When he was a kid, Ray Crawley would get fruit in his Christmas stocking. It was the kind of fruit his family didn’t have every day back then– things like pomegranates and tangerines and dates.
You can get those special treats as well as home-grown produce and holiday gifts at Goodman’s Farm Market, 2227 Cayuga Dr. Ext., Niagara Falls.
Crawley, store manager at Goodman’s, said they carry both Medjool and pitted dates, as well as natural sun-dried figs.
Here are more food ideas for your holiday celebrations:
- Goodman’s carries Gardner pies and bakes them fresh for you. If you want one for Thanksgiving, it’s best to order them ahead of time by calling 731-3231. On the day before Thanksgiving, please pick up your order by 3 p.m. (Goodman’s is closed on Thanksgiving Day.)
- An alternative to candy is a date-coconut roll. About the size of your thumb, it’s a date rolled in coconut and almond.
- Home-grown produce is a must for any holiday dinner. Despite our recent cold weather, farmers are still harvesting cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts. Those plants can take a frost, Crawley said, though the farmers have to wait for the plant to thaw a bit before harvesting. He predicts that we can probably get locally grown cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts for two to three more weeks.
- If you’re trying to fit more vegetables into your diet or want to accommodate guests who are vegetarian, look to root vegetables, such as rutabagas, parsnips and turnips. Goodman’s gets these from nearby Ontario. Rutabagas are simple to cook, Crawley said. Peel the rutabagas as you would a potato. Slice them into pieces about the size of your finger and place them in a glass or Pyrex pan with some olive oil. (You can mix in turnips and parsnips as well.) Bake them at 425 or 450 degrees Fahrenheit for an hour. Poke them with a fork to test if they’re done. Crawley likes them plain, but you can also season them with salt, pepper or seasoned salt.
- Local apples are great for making pies, making apple sauce and eating fresh. Cherry Bank Farm is still pressing apple cider, so that should be available until the first of the year, Crawley said.
- Fruit baskets are great as gifts. Goodman’s can deliver to some areas; call 731-3231 for details.
While you’re at Goodman’s for the food, you can also get Christmas trees, garlands, wreaths, poinsettias and other holiday items.
They do have good fruit there. Baked goods are tasty too.