HOLLIS, N.H. — November is here and with it comes Thanksgiving! Families and friends will be gathering together to celebrate and express gratitude for the blessings in their lives. When considering the menu at this year’s Thanksgiving feast be sure to include the fruit! There are many ways to enjoy NH-grown fruit in your holiday cooking.
For starters, fruit can be incorporated into both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Apple cider is the most readily available fruit beverage to drink whether it is cold, mulled, or hard. Fruits can be added to a wide variety of mixed drinks too depending on what taste you prefer. Along with those drinks fruit can be paired nicely with cheese and crackers for any pre-meal snacks or appetizers.
When it comes to the main meal fruit can be used in a variety of ways. Fruits can be included in salads or made into a fruit salad using seasonal fruits. These cold side dishes are easy to make and do not require cooking saving chefs valuable time and oven space when preparing the meal.
Fruits can be used to add some sweetness to savory dishes. For instance, fruits like apricots can be turned into glazes for the turkey or other meats. Apples or pears can be incorporated into traditional sides such as stuffing. If you are not a fan of cranberry sauce you could try some other fruit spreads or purees such as plum puree, peach jam, or apple jelly.
The easiest way to include fruit in your Thanksgiving meal is with dessert! NH-grown tree fruits can be used in all sorts of goodies you may enjoy on the holiday. Apple and cherry pies are classics that can be enjoyed along with the traditional pumpkin pie. Peaches, pears, apples, or cherries can be turned into delicious cobblers or dessert bars. Fruits can be used in cakes, cookies, crisps, and any other tasty treats you can come up with!
The possibilities are endless when it comes to using fruit in your Thanksgiving feast. Visit your local orchard or pull out some canned fruit you preserved earlier in the year and see what ways you can incorporate fruit into your Thanksgiving spread. To find an orchard or farm near you, or to find some dessert ideas visit the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association website at www.nhfruitgrowers.org.
About the New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association:
The NH Fruit Growers Association (NHFGA) is a non-profit association made up of tree fruit farmers, commercial, and supporting members who share a passion for New Hampshire-grown apples, peaches, cherries, plums, and pears. Among the association’s approximately 30 member orchards and farms, there’s diversity in size, fruit, and farm products, but they all gladly share the hard work of taking great care to grow quality fresh fruit for their customers. Keep up with NHFGA on Facebook and Instagram (@NHFruitGrowers) for nutrition information, fun facts, recipes, and more!
–New Hampshire Fruit Growers Association