Maple Country Meats features fresh-from-the-farm meats and other products to create the perfect cookout

By Patricia Nugent

Wondering what to make this summer to elevate your eats and impress the guests? Fred Ahrens, vice president of Maple Country Meats, has some suggestions.

This emporium of local, farm-raised meats (beef, pork, lamb, goat, chicken, ground beef, hot dogs, sausage), seafood and groceries stocks everything you need for rock star summer gatherings.

“Our selection of homemade sauces and seasonings lends a punch of flavor to any dish,” says Fred. “People rave about how much better bacon-wrapped water chestnuts taste when made with our dark or very dark maple syrup. See the recipe on our website. Baby back ribs taste extra tantalizing smothered either in Bootlegger BBQ or Chunky Onion Garlic BBQ sauces. We’re also just starting to get beautiful sweet corn in from the farms.”

As a sweet endcap to any cookout, maple apple Dutch baby, made with Richards Pure Maple Syrup, comes together in a cast iron skillet for an authentic presentation.

“We saw a need to bring locally sourced meats and groceries to the community and are thrilled to have filled it,” says Fred. “Everything we carry is high-quality and hand-picked.”

Maple Country Meats is located in a warehouse at 7955 Euclid Chardon Road in Kirtland. Don’t miss the Summer Farmers’ Markets every Thursday, rain or shine, from 2-7 p.m. Its sister company, Richards Maple Products, is located at 545 Water Street, in Chardon. Call 234-400-6328 (MEAT) or visit MapleCountryMeats.com for more information.