By Scott Hutcheson/The Hungry Hoosier
Turkey Time … Almost, Part Deux
In a previous column we compared Thanksgiving meal preparation to getting ready for a big game. We touched on stocking up on herbs, spices, flours and grains, and procuring some great local products to make the celebration even more special. We stopped short of, however, talking much about the turkey.
I grew up, like most people, getting our Thanksgiving bird from the local supermarket. About six years ago, my family and I started purchasing our turkey directly from a turkey farmer. I can’t tell you how special a family tradition this has become.
When my sister and I were young our mother decided that we would no longer have a "real" Christmas tree. She bought one in a box. My sister and I almost boycotted Christmas that year. "Artificial trees are for artificial Christmases" we chanted. I now sort of feel the same way about the Thanksgiving turkey. If, when I say our Thanksgiving prayer, I can’t picture in my mind the faces of that farm family and give a word of thanks for their hard work and care for their animals, it just doesn’t seem like Thanksgiving.
If you are interested in making a locally-raised bird part of your Thanksgiving tradition, you have an increasing number of options. There are about a dozen places in Indiana where you can buy a farm-raised bird, and many of them are nearby. Here are some of your options.
Promised Land Farms, Thorntown
Jim and Nancy Wheland are once again taking orders for turkeys. You can even arrange to visit the farm and see the birds running around before they make the ultimate sacrifice. Jim and Nancy can be reached by phone at (765) 483-9268 or online at www.promisedlandfarm.us.
Humphrey Family Farm, Williamsport
This Warren County farm family raises all sorts of poultry. Not only can you get a heritage-breed turkey for Thanksgiving but also a Christmas goose. You can call the Humphreys to place an order. They usually make a drop off at Traders Point Creamery. Call them at (765) 762-3160.
Purple Rock Farm, Frankfort
Travis and Gina Sheets raise turkeys, chickens and beef cattle to support their work with World Mission Builders. They process their birds earlier in the season and then freeze them. They are taking orders now. You can contact them at (765) 659-5310 or at www.purplerockfarm.com.
Goose the Market, Indianapolis
Since he opened Goose the Market a few months ago, Chef Chris Eley has been selling chicken and pork from Gunthorp’s Farm in LaGrange. A few months ago. Chef Eley talked Greg Gunthorp into raising turkeys for Thanksgiving this year. Eley has 500 coming in for the holiday and they are going fast. One of the reasons is that Greg Gunthorp has become somewhat of a “rockstar” in the Midwest food scene. His pork and chicken can be found in some of Chicago’s finest restaurants like Charlie Trotter’s and Frontega Grill. His turkeys will surely be something special as well. You can order online at www.goosethemarket.com or give Chris a call at (317) 924-4944. The Goose Web site also has a great recipe and informational video on how to brine a turkey.
All of these quality providers of Indiana-grown turkeys will surely have more demand then supply, so order soon if you want to add some local flavor to your Thanksgiving celebration.
