All Recipes Using North Iowa Local Ingredients
How our food is grown, processed, and packaged really does matter. Our food choices influence our health, the quality of our environment, jobs in our community, and the culture and diversity of our society. Read more about why it’s important to choose local food.
Page 6 of 32

Broccoli Spinach Pesto
This nut-free pesto features three spring produce items (broccoli, spinach and basil) and is packed full of flavor. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North […]
![]()
Marinated Tomatoes
No cooking in a hot kitchen here. Cold, refreshing tomatoes marinated in a basic dressing. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on […]
![]()
Biscuits & Sausage Gravy
Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your local farmer's market.

Ham, Potato, and Corn Chowder
An excellent way to use leftover holiday ham and sweet corn saved from the summer harvest. North Iowa has many pork producers, but look for the ones selling direct-to-consumer; you’ll be […]
![]()
Creamy Quinoa Soup
This comforting, Creamy Quinoa Soup is made even better with fresh, local ingredients like ground pork, seasonal vegetables, and vibrant spinach. Simmered in rich bone broth and Italian herbs, it’s […]
![]()
Dye-Free Red Velvet Cake
Showcase the versatility and beautiful color of beets with this yummy dessert. The red in this velvet cake comes entirely from the beet purée. The addition of chocolate makes this […]
![]()
Lard Pie Crust
Local lard makes the flakiest pie crust imaginable. This recipe will make 1 crust. For a double crust pie, simply double the recipe. Recipe from our friends at Mossycup Farms. […]
![]()
Comet BBQ Sauce
Crafted by Ginger’s Top Shelf in collaboration with Charles City’s FFA, this signature Comet BBQ Sauce was first served at the Farm-to-Homecoming meal featuring local honey. Sweet, smoky, and just […]
![]()
Potato Soup
A warm comfort food soup for cold fall and winter days. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find […]
![]()
Stuffins (Stuffing Muffins)
This recipe is a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen! Have an adult supervise and assist with chopping ingredients and breaking eggs. Young chefs will love whisking […]
Page 6 of 32
![]()
Cucumber Sandwiches
These crunchy, refreshing sandwiches are perfect for a summertime picnic! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby […]

Fresh Pasta
Fresh, homemade pasta made with fresh, local eggs is a gamechanger! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find […]

Corned Beef
A classic for St. Patrick's Day or anytime of the year! Serve with a Golden Potato & Cabbage Hash and a locally-brewed beer! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available […]
![]()
Perfect Ribeye Steaks
A scrumptious meal for any season. Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop by your […]
![]()
Marry Me Chicken
So good, they'll ask you to marry them! Serve over homemade pasta or eat as-is! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on […]
![]()
Cheesy Squash Dish
A yummy alternative to mac and cheese! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available seasonally right here in North Iowa! Click on select ingredients to find them nearby or stop […]
![]()
Mashed Rutabaga
Looking for more variety when it comes to mashed potatoes? This comfort food may be replicated using any root vegetable. If you're looking for a sharper flavor try a 50/50 […]
![]()
Roasted Parsnips
An easy way to use your storage vegetables in the winter. You can substitute any root vegetable here. Try it with sweet potatoes, potatoes, colored carrots, turnips, or rutabaga. Ingredients […]

Baked Pears
Did you know that pears, when stored properly, can keep for months after harvest? Enjoy this comforting dessert all through the fall and winter! Ingredients with an asterisk (*) are available […]

Corn and Nopales (Cactus) Salad
This salad comes together quickly and features many delicious summer veggies and nopales, which is a tender cactus that you can purchase in a jar, from the Hispanic section of […]