WILTON — Some of us are foodies, for whom creating a Thanksgiving meal is an annual masterpiece. For others, life in all its splendid and hectic forms gets in the way.
Those of you who fall into the latter category are by no means relegated what we shall call the “Hungry Man” option. We know that you want the same quality as grandma used to make, but cannot take the time that is required to make it happen. So what do you do?
Here’s a reason to give thanks: A tremendous local and delicious resource has come to rescue your holiday meal. We were treated to a guided tour of delicious options by Chef Heather Cuedek, catering lead at our local Healthy Living Market and Café at the Wilton Mall.
Whether you want to do some of this by yourself; or are responsible for bringing a side dish; or you just want to order online and take the credit for being smart, the Healthy Living Market has the answer. So let’s look at the menu and start with the main event.
The Bird is the Word!
Ah, the turkey. The centerpiece of any Thanksgiving meal. Not much at stake here. Of course your future mother-in-law will forgive you if it doesn’t turn out to be in her league. No pressure.
Well any accomplished chef who would consider it a point of pride to say that my bird is “the word,” will tell you that the key lies in the freshness of the ingredients. “Healthy Living has been a purveyor of local turkeys in Vermont for 26 years. We are thrilled to bring that tradition to Saratoga,” said Nicole Driscoll, marketing manager. “We have partnered with three local farms, all within 100 miles of the store—Buckley Farm of Ballston Lake, Stonewood Farm of Orwell, Vermont and Misty Knoll of New Haven, Vermont.”
“At those farms the animals are raised humanely, without antibiotics or steroids. Our local farm partnerships benefit our customers by bringing them the freshest and juiciest birds available.” Driscoll said. “We’re passionate about putting a local turkey on every table.”
As an incentive to try fresh and local, these turkeys are available for a pre-order price of $3.19/lb. when ordered online by November 22.
For more information or to order your bird, visit: www.healthylivingmarket.com/new-york-thanksgiving-turkeys.
Now for those who want to not cook and eat it too, Chef Cuedek has you covered. The market will be stocking pre-cooked turkey breasts (off the bone) in various cryovac-sealed weights ($2l/lb.) for you to grab and go up to the day before the holiday. Just heat and be a hero! The chef recommends placing it in the oven with some water and stock to keep it moist, and then warm it “low and slow” - about 200 degrees. And remember to baste!
Glorious Sides!
Now we’re talking. Chef Cuedek has chosen a great assortment of side dishes. Let’s dig in.
For an appetizer extraordinaire, she has chosen a maple nut goat cheese log to spread on your favorite flatbread or crackers. An herb crusted version is also available, both at $22/lb.
To dress the plate, any combination of butternut squash puree ($4.75/lb.), mashed potatoes ($5.75/lb.), roasted acorn squash or yams ($5.25/lb.) and cranberry sauce or relish ($7.75/lb.) all add color and tang. Both the stuffing ($5.25/lb.) and gravy ($8.25/lb.) are available in gluten-free and regular versions.
