Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday of November, yet despite being armed with this knowledge since childhood, we'll inevitably still find ourselves overwhelmed and scrambling at the last minute to get everything we need for the big day. But whether on the hunt for the perfect turkey, pie or centerpiece, local libations or kitchen equipment must-haves, it's good to know that we can find everything we need — much of it locally produced — at our favorite neighborhood spots.
TURKEY UP: City Feed and Supply (672 Centre St. & 66a Boylston St.) is currently taking orders for pasture-raised turkey from Misty Knoll Farms (New Haven, Vt.) and heritage heirloom turkey from Koch Farms (Tamaqua, Penn.). Prices are $4.99/lb, and $4.59/lb, respectively, and sizes include 10-14 lbs, 14-18 lbs and 18-22 lbs. Turkeys are available in limited quantities and the deadline for ordering at the Centre Street location is Friday, Nov. 11. They might be all gone before then so act fast!
(Note: The Boylston St. location will be closed on Thanksgiving day but the Centre St. store will be open 7AM-4PM.)
The new Whole Foods (413 Centre Street) in Hyde Square is also accepting orders for turkey this year—their free range turkey from Pennsylvania-based Jaindl Farms ($2.29/8-30lbs) has been the turkey of choice at the White House for more than 40 years and is available herb-rubbed and pre-brined. Also available: Jaindl Farms’ organic free range turkey ($3.99/8-30lbs) and free range heirloom bronze heritage turkey from Pennsylvania’s Koch’s Farm ($3.99/10-24lbs). Deadline for ordering in-store or online is Monday, November 21. Frozen turkeys from Jaindl Farms ($1.79/8-28lbs) are available in-store while supplies last and are not available for pre-order.
(Note: JP’s Whole Foods will be closed Thanksgiving Day.)
RESERVE YOUR PIE: This Thanksgiving marks Community Servings’ 19th annual Pie in the Sky fundraiser. When you purchase a pie through Pie in the Sky (this year’s flavors are apple, pecan, pumpkin, sweet potato and diabetic apple) your contribution goes directly to our neighbors in greatest need: homebound individuals and families struggling with life-threatening illnesses, many of whom are too sick to shop or cook for themselves. Over 150 of Greater Boston’s best chefs, bakers and caterers generously provide the pies, and participating JP bakeries include The Blue Frog Bakery, Ula Cafe, Fiore's Bakery and Bella Luna and Milky Way Lounge .
All pie orders should be placed by Saturday, Nov. 19, and pies can be picked up on Wednesday, Nov. 23 at Community Servings, Coldwell Banker on Centre or Mike's Fitness in the Brewery Complex. For more information and to order pies online, visit the Pie in the Sky website.
GADGETS & GEAR: There nothing's worse than waking up on Thanksgiving morning to realize you don't own a roasting pan, or a meat thermometer, or a potato masher! Luckily, Kitchenwitch (671 Centre St) carries all these items plus turkey basters, fat separators, timers, pie plates, pie servers, oven mitts, rolling pins, roasting bags and expanding trivets—making sure you'll have all the right equipment on hand come the big day.
HOLIDAY SPIRITS: Thanksgiving's just not a holiday without family and food—plus a few libations to keep the day going. Blanchards (741 Centre Street), JP’s go-to mega spirits store has all your holiday liquid needs covered. Local libations include Westport Rivers (Westport, Mass.) sparkling wines, plus an assortment of locally-made brews from Blue Hills Brewery (Canton, Mass.) and Cisco Brewers (Nantucket). There's also Folly Cove rum and gin (Gloucester, Mass.) and hand-crafted vodka, bourbon, gin and corn whiskey from Berkshire Mountain Distillers (Sheffield, Mass.).
MAKE IT PRETTY: The Thanksgiving table is the focal point of the holiday, and while a perfectly cooked turkey makes for the best centerpiece, a floral centerpiece is a great addition and makes for a great hostess gift if you’re a guest. New Leaf Flores (601 Centre) creates pre- and custom-made arrangements for all budgets, featuring warm autumnal colors. They'll take orders up until Tuesday, Nov. 21 for pick-up or delivery the following Wednesday and even Thursday, Thanksgiving Day. On the holiday, the store will be open until 2 p.m.
Happy Thanksgiving, JP!
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