LANSING – Residents can give Santa Claus a taste of Michigan this Christmas thanks to a video shared by the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development.
The video, which features Chef Denene Vincent of Le Chat Gourmet, is a step-by-step guide that shows parents and kids how to make delicious sugar cookies for Santa Claus using products grown or produced in Michigan.
“I love Michigan, and I’m very proud of my agricultural roots growing up on a farm,” said Chef Vincent. “Good food begins with quality, seasonal, locally grown ingredients.”
Vincent, who has run the cooking school in Eaton Rapids since 2003, said she has a firm policy to shop local and incorporate Michigan grown and produced ingredients into her recipes.
In addition to using Michigan ingredients, herbs, edible flowers, fruits and vegetables used in ingredients are harvested directly from Vincent’s gardens during the summer months
Michigan ingredients in the Michigan sugar cookie recipe include flour from King Mulling in Lowell, butter from Calder Dairy in Carleton, Pioneer Sugar from Bay City, vanilla extract and sanding sugar from Lorann Oils in Lansing and Michigan eggs.
Michigan’s food and agriculture sector contributes $104.7 billion to Michigan’s economy annually and leads the nation in production of 11 different commodities. It is also one of the most agriculturally diverse states in the country, according to the MDARD
“No matter what you’re cooking up for the holidays, you’re almost guaranteed to find ingredients that were either grown or processed right here in Michigan,” said MDARD Director Gary McDowell. “What we wanted to do with this video is show a fun way to use Michigan products this holiday season.”
“When you buy Michigan products, not only are you supporting local jobs and our state’s economy, you’re also getting a better product. Let’s be honest, if you’re looking for the best quality and flavor in your foods, the best choice is clearly Michigan.”
Full recipe and instructions can be found here.