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By Heide Kennedy, Arizona Farm Bureau Communications Intern

Besides gatherings with friends and family, or buying, wrapping, and opening gifts, the holiday season is also very well known for all of the delicious foods that come along with it! From the appetizers to desserts to the actual meal itself, many of the foods that are commonly served during the holidays are actually produced right here in Arizona! Below are some examples of holiday foods whose main ingredient is something that is grown here locally!

There is no better way to kick off a holiday party than with a big spread of various appetizers all made from locally produced ingredients. For example, you can never go wrong with a charcuterie board loaded with fresh cheeses, meats, olives, nuts, and fruits. Likewise, a vegetable tray full of an assortment of fresh Arizona veggies is always a good option. Or, for something a little more unique, try some Stuffed Bacon Wrapped Dates with some dates from Yuma, Arizona.

After everyone has socialized for a little while and enjoyed some appetizers, it’s the perfect time to settle at the table for the meal of the evening. This is where Arizona agriculture can really shine! Arizona produces all sorts of protein options that can “star” in the main dish. Whether it be a beef roast, a ham, a turkey, or a rack of lamb, the options are endless. When it comes to sides, Arizona grows lots of vegetables that you can use in any of your recipes. The Fill Your Plate recipes page has LOTS of side dish ideas that all use Arizona-grown products! Check them out here.

And now for the best part, dessert! Thanks to Arizona’s dairy and egg producers, local agriculture products can be incorporated into pretty much any kind of dessert, whether it be cakes, cookies, trifles, cobblers, or brownies. An extra special dessert you can make whose main ingredient is dairy, try out this Eggnog Brownie Chunk Ice Cream from Arizona Milk Producers!

Whatever your menu for the night is, make sure to use products grown locally! Not only will they be fresh and delicious, but you’ll be supporting the farmers and ranchers who work hard to keep us clothed and fed!

For more holiday articles, check out the Fill Your Plate blog!