Christmas traditions center around faith, family, and of course, great food. Here are our top picks for great local food from right here in Kansas. Support your local farmers and pick up something local for your Christmas & New Year’s festivities this year!
1. Papa Baldy’s Popcorn (and popping sorghum!) 
Fresh popped corn is a favorite treat at our house throughout the year. While Grandpa used to love popcorn in a mug of cold milk, we prefer it hot and fresh with a dash of Lawry’s Seasoned Salt and a generous helping of Hot Tamales. Try some fresh Kansas corn from Schlaegel’s Popcorn or if you’re feeling adventurous Papa Baldy’s offers popping sorghum!
2. Sterling Gold Honey at Smith’s Market
We love to see the bees visiting the strawberry blossoms at Tenth Street Orchard in the spring, but we love the honey that they make even more! Sterling Gold honey is pure, raw, and delicious! Find it in the glass bottle at the ever popular Smith’s Market in Hutchinson.
3. Sarah Jane’s Green Tomato Salsa – I am always looking for a better salsa, but I think that my search may have ended. After sampling some of Sarah Jane’s Green Tomato Salsa at the Kansas State Fair, I was hooked. The salsa isn’t scorching hot, but has a great balance of serrano heat and fresh tomato taste. Get it when it’s available, because it’s only made when ingredients are garden fresh! 
4. Pedro’s Corn Chips – To go with great salsa, you need great chips. Don’t settle for a tortilla chip without any character. The best chips that we’ve found are from right here in Kansas. All the way from the southwestern corner of the state, Pedro’s Chips are grown from the finest food grade white corn and hail from the great town of Plains, Kansas. Not only home to the widest main street in the USA, but perhaps the best tortilla chip in the state!
5. Krehbiel’s Meats – Summer Sausage & Cheese
A top choice for fresh and smoked meats, Krehbiel’s in McPherson has a tremendous selection of meats ranging from the traditional (brats and summer sausage) to the exotic (ostrich anyone?) but you simply cannot go wrong with the summer sausage and cheese gift box for your holiday spread.
Do you know of some great local food or a farm-to-table dining experience that we should try? Send us your thoughts and suggestions about what should be featured in the spring.
