Local Meat Processor Prepares for Holiday Traditions
As the holiday season approaches, Eickman’s Processing in Seward, Illinois, is hard at work ensuring families have their favorite festive meats ready for the table.
From Thanksgiving turkeys to Christmas hams and New Year’s Eve prime rib, owner Tom Eickman takes pride in delivering high-quality products that are part of cherished family traditions.
A Holiday Staple
Eickman’s Processing is renowned for its bone-in Christmas hams, with around 1,500 prepared each year. “They expect the Eickman ham sitting there in the middle of the table,” Eickman shared with the RFD Radio Network.
The process to create these hams is meticulous, taking about 30 days to flavor, smoke, and package using traditional methods. “I still very much love Grandpa’s old-fashioned method of artery pumping,” he explained, ensuring the hams deliver a signature flavor.
The business also accommodates New Year’s celebrations, preparing 200 to 300 prime rib orders annually. Customers can request cuts ranging from an 18-pound boneless roast to smaller three-pound portions, tailored to family needs.
Thanksgiving Favorites
For Thanksgiving, Eickman’s Processing goes above and beyond by preparing 30 to 40 ready-to-eat turkeys. These are smoked overnight and delivered hot and fresh on Thanksgiving morning, allowing families to enjoy a stress-free and delicious meal.
Eickman emphasized the importance of tradition: “When you’ve done a family tradition for 20, 30, or 40 years and someone bucks the trend one year, sometimes it works out OK. But a lot of times you miss those memories that you’ve made through the years.”
Flexibility in Family Traditions
While turkey and ham are staples, Eickman noted that customers increasingly explore other cuts like pork chops, sirloin roasts, and tenderloins. “It’s all about the focus on the family and getting together,” he said.
Make your holiday meals unforgettable with insights into preparing festive meats like prime rib, hams, and turkey. Visit our homepage for tips and ideas.
