NOVEMBER 2014                                                                          www.minnesotagrown.com
IN THIS ISSUE...
Winter Decor and more!
A Minnesota Table
Wineries
Minnesota Meats
REAL Christmas Trees
A Minnesota Table
  Thanksgiving meal

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and if you are reading this, its likely food is on your mind! Make this Thanksgiving one to remember by incorporating fresh, local foods and decorations into your holiday celebration.

 

 When asked why buying local produce for your Thanksgiving meal is important, Jean Braatz from My Minnesota Farmer, LLC in Montgomery shares that "It's all about the flavor! Local produce is picked at its prime and delivered fresh just down the road from where it was grown. You just can't beat the flavors that nature produces naturally."

 

 

Read on for tips and tricks from our member experts!

 

REAL Minnesota Christmas Trees
 
  
It's not too soon to begin thinking about your Minnesota Grown Christmas tree! We spoke with Minnesota Grown Christmas Tree growers to get the inside scoop on the 2014 season outlook. Also, check out our map of Minnesota Grown Christmas tree growers and find one near you!
 
Connie Anderson, from Anderson Tree Farm in Isanti says she is excited about the upcoming season. "We are hoping for another great season like last year..."
  
Wineries
Glasses of Wine on picnic table
Wine can be an excellent addition to any holiday meal, or a great host/hostess gift! Many wineries close during the winter months so be sure to stop by your favorite winery soon! There are 37 Minnesota Grown member wineries in our online Directory, and some even take online orders. Be sure to pick up a few bottles for holiday gifts! If you are still hoping to visit a winery before the end of the season, check out the October Pick of the Month for a list of wine trails featured by the Minnesota Grape Growers Association. 
Bringing the Outdoors Indoors
 
As the air begins to chill, your outdoor and indoor d�cor doesn't have to be left behind! There are many natural and local decoration ideas that will last into the winter. Local garden centers are a great source of ideas for beautiful decorations and plants. We spoke with some Minnesota Grown member garden centers for tips and tricks on how to incorporate Minnesota Grown d�cor all year long!
Blue Spruce Tips from Holasek Flower Power Garden Center
Minnesota Meats

Do you have freezer space to stock up on Minnesota meat this winter? If so, consider ordering a half or quarter of an animal from a local farmer and have it custom-processed to your liking! This is a great way to get a variety of cuts that will make your meals more flavorful and take away the stress of constantly wondering whats for dinner! Not to mention, it's a great way to support local farmers!

Find a Minnesota Grown meat producer near you by searching our online Directory!
Here you will find producers of beef, pork, lamb, buffalo, elk, poultry, game birds, fish and even yak! 

Save the Date! 

calendar clip art
Minnesota Grown.com now has an interactive online calendar where you can find fun and local November events! We have lots of great events from cooking classes to harvest festivals!

Abundant Leaf Apple-Cranberry Pie

Buttery pastry leaves and in-season fruits mean this tangy-sweet pie is the perfect dessert for autumn. Try this on your Thanksgiving menu with Minnesota Grown produce for a tasty way to decorate the table and fill your home with the smells of fall!

Thank You!

We all know that Thanksgiving is a season to remember what we are truly thankful for. Here at Minnesota Grown we are thankful for the opportunity to bring you local foods, local connections, and information about agriculture.

We know none of this would be possible without the hard work and dedication from the people who grow and raise our food and agricultural products. We are inspired to share those stories of the men, women and even children who strive to provide us with the healthy, great-tasting local food that we all enjoy.

We also need to take a moment to thank you, our readers. Thank you for taking the time to read our monthly issue of the Pick of the Month, provide us with feed back, ask questions, and share your photos and comments. You are such an integral part of helping us to spread the word about the benefits of supporting our local farmers, and we couldn't do it without you!

Have a happy, and safe Thanksgiving season and we will see you in December!   

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