Fresh, local feasts

IN THE FOOTHILLS AND TRUCKEE-TAHOE, the possibilities abound for preparing a fresh, local feast for Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah or New Year’s. We are blessed with local farmers and ranchers, farmers markets, a growing number of artisan food makers, and stores that feature local produce and meats. Here are suggestions for finding the ingredients and preparing a fresh, local feast:

FARMERS MARKETS
Not only for summer. The Foothill Farmers’ Market in Auburn is open year-round on Saturdays at the Old Town Courthouse parking lot, on Auburn-Folsom Rd. at Lincoln Way. FoothillFarmersMarket.com

The Nevada City Farmers Market and the Nevada County Certified Growers’ Market are both open Saturdays until November 21. NCFarmersMarket.org, TheGrowersMarket.com

BRIARPATCH CO-OP
“The Patch,” the biggest organic market in the foothills, is a one-stop shop for local, organic produce as well as beef, poultry and seafood. Vegetarian and vegan items also are widely available. 290 Sierra College Dr., GV, 530-272-5333 BriarPatch.coop

NEWCASTLE PRODUCE
This store and deli features all things “PlacerGrown.” Gourmet gift boxes for the holidays. Owner Jan Thompson’s great, great grandfather farmed in Placer County, and Jan and her husband, Francis, continue the tradition with Twin Brooks Farm. 9230 Cypress St., Newcastle, 916-663-2016 NewcastleProduce.com

DEDRICK’S CHEESE
Proprietor and cheese expert Mary Dedrick offers the highest quality cheeses from throughout the world, along with salami, olives, crackers, and a variety of other specialty food items. Dedrick’s is based in Placerville, but it has other satellite locations. It also sells cheese at the local farmers markets. facebook.com/dedrickscheese

TAHOE CENTRAL MARKET
Based on Tahoe’s North Shore, it offers fresh, local, organic produce and dairy, along with a gourmet deli, daily soup menu, juice bar, exceptional selection of beer and wine and more. Their trucks go direct from local farms to the market throughout the week. 8487 N. Lake Blvd., Kings Beach, 530-546-8344 TahoeCentralMarket.com

WHEYWARD GIRL CREAMERY
The cheese shop in Nevada City offers artisan cheeses, including Cowgirl Creamery from Petaluma and imported varieties from Europe. It also sells Cello Chocolate and other local artisan foods. 209 Commercial St., Nevada City, 530-478-1665 facebook.com/wheywardgirlcreamery

DESSERTS
“A party without cake is just a meeting,” — Julia Childs
Grass Valley is home to two of the region’s best bakeries: Summer Thyme’s Bakery & Deli (SummerThymes.com) and Emily’s Catering (EmilysCateringandCakes.com), each with their own specialties. Their desserts are made in-house, using fresh ingredients.

In Nevada City, Three Forks Bakery & Brewing Co.’s pastries, cakes, pies, scones, muffins, and cookies are baked from scratch with organic flour, butter, eggs and sugar. ThreeForksNC.com