Local Seasonal Menu: What To Eat This Winter

The winter months make it difficult to talk about seasonal produce because harvest calendars differ so dramatically. While those in the Sun Belt can visit local farmers' markets year-round, Minnesotans and North Dakotans and residents of the other extreme Northern states suffer through frigid winters and are often unable to find any fresh produce at their local market, if they can find an open market at all.

If you do live in one of the northern states, remember that family farms rely on our support even when they don't have as much to offer. During the winter months, you should be able to find organic apples, pears and potatoes--all three of which have high pesticide residues when conventionally grown-- as well as winter squashes, onions, garlic, milk, cheese, meat and root vegetables such as turnips, parsnips and rutabagas (see sidebar "The Top 10 Local Produce Picks: Winter"). Also look for products that farmers made from their summer harvest, such as homemade preserves, maple syrup and honey, dried flowers, dried peppers, candles and wreaths.

A WINTER DAY'S MENU

Here's an example of a day's meals made using seasonally available items. While it would be nearly impossible during the winter to eat only seasonal foods, make sure to highlight at least one seasonal ingredient at each meal. For more ideas and the dinner recipes below, see "Seasonal Weekly Menu: Local and Organic Winter Produce" at thegreenguide.com.

BREAKFAST

Oatmeal with local yogurt and preserves

LUNCH

Joan's Kale and Potato Soup (for recipe, see "Savory and Warming Winter Meals" at the greenguide.com).

DINNER

Green House Salad and Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Roasted Free-Range Chicken with Celery Root Puree

Baked Apples with Pecan-Maple Filling (recipe below)

See "Savory and Warming Winter Meals" at thegreenguide.com for more ideas.

This month, whether you are strolling through a market in California or Maine, you should be able to find some fresh local apples to make this easy, delicious dessert.