maple syrup and adjust seasoning. Serve hot.

Herb-Roasted Root Vegetables

Highlight the earthy flavours of root vegetables by roasting them with fragrant herbs. This side dish is simple but packs a punch with local ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 carrots, peeled and chopped
• 4 parsnips, peeled and chopped
• 3 beets, peeled and diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh rosemary and thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F).
2. Toss vegetables with olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
3. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and roast for 30-35 minutes, turning halfway through.

Classic Turkey with Fresh Herb Butter

What’s Thanksgiving without a golden roast turkey? Elevate this classic by using fresh, local herbs and butter to enhance the flavour.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole turkey (size depends on guest count)
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• Fresh rosemary, sage, and thyme, chopped
• Salt and pepper
• Lemon, halved

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
2. Mix butter with fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Rub the butter mixture under the skin and all over the turkey.
3. Stuff the cavity with lemon halves and additional herbs. Roast according to weight (about 20 minutes per pound), basting occasionally.

Canadian Desserts with a Farm-Fresh Twist

No Thanksgiving feast is complete without dessert, and what better way to end the meal than with a sweet, local twist?

Apple Crisp with Oat Topping

Fresh-picked apples take centre stage in this crowd-pleasing apple crisp, finished with a crunchy oat topping.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/2 cup oats
• 1/4 cup flour
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 cup butter, melted

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Arrange apple slices in a baking dish. In a separate bowl, mix brown sugar, oats, flour, and cinnamon. Stir in melted butter until crumbly.
3. Sprinkle topping over apples and bake for 40 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Enjoy a Truly Canadian Thanksgiving

By choosing farm-to-table recipes and locally sourced ingredients, you not only create a Thanksgiving feast that’s bursting with flavour but also contribute to a more sustainable and mindful approach to food. This year, celebrate the harvest season with a meal that honours the hard work of Canadian farmers while delighting your guests with the tastes of autumn.