With the holidays fast-approaching, we have compiled a collection of holiday dishes you can make using in-season, Ontario produce. Eating local and in-season has an assortment of health, economic and environmental benefits. First of all, local, in-season produce does not need to travel, therefore the foods retain more nutrients and less carbon emissions are released. As well, since the produce is picked to be sold immediately, it is much more flavourful than the produce that is picked to be stored and shipped. Also, the food is not required to stay fresh in transit, therefore the produce does not require the same heavy preservatives as foods being shipped. Buying local also helps to strengthen the local economy by supporting local farmers and keeping the money in your community.

Although there is far less produce in-season in the winter, some local fruits and veggies include: onions, parsnips, squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, carrots, potatoes, cabbage, apples and pears. We hope some of the following recipes will inspire you to eat some local, in-season produce this season!

Start your meal off with one of these delicious appetizers or salads:

1. Onion tart appetizer: https://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/12/caramelized-onion-and-goat-cheese-tartlets-recipe.html
2. Brie, apple and honey crostini by Two Peas and Their Pod: https://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/brie-apple-and-honey-crostini/
3. Pear, cherry, and candied walnut salad: https://minimalistbaker.com/pear-salad-dried-cherries-candied-walnuts/
4. Roasted butternut squash with warm apple cider vinaigrette: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/roasted-butternut-squash-salad-with-warm-cider-vinaigrette-recipe-1945748
5. Caramelized onion, mushroom, apple, and gruyere bites: https://www.tablefortwoblog.com/caramelized-onion-mushroom-apple-gruyere-bites/

Or, try one of these root vegetable sides:

1. Roasted root vegetables: https://toriavey.com/toris-kitchen/oven-roasted-root-vegetables/
2. Cookie and Kate's sweet potato mash: https://cookieandkate.com/savory-mashed-sweet-potatoes/
3. Brown butter mashed turnip: https://girlheartfood.com/mashed-turnip/
4. Yummy roasted carrots: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/roasted-carrots/
5. Perfect roasted potatoes: https://minimalistbaker.com/perfect-roasted-potatoes/

Finish off your holiday meal with one of these yummy seasonal desserts:

1. Classic apple pie: https://www.livewellbakeoften.com/classic-apple-pie/
2. Apple pecan cheesecake: https://www.monpetitfour.com/apple-pecan-cheesecake-2/
3. Baked pears with honey, cranberries, and pecans: https://www.thisgalcooks.com/baked-pears-with-honey-cranberries-pecans/
4. Sugar spice pear galette: https://tasty.co/recipe/sugar-spice-pear-galette
5. Pear cranberry apple crisp: https://thekitchengirl.com/pear-apple-cranberry-crisp/

Enjoy!!! 💛