The holiday season is well underway here in western North Carolina. We wanted to highlight the many ways you can engage with our vibrant community of farmers, growers, artisanal producers and agripreneurs to add a little local sparkle to your celebrations. We have also included a plethora of recipes to add that extra special something to your menus—each chosen with the promise of becoming family favorites now and for years to come.

From our Buy Haywood family to yours, we wish you an abundance of good health, laughter and joy in all the ways you celebrate the season. xx

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FARM to TABLE

The most asked question in late fall and winter is “Where can I get local ingredients during the colder months?” While most farmers’ markets and farmstands have closed for the season, Haywood is home to a number of farms operating year-round. Below we have listed a few to get you started…more seasonal options in our Online Directory.

After you’ve finished shopping small and buying local, peruse our library of Recipes to discover new family favorites to add to your own holiday table.

Here is a recipe for Coconut Collard Greens with Butternut Squash from our friends at The Splendid Table. We made this dish for the first time at Thanksgiving this year because we had an abundance of both ingredients left over from our weekly pre-order box from Mighty Gnome Market Garden. An outstanding twist on traditional ingredients.

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SHOPPING SMALL, BUYING LOCAL

Our friends at Shady Brook Farm in Canton are not only raising their own little ones but also some of the finest poultry and beef in western North Carolina. This multigenerational family farm operates at the nexus of hard-worn experience and research-driven best practices. Visit their website to learn more about their operation and how to order Shady Brook products.

{Recipe Idea} We read in one of Adam’s recent eNewsletters that his wife, Jada, made White Bean and Chicken chili using their chicken chorizo. We think that sounds like a fantastic low-fuss, high-impact dish to serve when you have family and friends popping by during the holiday season. Here’s a recipe from Bon Appétit magazine.

One of our personal favorite dishes to make with Shady Brook Farm chicken is Arroz con Pollo. A Cuban classic, Arroz con Pollo (or Chicken and Rice) is a one-pot meal packed with beautifully seasoned rice, colorful vegetables and juicy chicken. This recipe makes a generous amount to serve an intimate group or a crowd—dress up your presentation and you have an elegant meal that is dinner-party worthy. The best part is you can tailor the cuts of meat to suit your guest’s palate.

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Arroz con Pollo

INGREDIENTS

• 3lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, drumsticks and/or breasts
• Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Handful of red and yellow lunchbox peppers, finely chopped
• 1 green pepper, finely chopped
• 1 cup dry white wine
• 1 cup Italian green beans (we used frozen from our summer garden)
• 1 cup green peas (fresh or frozen)
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 3 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 1-2 Tablespoons kosher salt, more as needed
• Freshly ground pepper
• 2 cups chicken stock (we use low-sodium and control the salt ourselves)
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Pinch of saffron threads
• 2 cups water
• 1, 12oz bottle of local Pilsner beer
• 3 1/2 cups of short-grain rice (like Valencia, Arborio, Bomba or Calasparra)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees
2. Season chicken with salt + pepper on both sides
3. Heat the olive oil on medium-high in an oven-proof 6qt heavy pot or Dutch oven until hot but not smoking
4. Working in batches, brown the chicken on both sides (2-3 minutes on both sides)
5. Set aside with browned chicken and repeat with remaining pieces
6. Remove all remaining browned chicken from the pot
7. To the residual oil in the pot, add the onion and pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes on medium heat until softened.
8. To deglaze the pot, add the white wine and bring to a simmer. Scrape up the brown bits. Add the green beans, peas, tomato paste, garlic and spices—stir to thoroughly incorporate. Stir in the water, stock and half the beer. Taste for salt, add more if needed. Return the chicken pieces to the pot and bring to a simmer.
9. Stir in the rice. Simmer over medium to medium-low heat for 10 minutes without stirring. Remove the pot from direct heat. Cover with a tight-fitting lid and place in the preheated oven.
10. Bake until the rice is tender and still moist, about 20 minutes.
11. Remove from the oven and immediately pour in the remaining beer. Return cover to pot, let rest for 5 minutes.
12. Stir gently to fluff.
13. Serve and enjoy!

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One thing we have always admired about Heidi and Karen as agripreneurs is their willingness to support and collaborate with their farming and agricultural peers. That same welcoming attitude infuses the selection of items in their retail case as well as their menus with uniquely local flavors that you can’t find anywhere else. Visit their website for days/hours and a peek at their seasonal menu. While you’re in, don’t miss the opportunity to shop from their meat case.

More specialty retailers here.

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Looking for more vege? Our friends at Mighty Gnome Market Garden are pushing into the cooler months with a delicious round-up of fresh vegetables and herbs. Sign up for their eNewsletter for opportunities to “order ahead” from their weekly harvest, including several options for local pick-up. Like our friends featured above, Danielle and Mark hold “community” at the top of their priority pyramid. Read more about their Mutual Aid project. One of our favorite things this fall has been Mighty Gnome’s Famosa Cabbage—grilled. A type of savoy, the heads are a deep blue-green with flavorful leaves presenting a unique, crinkled texture. Visit our Directory for more farms, farmstands and CSA opportunities.

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We would be remiss if we didn’t discuss beverages—cocktails or mocktails—your preference. Nobody does it better than our friends at Waynesville Soda Jerks. We first met the original jerks, Megan and Chris, waaaaaay back when WSJ was just the seed of an idea in 2013. Since then we have marveled at their moxie and innovation. In the years that followed they have grown their small business into a vibrant leader in the craft soda marketplace; whilst not sacrificing their commitment to sourcing primary ingredients directly from small farms throughout the southern Appalachian region. Big promise. Enormous impact on their farm partnerships.

Whether you visit their Waynesville gift shop or buy one of their sodas from a specialty retail partner, their uniquely local flavors make the most irresistible treat during the holidays and every other day throughout the year. You will want to grab their limited seasonal special, Cranberry Ginger soda, the perfect accompaniment to all your holiday menus. More flavors here.

Sipping your favorite WSJ soda with friends any time of year is a win/win. We also like using it as the base flavor for festive cocktails + mocktails throughout the holiday season. Just add your favorite spirit and a few ice cubes and you’re ready to ring in the holiday in style (or leave out the spirit for a non-alcoholic treat). We recommend putting out a selection of flavors for each guest to build their own!

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STAY & PLAY

From rustic to refined, Haywood is home to a wide variety of stay options to make your holiday season cozy and memorable.

Our friends at Wildcat Ridge Farm have a beautiful Yin Yurt overlooking the Pigeon River. The family-operated team at Buffalo Creek Vacations offers everything from luxury lodges to quaint cabooses! See other stay and play options here.

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GIFT GIVING

With the holiday season in full swing, the old adage “Never show up empty-handed” comes to mind.

Hands down our top favorite hostess gift (or accouterments on our own dinner table) is anything from our friends at Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon. Drawing inspiration from their grandparents’ farm in New Jersey, Jessica DeMarco and brother, Dan Stubee, are “preserving tradition” at Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon through handcrafted and seasonally produced jams, pickles, and artisan foods.

“We work with farms that we know within our own and surrounding counties. 90% of our produce comes within 60 miles of where we live,” says Jessica DeMarco. She acknowledges the nostalgic aspect of food memory. ” We like sharing that with people and want to make food an experience rather than something that is just consumed.”

At Copper Pot & Wooden Spoon you will find seasonal favorites such as Dilly Beans (outstanding on their own…also makes a festive and flavorful stir in a Bloody Mary), Peach Shine Jam is mind-blowing on homemade biscuits, pumpkin pancakes or poppyseed waffles and the Very Merry Breakfast Collection is a ride or die favorite for us. There are so many beautifully packaged gift boxes in their Online store…something for everyone!

Our friends at Heaven’s Gate in Canton and Barber’s Orchard in Waynesville have nailed the apple flavors. From preserves to baked goods, these local artisan producers have you covered.

And yes, you can still buy local apples! One of our favorite recipes for the gourmet lover is Dorie Greenspan’s Custardy Apple Squares. Foolproof and a proven crowd-pleaser. This delicious concoction is perfect for breakfast, brunch or dessert—served warm or at room temperature with a dollop of bourbon whipped cream. Pop by Barber’s Orchard or Christopher Farms for all your local apple favs.

Barber’s Orchard bakery is legendary…apple cake, apple cider doughnuts, turnovers, cookies and pies. If you want to make a big impression, their bakers have you covered.

Check out additional gift ideas from other uniquely local makers here.

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HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

As of this publication, our friends at Haywood’s Historic Farmers Market will operate until the last session on Saturday, December 16: 9-12p.

Need the perfect holiday gift for the person who has everything? Look no further than the Pinnacle Farms 2024 bouquet subscription.

They are offering 3 different subscriptions: Spring’s Awakening in April, Abloom in June, and Summer Breeze in July. And right now, you can purchase them all together in their Subscription Bundle and get $10 off.

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CHRISTMAS TREE FARMS & HOLIDAY DECOR

Haywood is home to a number of Christmas tree farms with choose-and-cut options as well as balled-cut trees, garland, wreaths and more. In the current era of tree shortages, many farms have very limited supply available for the season. See our local tree farms and holiday decor list here. We suggest you contact each provider before venturing out in the event they have already closed for the season.

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MISSION
Buy Haywood is a grant-funded initiative designed to support Haywood County farmers, locally grown products, farmlands and the preservation of our rich agricultural heritage, since 1997.

SPONSORS
Buy Haywood is a project of the Haywood Advancement Foundation and receives vital support from Bethel Rural Community Organization.

The Haywood Advancement Foundation strives to improve the well-being of the county as a whole, by working to bring together the various public and private groups necessary to promote job creation and economic development.