Spring has forced its way onto the landscape, despite moody temperature swings, gusty winds and morning frosts. I have been taking our dog Blue on early morning walks of late, and we encounter grazing deer in our alfalfa field every morning. They seem to know that he is old and slow, so they stare at us and continue eating, even as we get closer. Light frost melts on my boots, and resilient plants stand tall in the wake of our path, some in bloom.
The purple martins have returned to their house on the farm, kicking out the interloping English sparrows. The herons have returned to their rookery nests in the woods of our south farm, along with a cacophony of song birds who compete for our auditory attention every morning. Leaves are emerging on trees, and it's easier to tell who made it through the winter and who didn't. Goats have their heads buried in lush spring pastures, and they turn into gorgeous spring milk for cheese making.
Farm Events and Other Happenings
This Saturday, April 29th, we will be attending The Land Connection's Indoor Farmers' Market's last indoor market of the season inside Lincoln Square Mall. From 8 am to 12 noon, you can find us in the south wing of the mall--Lisa will be there to tell you all about the cheeses, specials, etc. Remember, the Christie Clinic Marathon is happening that same morning, so check the race route to make sure you can get to the market.
We have a LOT of cheese for you this weekend, so look for special offers at the market. We'll be bringing the following cheeses:
Fresh chevre--plain, herbs de Provence, cracked pepper
Fresh chevre with chive & lemon zest-nothing says spring better than this cheese
Truffle chevre--NEW!! an aged/dried chevre ball mixed with olive oil-cured truffles and rubbed with cracked peppercorns. Amazing for grating over pasta or roasted veggies!
Angel Food mini-brie
Little Bloom on the Prairie-mixed milk camembert
Black goat-ash-ripened goat bloomy rind-ripening nicely
Fleur de la Prairie-all-goat bloomy rind with dried herbs and edible flowers-also ripening nicely
Ukrainian Farmhouse Cheese-all cow milk, fresh cheese
Fresh Mozzarella
Moonglo-raw goat milk tomme-style (semi firm)
Pelota Roja--raw goat milk Spanish style hard cheese
Raclette style cheese-made with cow's milk-great for melting!
Feta in whey brine
Goat milk yogurt (pints and quarts)
Farm Open Hours resume May 6th-7th
Come visit us this summer. We are open Saturdays and Sundays, 11 am to 5 pm. You can visit with the goats, taste our raw milk (and buy some to take home), shop our farm store for cheeses, accompaniments and unique gifts, enjoy a cheese board under our pavilion or grab a scoop of gelato.
Urbana's Market at the Square. From May 6th through October 30th, this is one of the best producer-only farmers' markets in Illinois. We will be there slinging cheese as usual. Market hours are 7 am to 12 noon.
The farm will be open for regular hours (11 am to 5 pm) AND we will offering two "Mom and Me" goat hikes (1 pm and 2 pm). Enjoy a leisurely walk with our favorite goats and their kids and experience the beauty of the farm. Order a special Mother's Day cheese board to share.
Not local? You can still support us! Order a Mother's Day Cheese Box or any of our other cheese gift boxes OR build your own gift box with a number of a la carte cheeses and accompaniments.