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A Farmers Market Thanksgiving: Recipes, Tips, and Easy Favorites

Thanksgiving is a time to gather, share gratitude, and savor a memorable feast. Whether you’re planning a classic family spread or a cozy Friendsgiving, our farmers markets have everything you need. From seasonal favorites like apple and pecan pies (with a gluten-free crust option) to our step-by-step turkey roasting guide, we’ve curated recipes and tips to make holiday cooking easy and enjoyable. You’ll find flavorful stuffings, hearty vegetable sides, and bright condiments to complete your table. Short on time? Our farmers and vendors also offer delicious, ready-made dishes to help you pull off an impressive feast with ease.

The Star of the Show: How to Roast a Turkey
At the heart of the meal is a perfectly roasted turkey—warm, tender, and full of flavor. Roasting can feel intimidating, but our simple, step-by-step guide removes the guesswork and sets you up for a show-stopping centerpiece.

Here’s the link to our easy turkey roasting guide.

If you’re looking to level up your turkey game, consider giving the dry-brining technique a try. Unlike traditional wet brining, dry brining is a simple yet transformative process that infuses the meat with deep flavor while keeping it incredibly juicy. Yes, it takes a few days, but the results are absolutely worth the extra time! With this method, you’ll achieve a beautifully seasoned, moist, and flavorful bird that cooks faster and avoids the common pitfalls of dryness and overcooking. Watch: How to Dry-Brine a Turkey

Easy Snacks and Appetizers
Tired of the same old chips and dip? Make your holiday easier—and tastier—with a selection of local artisan cheeses from Schoch Family Farmstead or Rocky Oaks Goat Creamery for a beautiful cheese platter. Don’t forget to include an assortment of Foustman’s Salami for a savory touch. Round out your spread with roasted or flavored nuts from Stackhouse Orchards, Manzanita Manor Organics, or Minazzoli Farms.

Here are a few simple appetizer ideas to inspire your menu:

Soup or Salad First Courses
With so many dishes filling the Thanksgiving table, soup and salad might not always make the cut—but they’re a wonderful way to keep guests happy while you finish those last-minute details in the kitchen. Consider serving small cups of warm soup after appetizers if guests arrive early or if the main meal needs a few extra minutes in the oven.

Stuffing and Dressing
You’ll find everything you need for your favorite stuffing or dressing right at the farmers market. Start with freshly baked bread from Sweet Elena’s Bakery, Companion Bakeshop, or Beckmann’s — Francese, ciabatta, and sourdough are all excellent choices. Pick up farm-fresh eggs, bone broth, fresh herbs, onions, and seasonal vegetables to complete your recipe.

Gravy
If you have time a week or two before the big day, make a batch of our favorite rich chicken stock from scratch—it’s the secret to truly flavorful gravy. Here’s a great tip: buy a few pounds of turkey wings, place them on a baking sheet, brush with melted butter or olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F until golden and crisp. Add the roasted wings and pan juices to your chicken stock and simmer for a couple of hours for instant roasted turkey flavor—perfect for your dressing or gravy!

Here’s a video about how to make perfect gravy: How to Make Perfect Gravy

Bread and Rolls
There’s nothing more welcoming than the aroma of homemade bread or dinner rolls baking in the oven—it’s the perfect way to greet your guests. In our family, it’s a tradition to serve warm, fresh-from-the-oven rolls, even if it means waiting a little longer for dinner because the oven is full! Quick breads like popovers, cornbread, or biscuits are wonderful options too—they can be baked while the turkey rests before carving.

If you’re not inclined to bake, Beckmann’s Bakery, Sweet Elena’s Bakery, and Companion Bakeshop offer a wide selection of freshly baked rolls and bread. Be sure to place your order early.

Vegetables and Side Dishes
If the classic green bean and onion casserole doesn’t quite inspire you these days, try something new—roasted root vegetables are a perfect complement to roast turkey. Here are a few delicious suggestions from our chefs to brighten up your Thanksgiving table.

For more side dish ideas, here’s our complete list of sides! And, this year, Bay Living Culinary is offering a menu of traditional side dishes that can be ordered and picked up at the Aptos Farmers Market.

Condiments and Relishes
Add extra sparkle to your Thanksgiving table with a few flavorful accompaniments. In addition to classic cranberry sauce, try serving a couple of vibrant chutneys or relishes made with seasonal fruits or vegetables. Apple-cranberry chutney, roasted pepper relish, or spiced pear compote can bring color and a burst of flavor to the meal—perfect for balancing the richness of roasted turkey and savory sides.

Dessert
Every family has its own cherished Thanksgiving dessert tradition, and for most, pie reigns supreme! Of course, baking pies from scratch can be a challenge when you’re expecting a house full of guests. Fortunately, you can pick up scrumptious, homemade-style pies and tarts from Sweet Elena’s Bakery, Companion Bakeshop, or Beckmann’s Bakery. Be sure to visit their booths at the farmers markets and place your orders early—they sell out fast!

If you’re ready to roll up your sleeves and bake from scratch, we’ve gathered a few of our favorite recipes to inspire you. And don’t overlook the vegan options—these desserts are so delicious, even non-vegans rave about them!

As we gather around the table, we’re grateful for our farmers, food artisans, and loyal market customers who make every season—and every meal—something to celebrate.