When it comes to holiday meals, the main course sets the tone. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, hosting something cozy, or looking for a shortcut that still feels special, there are plenty of delicious ways to build a memorable holiday table at the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.
For many families, traditional mains are at the heart of holiday gatherings.
• Roast chicken or turkey-style chicken offers a versatile, crowd-pleasing option that pairs beautifully with seasonal sides.
• Ham is easy to prepare, great for leftovers, and perfect for feeding a group.
• Roasts (beef or pork) bring warmth and tradition to the table and are ideal for slower, celebratory meals.
Looking to change things up or add a little flair?
• Steak or veal can be a wonderful alternative for smaller gatherings or special occasions, offering rich flavor without hours of prep.
• Pork chops, dressed up with herbs, apples, or a simple glaze, feel both festive and familiar.
Holiday tables often reflect family heritage and cherished traditions.
• Pierogies are a beloved staple in many homes; they are hearty and can hold a variety of fillings.
More families are incorporating meatless mains into their celebrations.
• Vegetarian-based dishes using seasonal vegetables, beans, lentils, grains, and cheeses can be just as satisfying and festive. Consider stuffed squash, hearty casseroles.
The holidays are busy and it’s okay to simplify.
• Ready-made mains from trusted local producers can save time while still delivering flavor and quality. Pair them with homemade sides or market-fresh ingredients for a balanced, stress-free meal.
There’s no single “right” main course. Whether you’re cooking from scratch, mixing homemade with prepared options, or trying something new this year, the goal is the same: gathering around the table and enjoying good food together.
Market News:
• Ugly Sweater December 20th – wear your ugly sweater & get entered into a drawing for a prize at the market
• Market Holiday Event December 20th: FREE stories with Santa, free hot cocoa, free movie showing, craft table with Saratoga Springs Mobile Library
• Yoga Saturdays at the Market with Himanee & Yoga Mandali located in the movie theater foyer at 10 am
• Comfort Food Community is on site with CDPHP Market coupons
• Holiday Guest Vendors on site 12/20
• Sponsor a snowflake to benefit the market $5
• Merch (SALE) & gift certificates – support local for your holiday gifts
Upcoming Music:
• December 20: Kate Blain
• December 27: BurnsMoore Bridge
The Saratoga Farmers’ Market is open:
Saturdays | 9:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Wilton Mall, Food Court, at 3065 NY-50, Saratoga Springs. Find us online at saratogafarmersmarket.org and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @SaratogaFarmersMarket. And don’t forget to join the market’s FREE weekly newsletter.
Best Christmas Chicken Recipe
Prep & cook time: 2 hour 10 min
INGREDIENTS:
*Ingredients currently available at the farmers’ market
· 1/2 cup kosher salt
· 1 whole chicken (4 pounds)*
Cranberry Mixture:
· 2 cups fresh cranberries
· 1/3 cup light brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon orange zest
· 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Herb Butter Spread:
· 6 Tablespoons butter, room temperature
· 1 1/2 teaspoons dried thyme leaves*
· 1 teaspoon dried parsley*
· 1 teaspoon dried rosemary*
· 1/4 teaspoon rubbed sage*
· 1 teaspoon orange zest
Vegetables:
· 1 1/2 pounds baby potatoes*
· 2 medium yellow onions, cut into wedges*
· 2 large carrots, cut in half sticks*
· 1 garlic bulb, cloves separated and skins removed*
· 1 orange, cut into 8 pieces
· 1/2 lemon, quartered
· 1/2 cup chicken broth
INSTRUCTIONS:
Truss the chicken using kitchen twine.
In a large bowl, dissolve 1/2 cup of kosher salt in 8 cups of lukewarm water. Cover the bowl and transfer the brine to the refrigerator. Let it rest in the refrigerator until it has fully cooled.
Once the brine is completely cooled, add the chicken to the bowl of brine, cover the bowl, and place it back in the refrigerator. Let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes – brining the chicken will make for a juicy chicken!
In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients for the cranberry mixture. Set aside to allow the cranberries to macerate.
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together all of the ingredients for the butter spread. Set aside.
To the center of a roasting pan, add the baby potatoes, onions, carrots, garlic cloves, 6 pieces of orange, and 3 pieces of lemon to make a bed for the chicken. Pour the chicken broth over the bed of vegetables.
Preheat the oven to 425 F.
After the chicken is finished brining, lift the chicken from the brine and drain off any excess liquid. Dry it thoroughly using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Once the chicken is dry, gently lift the skin from the chicken using your fingers to loosen the skin, creating a space for some of the butter and herb mixture to go.
Flip the chicken over so that it’s back side up, and rub it with some of the butter mixture. Flip the chicken back over and place it onto the vegetable bed, breast side up. Rub some of the butter spread under the chicken skin (doing your best to evenly distribute it and get it into as many nooks and crannies under the skin as possible). Use the remaining herb butter spread to cover the skin on the top and sides of the chicken. Stuff the chicken cavity with the reserved orange and lemon pieces.
Spoon the cranberry mixture, including the juice, around the vegetable bed, then bake uncovered for 15 minutes at 425 F. After 15 minutes, turn the heat down to 350 F and bake for 20 minutes per pound, or until an instant read thermometer reads an internal temperature of 165 F when inserted into the inner thigh area near the breast (but without touching the bone).
Recipe and recipe photo by Key to my Lime