Did you know you could source all ingredients for your #Thanksgiving dinner here in the #MittenOfPlenty?

1. 15 things to
that make your
THANKSGIVING
Holiday Dinner
Pure Michigan!
Dianna Stampfler

2. PromoteMichigan.com
Michigan is often referred to as the “Mitten of Plenty” –
and there is no time better than Thanksgiving to dig into
the rich world of Michigan produce!
Did you know that when it comes to agriculture, Michigan
is second only to California in terms of overall diversity? We
produce more than 200 commodities here in the Great
Lakes State – generating more than $102 billion for the
state’s economy (and making it our #2 industry).
Michigan.gov/MDA
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

3. PromoteMichigan.com
Get things started with some dishes of
freshly roasted nuts from Koeze in
Grand Rapids or Kar’s in Detroit. For
appetizer platters, look to Schuler’s Bar
Scheeze, Pinconning, Zingerman’s or the
award-winning raclette from Leelanau
Cheese Co., along with summer sausage
and meats from Kowalski or Koegel’s
and crackers from Keebler. Pickles from
McClure’s, Mandigo, Heintz and Vlasic
also support the made-in-Michigan
theme.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

4. PromoteMichigan.com
The star of the Thanksgiving feast is the
turkey! Approximately 4.6 million Tom
turkeys are raised on more than 43 family-
owned farms each year in Michigan!
Michigan Turkey Producers
Did you know the Butterball company was
founded in Grand Rapids in the 1950s by Leo
Peters (although operations no longer exist
there).
Have you ever been to Cornwell’s Turkeyville
USA in Marshall? (Photo credit).
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

5. PromoteMichigan.com
If you prefer ham for Thanksgiving, you
might be interested to know that
Michigan’s hog production totaled 556
million pounds back in 2007, ranking us
#14 in the nation.
Did you know that Honeybaked Ham was
founded in Detroit in 1957? Three
generations and more than 400 stores
later, this traditional ham has become a
key part of holiday celebrations around
the country.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

6. PromoteMichigan.com
Now, time for the sides…
Michigan ranks #7 nationally
in potato production,
contributing $164 million
each year to the state’s
economy. Collectively, the 90
growers harvest 1.4 billion
pounds of round whites and
russets, from 43,000 acres.
www.mipotato.com
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

7. PromoteMichigan.com
The main ingredient in stuffing (or dressing, depending which
term you prefer) can be sourced from your local bakery.
Celery was first grown in the United States when Scotsman
George Taylor first planted seeds in Portage (known today as
“Celery City”) back in 1856.
In 2011, Michigan farmers grew 99.7 million pounds of onions.
And, if chestnuts are part of your recipe, you’ll be happy to
know that there are nearly 40 growers in Michigan – more than
any other state.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

8. PromoteMichigan.com
Baked beans are another standard side
dish on Thanksgiving.
Michigan is known throughout the world
as a top producer of dry edible beans –
with more than 2500 bean growers that
contribute over $120 million to our
economy.
www.michiganbean.org
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

9. PromoteMichigan.com
Squash as a side dish…
One of my favorite dishes –
because not only does it taste
good (roasted with butter and
brown sugar) but it makes the
house smell wonderful!
In 2011, Michigan produced 122
million pounds of squash for fresh
or processed use, totaling $25.5
million.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

10. PromoteMichigan.com
Deviled eggs…a must-have side…
Michigan ranks #9 in egg production.
There are more than 3.5 million egg-
laying hens on farms in Allegan
County alone. Ottawa County, on
average, produces three million
dozen eggs per year.
15 ways to CELEBRATE National Picnic Month in Pure Michigan

11. PromoteMichigan.com
Forego the canned cranberries this year and opt instead
for fresh fruit! Michigan ranks #6 nationally, with almost
250 acres of cranberries generating about 40,000 barrels.
The largest operating farms can be found in Cheboygan
County, along the Lake Huron shoreline, as well as in five
counties along the southern Lake Michigan coastline.
www.michigancranberry.us
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

12. PromoteMichigan.com
The culmination of the traditional
dinner comes when the pumpkin pie
is served. Michigan is ranked second
in the country for the number of
acres planted for pumpkins.
In 2010, Michigan growers
dedicated 7,400 acres to pumpkins
(for processing and for ornamental
Jack-o-lanterns) with 92.5 million
pounds harvested.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

13. PromoteMichigan.com
Apples are Michigan’s largest and most valuable
fruit crop. Most are processed into other products,
like pie filling and fruit pies!
Crane’s Pie Pantry in Fennville, just miles from the
Saugatuck/Douglas area and the Lake Michigan
shore is one of the noted producers. Grand Traverse
Pie Company originated in Traverse City, but is now
found in more than a dozen cities around Michigan,
as well as at many Kroger stores.
www.MichiganApples.com
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

14. PromoteMichigan.com
Don’t forget the ice cream with that
pie! Michigan ranks #5 nationally in
annual ice cream production, with
vanilla the top flavor (an ideal
pairing for pumpkin pie).
Among the top producers is
Hudsonville Ice Cream – maker of
the Pure Michigan Salted Caramel
Apple and even Pumpkin Pie
flavored ice creams.
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

15. PromoteMichigan.com
Of course, locally-made wine and craft beer
makes the perfect pairing for your Thanksgiving
dinner.
Michigan ranks #13 for wine production, with
some 130+ wineries spread out throughout
both peninsulas. (www.MichiganWines.com)
When it comes to craft beer, Michigan ranks #5
with nearly 200 breweries throughout the state.
(www.MiBeer.com).
15 things that make THANKSGIVING Pure Michigan

16. PromoteMichigan.com
This Thanksgiving, see if you can
make your meal as Pure Michigan
as possible!
For more recipes, check out these
locally-produced cookbooks!
And, share some of your favorite
holiday recipes with us at
Facebook.com/PromoteMichigan2.
15 ways to CELEBRATE National Picnic Month in Pure Michigan