FRANKFORT — Family. Friends. Food.
Three key ingredients to a successful holiday gathering in Kentucky.
In homes all across the Commonwealth, loved ones gather to eat, giving thanks for another bountiful Kentucky harvest.
Picture a large table with a perfectly-roasted, golden brown turkey alongside a perfectly baked country ham, both ready to be carved. Several large bowls surround the turkey and ham platters, holding cornbread dressing and an assortment of colorful vegetables.
Over to the side rest freshly-baked pumpkin and pecan pies, and another Kentucky Proud favorite, Derby-Pie.
Would you be surprised that this entire meal was grown or raised on Kentucky farms? From the turkey to the Christmas tree and everything in between, you and your loved ones can enjoy an all-Kentucky Proud holiday.
“I encourage Kentuckians to strive to make as much of their holiday meals as possible with ingredients from right here in Kentucky,” Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles said. “When you serve Kentucky Proud foods and buy Kentucky Proud gifts, you’re giving the best Kentucky has to offer. When you shop Kentucky Proud for loved ones far away, you’re giving them a little piece of home.”
Here are a few ideas to help you assemble an all-Kentucky Proud feast to remember.
Let’s start with the center of the plate. Elmwood Stock Farm in Georgetown offers organic, pasture-raised heritage turkey as well as standard breeds. Kentucky’s country ham producers use traditional curing techniques to produce a flavor your guests will savor. 
For your side dishes, bake cornbread or biscuits with dry mixes from Weisenberger Mill of Midway, Catrina’s Kitchen of Louisville, or Bloomfield Farms of Bardstown. Some Kentucky farmers’ markets can supply you with farm-fresh fall vegetables as well as jams, jellies, sauces, breads, and more. Many Kentucky supermarkets and groceries, such as Kroger and Houchens/IGA, stock a wide variety of local products for a true Kentucky Proud feast.
Keep your fork and bring on dessert! If you make your own, may we recommend topping it off with Kight’s Pecans from western Kentucky? Or save time and pick up Derby-Pie from Kern’s, Modjeskas from Bauer’s Candies, or any of a number of other unique Kentucky Proud confections.
Don’t forget the Christmas tree. Heading out to a nearby tree farm is a holiday tradition in many Kentucky households. Go to kychristmastreefarms.com to find a farm near you.
On behalf of the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, have a joyous holiday season.