Dec 2, 2015 By Walnut Bread irish Potato Candy squash Bisque 3 min read

“It’s the thought that counts” is a sentiment that is used during the time of gift giving. Sometimes it is used loosely, while others with earnest. But when you give a gift that you have thought about, it makes a difference.

Of course the most personal and thoughtful gifts usually involve food. It may be something that you grew, canned or baked yourself. My sister, Jane, would make buttermilk walnut bread and give it as gifts and relatives looked forward to it every year.

A jar of jam, honey, or pickled local vegetable that reminds a loved one who moved away of home is extra special. A food subscription or a gift card for a local restaurant that is special to you, and maybe the person you are giving it to, really hits the spot.

You would be hard pressed to find local produce, as the only items left are potatoes, cabbage and winter squash. So if you are ambitious, you can make potato candy, sauerkraut (not enough time) and squash bisque. But, if you planned well, you canned local tomatoes and pickles. You can turn your tomatoes into sauce and give jars of your now ‘famous’ marinara. Put a ribbon around your pickles and it’s a gift that shows you thought of that person well before the Christmas season.

If you forgot to can or it wasn’t in your plans, there are artisans that are canning local product for you. Reach out to me through email if you are looking for contact information for those artisans.

No matter how you choose to give the gift of food this holiday, the important thing is that you thought locally and local sourced. Happy holidays.

Chef Joe Carei has been an award-winning chef in Fayette County nearly half of his life. The former PA Restaurateur of the Year now operates Ellie Mae’s Catering and Food Clubs. He can be reached at joe@elliemaescatering.com.

2 ¼ cup flour

½ cup sugar

½ cup brown sugar

½ tsp salt

½ tsp baking soda

Tsp baking powder

1 egg

2T. Melted Butter

Cup Jacksons farm buttermilk

2/3 cup chopped walnuts

Raisins or dried cranberrys optional

Mix all dry ingredients. In separate bowl mix egg, butter and buttermilk. Fold together until just incorporated. Fold in nuts. Pour into loaf pan or mini loaf pans. Bake for 45-50 minutes at 350 degrees.

2-3 russet potatoes peeled, cooked and mashed(about a cup)

2 Lbsconfectioners sugar

Tbsp. Jacksons Farm Milk

Dash salt

2 tsp. vanilla

Optional chopped nuts and or melted chocolate.

Mash potatoes until smooth add vanilla, milk and salt. Fold in confectioner’s sugar and knead until stiff. Form into balls and dip in chocolate or roll in nuts. Orroll out on parchment and cut into a square maybe 10×10 inch. Spread peanut butter, jam or Nutella on square and roll up. Cut pinwheels and chill. Serve out of fridge when ready.

4 cups diced winter squash

Tbsp. canola or olive oil

Medium onion diced

2 carrots diced

1 celery stalk diced

2 Tbsp. butter

3 cups vegetable or chicken stock

2 tsp dry thyme

1 tsp dry rosemary

Salt and pepper.

2 cups heavy cream

Toss squash in oil and spread on pan and place in 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes. Sweat onions, celery and carrots with butter in pot until nearly carmelized. Add chicken stock, herbs, roasted squash, salt and pepper. Simmer for 20 minutes. Puree in processor or blender. Return to pot, simmer with heavy cream. Adjust taste and jar or serve.