Hosting a Thanksgiving meal in the barn takes extra effort, but there’s no better place for our farm community to gather and enjoy incredible food.
This year, we celebrated early, taking advantage of warm November days to host our Feast of St. Martin of Tours on November 11. In keeping with this Middle Ages tradition, we roasted turkey and chicken, mashed potatoes, and prepared apple walnut stuffing for 30–40 friends and farm family.
St. Martin’s Day was historically a harvest celebration featuring fowl, new wine, and special pastries. We recreated the spirit with five long tables decorated in dried farm foliage and a separate table overflowing with pies, sourdough bread, turkey, pork loin, salads, and sides.
Farmer Reuben opened the gathering with hymns of thanksgiving and reflections on living gratefully, reminding us that true thankfulness inspires charity—a lesson we’re passing on to our children.
We’re also passing it on to YOU.
As farmers, we live gratitude daily, but gathering to celebrate makes it real. It reminds us why we do this work and how much we value your friendship and support.
This month, that support has been especially meaningful as we opened Willow Haven Farm General Store. Your first visits, patience, and word-of-mouth have been incredible.
This is just the beginning. Our vision is to create a sustainable, trusted community hub for your family and future generations.
How You Can Help
- Recommend artisans and craftspeople: We’re seeking Pennsylvania-made items, especially from natural materials. Farmer Reuben has a soft spot for beautiful pottery!
- Spread the word: Let your friends and neighbors know about our store. We’ll handle educating them on the importance of organic food for their health and future.
- Help us find a barista: We need a motivated, outgoing individual to join Farmer Reuben and Chef Dylan in crafting high-quality, organic coffee.
👉 Watch for Free Farmer Talk Topics—great events to invite your friends to each week.
We’re so thankful to have you on this journey with us!
If you’re still planning your Thanksgiving menu let us help with some recipes to highlight your nutritious organic food! Here’s a roundup of recent meal suggestions plus a few new ideas for your holiday weekend meals.
MEAL SUGGESTIONS FOR LOCAL ORGANIC FOOD THIS WEEK:
Need some help with your Thanksgiving bird? Use this guide to make a Delicious Roast Chicken (Or Turkey, Cornish Hens, etc.).
Have you tried our ham slices? They’re getting rave reviews! Make sure to read Tessa’s email all about ham dated November 8th. It’s filled with recipe ideas, tips, and info to help you stay sane this holiday season.
Want something different? This list of 20 Thanksgiving Mains That Aren’t Turkey has ideas for beef, pork, chicken, seafood, lasagna pie (why not?), and even mouth-watering meatless main dishes. (We’re looking at you, Mushroom Wellington with Creamy Carrot Sauce!)
If you’re in charge of the side dishes this year, put those market box veggies to work.
- Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan Oat Topping looks delicious and you don’t even have to hide the heart-healthy nuts and oats.
- Cabbage gets dressed up for the holiday in Thanksgiving Slaw.
- Try this Butternut Squash Casserole if you like something more savory. Cheese, bacon, caramelized onion, kale, and crunchy almonds combine for a colorful side dish filled with great textures.
- Roasted Beets and Sauteed Beet Greens are a two-for-one vegetable side and a nutritional powerhouse. Dress it up with a sprinkle of feta cheese, pepitas, or both!
- You’ll find ideas for kale, carrots, squash, potatoes, stuffing, salads, and more in this Complete Guide to Thanksgiving Side Dishes.
After last week’s video, you may be conscious of adding more greens to your plate. Greens can be festive, too, so consider inviting them to your holiday table!
- Miso Creamed Kale makes a unique and elegant side dish. This can also be served over pasta as a meatless main. (Check out the recipe notes for tips and add-in suggestions.)
- Crispy Mushroom Kale Salad with Parmesan Garlic Dressing can be served with or without the mushrooms. (But they do look seriously delicious.)
- Green soup is a perfect healthy starter for your holiday dinner party and the recipe is highly adaptable – just use what you have on hand. Garnish with a drizzle of fruity olive oil and sourdough croutons. Leftovers would be great for a light post-holiday lunch.
- Savory Swiss Chard offers comforting flavors and a beautiful presentation.
- This simple Arugula Salad with Olive Oil, Lemon, and Parmesan Cheese is ready in just ten minutes. Tip: Add some pomegranate arils for a festive pop of color and flavor!
- Roasted Spaghetti Squash with Sauteed Kale is a delicious side for your holiday dinner. It’s also a perfect option for after the holiday when you’re ready for something a bit lighter.
Market box items make great holiday desserts!
- Sneak some veggies into the dessert menu with a delicious Gingered Butternut Squash Pie or Brown Butter Carrot Cake.
- No one will guess these moist and fudgy Dark Chocolate Beet Brownies have a half-pound of veggies hiding in the recipe. They’re easy to make and ready in about 45 minutes.
- Apple pie is a holiday classic. An Easy Apple Pie Recipe that takes just one hour sounds perfect. (Bonus flaky pie crust recipe inside!)
Tip: Most varieties of your market box apples are suitable for baking pies so don’t be afraid to substitute – check the descriptions in previous posts.
- Browse through 20 delicious pie recipes including sweet potato, pear, pecan, cream pies, and more in The Ultimate Thanksgiving Pie Guide. You’ll also find helpful info on crusts, baking ahead, and the best pie tips & tricks.
- Not into pie? Here are 23 Thanksgiving Desserts That Aren’t Pie from chocolate chip cookies to Toasted White Sesame and Bittersweet Chocolate Tart. Yum!
Farm News and Events
Visit our brand new Willow Haven Farm General Store at 8150 Hamilton Blvd, Breinigsville, PA 18031.
We have a wide selection of items to help with your last-minute Thanksgiving needs: vegetables, cooking and baking supplies, sourdough bread, pastries, hostess gifts, flowers, and more.
PLUS join us on Black Friday and Small Business Saturday to kick off your holiday shopping! Visit us this week at the hours listed below.
We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and organic farm food on your table that supports that goal.
We’ll keep farming for you!
Reuben and Tessa DeMaster
Willow Haven Farm
