We prepare to gather with loved ones around a table as we enter another holiday season. There are so many different ways to celebrate the harvest, and rest assured Seward Co-op has you covered when it comes to high-quality goods and flavorful food. Maybe you’re looking for something new to bring to Friendsgiving. Or, you already planned to prepare your own scratch-made feast. Perhaps turkey has left a bad taste in your mouth too many times, so this year you’re going meatless. Or what if Nov. 28 is just another day, and you’re looking for something easy for dinner on a Thursday night?

With the holiday rush, we expect more shoppers in our stores, so plan ahead with the Friendship store holiday essentials guide and the Franklin one, too! Seward Co-op staff thanks you in advance during this busy holiday season! Opt for local to support Community Foods producers whenever possible. We appreciate your patience and consideration while we all navigate another holiday season.

Skip the Sweat with Seward-Made

Some want a no-fuss meal that tastes homemade without having to mess up the kitchen – we get it! Seward Co-op’s Bakery, Deli, and Meat and Seafood departments have some helpful shortcuts to offer. Some folks have time to make rolls, but they can be time-consuming. Instead, opt for Seward-made sweet potato rolls! Making stuffing? Use Seward-made Stuffing Sausage to add the flavor of local pork, apple, and sage to your feast. Deli Grab n Go coolers are always stocked with seasonal treats to fill out a delicious dessert table with enough variety to please anyone’s sweet tooth, including vegan and made without gluten varieties. Look for seasonal favorites like half and full pies,  quickbreads, cream puffs, and more while supplies last.

Exciting New Favorite Holiday Flavors

Looking for something new? Want to branch out from the traditional turkey and stuffing? We’ve got you covered! Begin the meal with a decadent dip, in this case, gooey melted gouda. Fire up your body and soul with warming spices in a curried butternut squash. Craving turkey but don’t want to roast a whole bird? No problem! Try a ground turkey casserole or sautéed collard greens with ground turkey. Add a kick to your stuffing by adding chorizo and swapping in cornbread. The world is your oyster! (We’ve heard people put those in stuffing, too.)

Traditional Favorites

Maybe you’re planning a traditional meal with the works. That can mean different things to many, but there are some staples and some generalizations to be made: no one likes dry turkey. Give yourself some extra time to thaw and brine that bird, then roast it to bring out the best flavor. Check out these tips for turkey roasting success. Don’t forget to save the pan drippings to make a delicious turkey gravy for serving over mashed potatoes. While we’re talking taters, don’t forget the sweet potatoes! No traditional harvest meal would also be complete without the bright, zesty flavor of cranberry relish on the plate. Don’t skip this classic!

Prepare a Meatless Feast

Skipping the meat this year? Cooking for loved ones who don’t eat meat? There are many options that riff on traditional seasonal flavors. If you’re skipping turkey, try stuffed squash this year instead! Roasted Brussels sprouts make a great side, along with cranberry pecan stuffing, or fragrant apple walnut wild rice. Don’t forget the gravy! In this case, make it mushroom. And last but not least, be sure to treat yourself to something sweet, like a beautiful apple galette.