Nature's Canvas
After starting the week under dark, rain-heavy skies, today the farm basks under a brilliant blue canvas dotted with pillowy white clouds. The autumn sun offers welcome warmth against the crisp breeze, painting a quintessential fall scene. Bare branches now sketch bold lines against the sky where colorful leaves once danced, while our prairie grasses transition from supple green to striking golden brown. The goldenrods, preparing for their winter rest, scatter their seeds on the wind with promises of next summer's return.
I've found myself walking the farm more frequently this week, seeking the restorative peace that only nature provides. In a world full of uncertainty, there's profound comfort in the dependable rhythms of farm life: the seasonal breeding of our goats, the miracle of kidding season, the steady cycle of milking and cheesemaking. These reliable patterns ground us, reminding us of life's continuous, steady march forward.
Farm Happenings
🍂 New Fall & Winter Hours Starting November 1st!
Weekly Schedule
- Tuesday-Friday: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM
- Saturday: 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Sunday: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Monday: Closed
Farm Activities
- Visit our friendly goats
- Stroll our lakeside nature path
- Sample our award-winning cheeses
- Saturday Goat Hikes at 11:00 AM (weather permitting)
🍂Caprae Dining Experience
Our kitchen team has crafted a menu that celebrates the season's bounty, featuring ingredients grown right here on our farm:
Evening Dining Highlights (Wed-Sat, 4-9 PM)
- Pumpkin Tamales | duck confit, mole negro, lime crema, PFF feta, pepitas, cilantro
- Braised Short Rib | creamy chèvre polenta, crispy shallot rings, MadHouse dark malt vinegar
- Shaved Brussels Sprout Salad | puffed wild rice, PFF chèvre, dried cranberries, cider vinaigrette
-Maple Pumpkin Pot De Crème | pumpkin whip, candied pecans
NEW! Chef's Tasting Menu
Experience the best of the season through our new four-course tasting menu, available Wednesday through Saturday evenings. Make reservations through Tock or try your luck as a walk-in. Please note that all guests at the table must participate in the tasting menu experience.
Warming Fall Cocktails to Try
- Chamomile Hot Toddy (featuring James E. Pepper Bourbon)
- Fall in Manhattan (with Cow Creek Bourbon whiskey, amaro dell'Etna, and vermouth rosso)
Weekly Specials
- Taco Tuesday: Join us for a casual evening of à la carte tacos—we recommend trying all three! Don't miss the spicy choriqueso dip
- Saturday Lunch: Featuring our popular chicken sandwich and butternut squash soup
- Sunday Brunch (9 AM - 2 PM): Indulge in:
- Farm Breakfast Sandwich
- French Omelette
- Classic French Toast
- Eggs Benedict
- Hair of the Dog special: Modelito sidecar with your choice of well-shot
Good to Know
- New Fall menu launched November 6th
- Reservations available on Tock
- Indoor and outdoor seating (weather permitting)
- Casual service style—check in with the bartender upon arrival
- Bar offerings include cheese plates, gelato, and craft beverages
- Sunday kitchen closes at 2 PM, but the bar remains open until 4 PM for drinks, gelato & cheese purchases
Follow us on social media for daily specials and updates! While reservations aren't required, they're recommended as we occasionally close for private events.
From the Creamery
As we transition deeper into autumn, we invite you to experience our award-winning cheeses and discover your new favorite. Each variety reflects our unwavering commitment to quality, seasonality, and the rich flavors of our land. Take note: some seasonal favorites, including Arch Angel and Little Bloom, are nearing the end of their production cycle. Don't miss your chance to savor these delectable cheeses—available both at Caprae and at our farmers market stand this weekend.
Award-Winning Cheeses
Chevre Frais: Everything Bagel
***2024 ACS GOLD MEDAL***
Our fresh, lemony chevre, elevated with everything bagel seasoning. Also available in plain, herbs de Provence, and cracked pepper varieties.
Mixed-milk Feta in Whey Brine
***2024 ACS GOLD MEDAL***
Tangy and creamy yet crumbly, our feta is versatile perfection. Crumble it on summer salads or your favorite grilled dishes for an instant flavor boost.
Moonglo
***2023 ACS Silver Medal***
A raw goat milk "tomme" style semi-hard cheese, washed with a culture-brine of pear leaf tea and Illinois pear wine. Expect notes of fruit and nuts - perfect with hard salami or fresh peach wedges.
Pelota Roja
***2021 Good Food Award***
Our Spanish-style raw goat milk hard cheese. Sharp, nutty, and spicy - shave it, grate it, slice it, and savor its deliciousness.
Ukrainian Farmers' Cheese
***2024 ACS BRONZE MEDAL***
An all-jersey cow milk fresh cheese with a mild, slightly tangy flavor. Its texture is reminiscent of both ricotta and small-curd cottage cheese. Enjoy with fresh berries and honey or use in your favorite recipes.
Seasonal Specialties
Seasonal Chevre Flavor
This weekend we will have blueberry & sekel pear chevre.
Blushing Goat is back!
Our beautiful wash-rind cheese, bathed in semi-dry peach cider from Brick River Brewery and pet nat wine. Its peachy golden hue evokes Fall sunsets, while its flavor is mild and slightly yeasty.
Bloomy Rind Selection
- Archangel: All-goat milk mini-brie style cheese
- Angel Food: Mixed cow and goat milk mini-brie style cheese - Half wheels and petites available this weekend
Farm Fresh Delights
Goat Milk Yogurt
Available in pints and quarts. Pair it with CIB granola for a breakfast of champions!
Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
As we bid farewell to the 2024 outdoor market season at both Urbana and Bloomington, we want to express our heartfelt thanks to everyone who supported us and our fellow local vendors. It's been a wonderful season!
But don't worry—we're not going far! You can still find us throughout the winter:
Champaign-Urbana Winter Farmers Market
Every Saturday through April
Lincoln Square Mall
Hosted by The Land Connection
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Saturday, November 23rd (The Saturday before Thanksgiving)
Bloomington Center for Performing Arts
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
While you're at our stand, don't forget to check out our farm merchandise. It's a great way to take a piece of Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery home with you.
🧀 This Week's Farm Share Spotlight
We're excited to share this week's carefully curated selection of local delights:
Pelota Roja Wedge: Our Spanish-style hard cheese, inspired by Manchego and lovingly rubbed with chili paste for a subtle warmth
Farm Fresh Eggs: A dozen sunshine-yolked beauties from our friends at Joyful Wren Farms
Demi Baguette: Fresh-baked perfection from Central Illinois Bakehouse
Artisanal Dried Herb Blend: Hand-selected herbs to enhance your seasonal cooking
🍳 Featured Recipe: Spanish-Style Herb & Cheese Strata
Transform your farm share ingredients into a show-stopping brunch dish that's perfect for weekend entertaining or a cozy family breakfast.
Prep Time: 20 minutes + overnight rest Cook Time: 45 minutes Serves: 6-8
Ingredients
From Your Farm Share:
1 demi baguette, cut into 1-inch cubes
6 farm fresh eggs
4 ounces Pelota Roja, grated (reserve some for topping)
1 teaspoon dried herb blend
Additional Ingredients:
2 cups whole milk
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prep (Evening Before)
Butter a 9x13 baking dish
Sauté onion and garlic in butter until soft
Layer half the bread cubes in the dish
Sprinkle with half the cheese, herbs, and onion mixture
Repeat layers
Make Custard
Whisk eggs, milk, salt, and pepper
Pour evenly over bread layers
Cover and refrigerate overnight
Bake (Next Morning)
Preheat oven to 350°F
Uncover strata and sprinkle with reserved cheese
Bake 45-50 minutes until golden and set
Chef's Notes
The subtle heat from the Pelota Roja's chili rub adds unexpected depth
For extra richness, dot the top with butter before baking
Let rest 10 minutes before serving
Excellent served with a simple green salad for brunch or light dinner
Storage
Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
While these delightful ingredients will be available for purchase at the Urbana farmers' market, we encourage you to sign up for our CSA shares. It's the perfect way to ensure you never miss out on our weekly offerings and to support our farm directly.
Remember, our CSA shares offer you the chance to experiment with new flavor combinations each week. We can't wait to see what culinary creations you come up with!
Farm Stays:
Our cozy log home is now available for overnight stays! Immerse yourself in farm life, enjoy our artisan cheeses, and experience farm-to-table cuisine. Book your stay for a unique getaway!
During all open hours, guests can explore our marked trails, visit the goats, and enjoy meals or beverages in our pavilion or on the lawns. Our staff is always happy to chat about our farm, goats, and cheese-making process.
Please note: No outside food or pets allowed. All activities are weather-permitting.
Stay updated by following us on Facebook and Instagram, and keep an eye on your inbox for future announcements!
Join us as we embrace the changing seasons and prepare for the festive months ahead. There's always something new to discover at Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery.