The leaves are beginning to turn and a cool breeze sweeps across Prairie Fruits Farm, love is in the air - or should we say, in the barn! It's breeding season, and our bucks are ready to play their part in this annual Fall romance.
Meet Our Bucks
This year, we have three handsome bucks tasked with the important job of servicing our herd:
1. Santiago: Our newest addition is a yearling from Sirrocco Ridge Farm. He spent his summer in the North paddock with fellow bucklings and a couple of wethers. Their playful antics, including escapes that startled passing motorists, kept us on our toes! As they grew, so did their respect for the bottom hot wire, finally putting an end to their escape acts.
2. Gaston: This handsome Nubian resides at the South Farm with Wes and Leslie. True to his name, Gaston is the epitome of cool, calm, and collected.
3. Elvis: True to his namesake, Elvis is quite the character! This blonde charmer loves his ladies and isn't afraid to show it. When in full rut, Elvis fills the farm with his distinctive aroma - a scent that can be detected from miles away! His blonde coat takes on a striking orangey-yellow hue as he lavishes himself with his own unique cologne.
The Ladies' Turn
Now that our boys are primed and ready, it's time to prepare the ladies. Today's farm check revealed some telltale signs that breeding season is upon us:
- Some does, usually aloof with humans, were eagerly seeking head rubs at the fence.
- Their eyes held that unmistakable "look of love," a far cry from their typical nonchalance.
- A wet tail – another clear indicator that they are coming into heat.
-A longing cry- the ladies will start getting vocal looking for their mate
The cooler temperatures this week are nature's alarm clock, triggering heat cycles in our does. We have divided the does into groups to be paired up with their assigned buck this week.
What to Expect on Your Visit
If you're planning a visit to the farm in the coming month, don't be surprised by:
- Longing cries echoing across the pastures
- Doe-eyed looks of love from our usually composed ladies
- Colorful markings on the goats' backs – signs of successful "dates"
Our boys have been busy, ensuring the cycle of life continues at Prairie Fruits Farm!
So, next time you sample our delicious cheeses or cuddle a kid in spring, remember – it all starts with this fall romance, orchestrated by our bucks and their lovely does.
Caprae: Foraging, Hosting, and Celebrating
While our bucks are preparing for their Fall romance, the Caprae team has been busy with their own exciting endeavors. Here's what's been happening at our farm-to-table restaurant:
A Week of Preparation and Rest
The Caprae team took a well-deserved breather this week, recharging their creative batteries and gearing up for an exciting month ahead. But don't be fooled by the word "rest" - there's been plenty of behind-the-scenes action!
Looking Ahead
Indigenous Celebration Dinner (October 9-10th & 16-17th): Join us for a unique culinary journey celebrating the traditions and flavors of Indigenous cuisine. Our chefs have crafted a menu that pays homage to native ingredients and cooking techniques, offering a true farm-to-table experience.
Menu:
Welcome Cocktail:Â Pine Needle Maple Spritz
First Course:Â Charcoal Oyster Toasted Coneflower Seed, Wild Garlic, Cattail Crisp
Second Course:Â Smoked Rabbit Bloody Butcher Corn Pone, Confit Sun Golds, Ramp Puree
Third Course:Â 3 Sisters Blue Hopi Corn Mush, Pickled Beans, Popcorn, Roasted Squash, Juniper Ash
Fourth Course:Â Venison Squash, Maple, Tobacco, Watercress
Dessert:Â Paw Paw Ice Cream Pine Cone Syrup, Chestnuts and Black Walnut & Acorn Crumble
This menu is a celebration of native ingredients, showcasing the diversity and richness of Indigenous culinary traditions. Tickets can be purchased here
Common Ground Food Co-op's 50th Celebration (Friday): We're thrilled to be the venue for this milestone event. Join us in toasting to 50 years of community-supported, sustainable food! More information HERE
Beetlejuice Farm to Table Dinner (October 23-24th & 30-31st): It's showtime! Get ready for a spooktacular dining experience that's strange and unusual. Our chefs are conjuring up a menu that would make Beetlejuice himself say, "It's showtime!" Don't miss this ghostly gourmet adventure - it's guaranteed to be the most fun you'll have this side of the afterlife! Tickets HERE
Farm to Table Dinners: A Culinary Journey
We're thrilled to invite you to our Farm to Table Dinners, a gastronomic adventure crafted by our talented Chefs Garron Sanchez and Cody Butler. These pre-fixe multi-course meals showcase the best of locally grown foods and, of course, our artisanal cheeses.
What's Included:
Multi-course meal featuring local ingredients
Non-alcoholic beverages
Meet the Chef and local producers
Beverage Add-on Option:
Enhance your dining experience with our beverage add-on, which includes:
A welcome cocktail
Two pours of paired wines with dinner
For more details on these events and to secure your spot, visit https://www.exploretock.com/prairie-fruits-farm. Remember, these special dinners tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait to make your reservations!
As always, Caprae continues to be a place where the farm's bounty meets culinary creativity. Whether you're joining us for a themed dinner or a regular dining experience, you're in for a treat that truly captures the essence of Prairie Fruits Farm - with maybe just a touch of the otherworldly this Halloween season!
From the Creamery
Visit us this weekend to experience these artisanal cheeses and discover your new favorite. Each cheese reflects our commitment to quality, seasonality, and the rich flavors of our farm. Don't miss your chance to savor these delectable cheeses - they'll be available at Caprae and at our farmers market stands this weekend.
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Award-Winning Cheeses
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.
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.
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
Blushing Goat
Our beautiful wash-rind cheese, bathed in semi-dry crisp apple cider from Brick River Brewery. Its peachy golden hue evokes Fall sunsets, while its flavor is mild and slightly yeasty.
Seasonal Chevre Flavor
This weekend, don't miss our fig with Fall spices chevre - a taste of late fall in every bite!
Bloomy Rind Selection
- Angel Food: Mixed milk petite brie
- Archangel: All-goat milk mini-brie style cheese
- Black Goat: Ash-ripened, all-goat milk bloomy (Limited availability - get it while you can!)
- Fleur de Prairie: All-goat bloomy covered with dried flowers and herbs(Limited availability)
- Little Bloom on the Prairie: Mixed milk camembert-style bloomy
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
Speaking of markets, we're thrilled to announce our presence at multiple farmers' markets this season. You can find us at both Urbana's Market at the Square and the Downtown Bloomington Market this weekend.
- Urbana's Market at the Square: Open from 7 AM to 12 noon. Look for us at the south end of the market, in line with aisle two. We've expanded our footprint this year, which means more delicious offerings for you!
- Downtown Bloomington Market: Running from 7:30 AM to 12 noon. Find us next to Martinelli's Market. We have a delightful selection of cheese and farm merchandise available. We also bring our farm produce to this market! GOAT MILK SOAPS HANDCRAFTED BY THE WRIGHT SOAPERY!! Made with our farm's goat milk and garden herbs are available at the farm stand and the Bloomington market.
For our Champaign friends, our cheeses are also available at the Central Illinois Bakehouse (CIB) booth at the downtown Champaign (Tuesday).
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.
Cheese & Bread Farm Shares
We're excited to highlight our weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share program, offering you a unique culinary adventure with the flexibility to create delicious meals at home. Each week, you'll receive a carefully curated selection of our artisanal cheeses, freshly baked bread, and house-made accompaniments.
This week's share is a pasta lover's dream, providing all the essentials for a delicious breakfast!
- Plain Chevre
- CIB 3 pack Croissants
- Hawaii Fruit Paste by Maui Fruit Jewels
While these delightful ingredients will be available for purchase at both the Urbana and Bloomington farmers' markets, 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 Open Hours & Events
We're excited to announce our updated fall hours and events! Whether you're looking for a relaxing stroll, a unique dining experience, or some quality time with our goats, we have something for everyone.
Weekly Schedule:
- Mondays: Closed (We're recharging for the week ahead!)
- Tuesdays (5-8 PM): Happy Hour & Taco Tuesday
  - Sip & Stretch Yoga (Pilates) and Goat Hikes available
  - Bar open with small bites and family-friendly taco menu
- Wednesdays & Thursdays: Farm to Table dinners (reservation required)
- Fridays (11 AM - 9 PM): Open to public, no reservations needed
  - Visit our restaurant "Caprae" for local, seasonal fare
- Saturdays (11 AM - 9 PM): Regular Caprae menu
  - Guided Goat Hike at 11 AM
- Sundays (9 AM - 4 PM): Brunch menu (9 AM - 2 PM), small bites (2-4 PM)
Special Activities:
- Goat Hikes: Tuesdays at 5 PM (includes a beverage) or Saturdays at 11 AM (includes cheese sampling)
- Sip & Stretch Yoga-Pilates: Join certified instructor Lisa Staples for a light-hearted workout
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 in embracing this beautiful season of change, where every day brings new colors, flavors, and experiences to our little corner of the prairie. Whether you visit us at the farm or at one of the markets, we're excited to share the bounty of our harvest with you!