Sparkling Holiday Desserts & Libations

With temperatures starting to plummet in Michigan, begins the never-ending question of how will we source local ingredients throughout these fiercely cold months? What can we include in our meals that will allow us to support the local economy in the most brutal of seasons? And resoundingly, desserts appear, again and again. Opportunities abound for Michigan creameries, creating cow and goat grass-fed milk, yogurt, sour cream, ice cream, butter, and all things dairy, as chefs tout locally-sourced cheesecakes, flan, rice pudding, pies, and other decadences that rely on local dairy farmers. 

Additionally, Michigan holds a special place in holiday recipe enthusiasts’ hearts by virtue of their command of the cranberry. Our climate, soil, and water make Michigan a perfect host for this berry. The largest Michigan cranberry producer, Michigan Cranberry Company, has marshes in Cheboygan county, and produces nearly 3 million pounds of berries a year. And nothing says holiday like a cranberry drink or dessert. 

So we thought we’d share out some of our favorite recipes from Michigan chefs and foodies to make your holidays sparkle their locality just a bit brighter. Try my favorite Cranberry Apple Crisp recipe, a simple, and delicious staple for any holiday baker; not to mention it’s a beautiful addition to a festive table. We also highly recommend this Champagne Cheesecake from Reid Krebs at As You Wish Gourmet Eatery, a must-have for ringing in the new year. And Thunder Bay Winery’s Mulled Cranberry Wine has never ceased to impress the Scroogiest of guests.  

Molly Stepanski is the Local Food Coordinator for northeast Michigan. She enjoys reading with her six year old, planting and hiking in the dirt, cooking up her own recipes, drinking farmhouse cider, and eating lots of fresh, seasonal produce (and anything deep-fried, in accordance with her southern heritage). She owns and operates Presque Isle Farm with her family and is a founding member of the NE Michigan Food & Farming Network. Contact her at [email protected]