Ballerina Farm Christmas Cookout with Sarah Glover
The holiday season is a time for gathering, feasting, and making memories, and few events embody this spirit as perfectly as the Ballerina Farm Christmas Cookout with renowned chef and outdoor cooking enthusiast Sarah Glover. Nestled in the serene backdrop of Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Ballerina Farm provided the ideal setting for a festive celebration of food, community, and the joy of the season.
A Picturesque Setting
Ballerina Farm, owned by former Miss New York City Hannah Neeleman and her family, is known for its commitment to sustainable agriculture and its picturesque charm. The farm’s snow-dusted fields, rustic barns, and warm, welcoming atmosphere created the perfect environment for a holiday cookout. Guests were greeted with the aroma of crackling fires, freshly baked bread, and seasonal spices, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The Star of the Show: Sarah Glover
Sarah Glover, an Australian chef celebrated for her expertise in outdoor cooking, brought her unique flair to the event. Known for her philosophy of embracing nature and cooking with fire, Sarah showcased her skills by preparing a menu that blended rustic simplicity with gourmet elegance. Her presence added a touch of international flavor to the otherwise quintessentially American holiday setting.
A Feast to Remember
The Christmas Cookout featured a menu that celebrated the season’s bounty and highlighted the best of farm-to-table cooking. Guests enjoyed a variety of dishes, all prepared over open flames or in cast iron cookware, which added depth and smokiness to the flavors. The meal included:
- Slow-Roasted Beef Ribs: Locally sourced from Ballerina Farm’s own cattle, these were seasoned with Sarah’s signature blend of spices and cooked to perfection over a wood fire.
- Herbed Flatbreads: Baked in an outdoor oven, these were topped with fresh rosemary and sea salt, served warm alongside creamy dips.
- Charred Winter Vegetables: Seasonal produce such as carrots, parsnips, and Brussels sprouts were roasted until caramelized, bringing out their natural sweetness.
- Decadent Desserts: The meal concluded with gooey s’mores crafted with homemade marshmallows and spiced hot cocoa, a crowd favorite on the chilly winter evening.
A Celebration of Community
More than just a meal, the cookout was a celebration of connection. Attendees included local families, visitors from neighboring states, and fans of both Ballerina Farm and Sarah Glover’s culinary work. Conversations flowed easily as people gathered around communal tables and shared stories of holiday traditions, farming, and cooking.
Children were entertained with hayrides, marshmallow roasting, and visits to the farm’s friendly animals, while adults sipped mulled wine and cider, soaking in the festive atmosphere.
Lessons in Outdoor Cooking
In addition to the meal, Sarah Glover led a live cooking demonstration, teaching guests tips and tricks for mastering the art of open-fire cooking. From building the perfect fire to seasoning cast iron skillets, her session inspired attendees to bring a taste of the outdoors to their own holiday celebrations.
A Memorable Holiday Tradition
The Ballerina Farm Christmas Cookout with Sarah Glover was more than an event; it was a heartfelt celebration of the holiday season, where food, community, and nature came together in perfect harmony. For those lucky enough to attend, it was an experience that captured the true essence of Christmas—warmth, generosity, and the simple joys of sharing a meal with loved ones.