O bearers of blue jackets, proud and bright,
Who journey forth with purpose clear and strong,
Your presence on our farm brings pure delight,
As you to agriculture's future belong.
From distant California's golden shore
To Maine's rock-bound coast, you make your way,
Through America's heartland to explore
The paths that lead to Indianapolis today.
O noble FFA, how you inspire
Each student, whether farm or city bred,
To kindle agriculture's sacred fire,
To learn, to grow, to lead, as those ahead.
May this convention light within your mind
The torch of leadership and wisdom dear,
May every lesson that you seek and find
Guide agriculture's path through coming years.
To our FFA visitors: thank you for letting Prairie Fruits Farm be a stop on your journey. Like the countless chapters before you, you carry forward a tradition of learning, growth, and dedication to agriculture. Safe travels!
Looking Ahead
Beetlejuice Farm to Table Dinner (October 30th): It's showtime! Get ready for a spooktacular dining experience that's strange and unusual. Step into the world of Beetlejuice with our ghoulishly delicious 5-course menu:
1. Crudite
Blushing Goat, Ramp, Carrot Foam, Broccolini, Beet Chip
2. Char Sui Bao
Scallion, Oyster Sauce, Crispy Rice
3. Shrimp Cocktail
Bullhorn Pepper Cocktail Sauce, Lettuce
4. Beetlejuice Raviolo
Goat Cheese, Green Tomato Chutney, Tikka Masala Sauce
5. Mister Tallyman's Zagnut
Chocolate, Coconut, Peanut Butter and Ripe Banana
Costumes are encouraged, but not required.
Don't miss this ghostly gourmet adventure - it's guaranteed to be the most fun you'll have this side of the afterlife!
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!
A Very Goaty Halloween: Join us for a spooktacular Sunday:
October 27th
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Kick off the fun with our Family Goat Hike at 1 PM!
Hike Tickets: $20 per person
https://www.exploretock.com/.../goaty-halloween-family...
More goat-tastic activities await:
Boo-tiful Photo Booth with Goats
Goat Grooming
Pumpkin Painting
Spooky Caricatures (select times only)
Face Painting (select times only)
Activity tickets: $5 each, available at our welcome trailer
Treat your taste buds:
Cheese sampling all day
Apple cider & cider croughnuts
Seasonal local beers
'Spooky' themed cocktails
Festive fall snacks
Don't miss this fa-boo-lous fall celebration! Perfect for families, couples, and goat enthusiasts of all ages.
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.
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
Seasonal Chevre Flavor
This weekend we have tomato chevre and a few of the spiced cranberry chevre left! Don't miss our seasonal flavored chevre!
Bloomy Rind Selection
- Archangel: All-goat milk mini-brie style cheese (Very Young)
- Angel Food: Mixed cow and goat milk mini-brie style cheese (Very Young)
- Little Bloom on the Prairie: Mixed milk camembert-style bloomy (Just starting to get ripe)
- Fleur de Prairie: All-goat bloomy covered with dried flowers and herbs (Limited availability-very gooey!)
Farm Fresh Delights
Goat Milk Yogurt
Available in pints and quarts. Pair it with CIB granola for a breakfast of champions!
Winter Squash Tarte Tatin with Prairie Fruits Farm Moonglo
*From Chicago Chef Paul Virant, Culture Magazine Winter 2012*
This Midwestern spin on classic tarte tatin is elevated with our nutty, pungent alpine-style Moonglo cheese.
Ingredients
Pastry Dough
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup cold unsalted butter
- 1 large egg yolk
- 2 tablespoons ice water, or as needed
Filling
- 1 cup sugar
- Water as needed
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1 pound butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and sliced crosswise into ¼-inch-thick slices
- Prairie Fruits Farm Moonglo cheese (or other semifirm alpine-style cheese)
- Fresh arugula for serving (optional)
Instructions
For the Pastry
1. In a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment, combine flour, sugar, and salt on low speed.
2. Gradually add butter while mixing until coarse crumbs form.
3. Add egg yolk and ice water, continue mixing on low until dough comes together.
4. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and knead briefly.
5. Flatten into a disk, wrap in plastic, and chill while preparing filling.
For the Filling
1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Make caramel:
- Combine sugar with just enough water to dissolve in a small saucepan over medium-low heat
- Brush down pan sides occasionally with wet pastry brush to prevent crystallization
- Cook until medium-brown and caramel coats spoon without running
3. Pour caramel into 9-inch tart pan or skillet; let cool
4. Once set, sprinkle with thyme and season with salt and pepper
Assembly and Baking
1. Melt butter in separate saucepan
2. Toss squash slices with melted butter, salt, and pepper until well coated
3. Layer seasoned squash over caramel in tart pan
4. Roll dough to ⅛-inch thickness
5. Drape dough over tart pan and trim edges
6. Bake until dough is golden brown
7. Cool slightly, then invert onto serving platter
8. Garnish with:
- Shaved Moonglo cheese
- Fresh arugula (optional)
*Note: This recipe features our Moonglo cheese, available at our farm store and farmers markets. Its nutty, complex flavor perfectly complements the caramelized squash in this seasonal tart.*
Find Us at Local Farmers' Markets
This is your last chance to catch us at an outdoor farmers market this weekend before we head indoors! 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.
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 features a few of our favorite things...
Plain Chevre
Biscotti
Chocolate
Colombia St. Coffee
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 (Last Tuesday 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, no reservations needed
- Guided Goat Hike at 11 AM
- Sundays (9 AM - 4 PM): Brunch menu (9 AM - 2 PM), small bites (2-4 PM) no reservations needed
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 our little corner of the prairie with you!