Freighter View Farms

Thanksgiving is a time to savor the flavors that bring warmth and joy to the heart, and nothing says harvest celebration quite like carrots freshly pulled from the garden. Here at Freighter View Farms, the carrot patch still holds firm to the earth, an untouched treasure waiting patiently for the grand feast. The image of those vibrant, feathery carrot tops swaying in the crisp November air is enough to inspire dreams of the perfect Thanksgiving meal.

The deep green foliage of the carrot tops, bathed in the golden afternoon light, whispers of what lies just below; plump, orange roots, sweetened by the cool autumn nights. There is something innately rewarding about knowing that these very carrots will soon grace our Thanksgiving table. It’s a connection to the land, a tangible link between soil and supper that makes every bite taste like a labor of love.

Imagine kneeling down in the garden, your hands wrapped in the warmth of gardening gloves, feeling the slight resistance as you pull a carrot from the soil. The earth yields, giving up a fragrant, richly orange prize. The crisp snap as the carrot breaks free from the ground is a sound that embodies the season, a gentle letting go, a yielding of nature’s gifts. Each carrot, now gathered in a rustic basket by your side, becomes more than just an ingredient, they are part of a story, a story of Freighter View Farms, a story of connection, patience, and anticipation.

These carrots, when brought into the kitchen, transform with a simplicity that elevates their natural flavor. Inspired by a recipe from French chef Raymond Blanc, this dish proves that less is often more. With just 9 ounces of freshly harvested carrots, unsalted butter, a pinch of salt, and a splash of water, the secret lies in the technique: poaching the carrots in their own essence. As they simmer vigorously, the water and butter meld into a glossy emulsion, capturing the pure, sweet flavor of the carrots. The result is a concentrated sweetness, each slice cloaked in a buttery, orange glaze.

Ingredients

Yield: 2 servings

• 9 ounces carrots, peeled, trimmed, and cut into ½-inch coins (2 to 4 medium)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• Salt

Preparation

Step 1
In a small saucepan with a lid, combine the carrots, butter, ¼ cup water, and a fat pinch of salt.

Step 2
Put the lid on the pot and place over high heat. Simmer vigorously until the carrots are tender, and the water and butter have reduced and become glossy, 5 to 8 minutes. Add a tablespoon or two of water if the pan begins to dry out. Serve warm.

The scent fills the kitchen; sweet, buttery, and unmistakably carrot. As the saucepan lid lifts, it’s as though the entire garden has been distilled into that single, aromatic moment. The carrots glisten, their bright orange color a tribute to the vibrancy of the season, their flavor—intensely “carroty”—a true taste of Freighter View Farms in its purest form. These aren’t just carrots; they are the embodiment of everything that makes this garden, and this season, so special.

Imagine serving these carrots on your Thanksgiving table. As they are spooned from the pot, still steaming, they bring with them the spirit of the garden; the warmth of the sun, the cool breath of fall mornings, and the richness of the Saginaw Bay soil. Each bite is a celebration of the hard work and care that has gone into tending the garden, a reminder that the earth’s gifts are truly worth savoring.

As we gather around the table this Thanksgiving, with family, these carrots will not just be a side dish. They will be a symbol of the beauty of a garden resting, the joy of nurturing life from seed to harvest, and the deep connection that comes from sharing that journey. Here at Freighter View Farms, we are thankful for the earth, for the bounty it provides, and for the opportunity to share that bounty with those we love. This year, as we dig into these buttery, tender carrots, we’ll remember the rustling of their green tops in the November breeze, the joy of pulling them fresh from the soil, and the warmth of gathering together to enjoy the fruits of our labor.