Farm News
The cool dry air of mid-August lulled us into a false sense of summer drawing to a close. The heat and humidity have returned this week, along with over two inches of much needed rain. Normally, the landscape of late august is dominated by dormant grass and wilting vines. This year's fields are lush and vibrant, almost tropical in their aggressive growth. The sorghum-Sudan and buckwheat cover crop is nearly knee-high, the buckwheat flowers beckoning honeybees. A shy lone monarch butterfly seeks shade in the goldenrod. The farm pond floats a band of Canada geese, and the barn swallows dive bomb dragon flies.
The thunderstorms re-sprout the pasture after the goats exit their paddocks. The milking does seek the shade of the silvopasture, stuffing their faces with grasses and forbs, lounging in the shade chewing their cud, waiting out the heat. The newly tattooed replacement doelings brave the mid-day sun, lured by the scent of fresh forage. Before long, they are spooked by a raptor flying overhead, sprinting back to the safety of their barn, ears flapping and tails wagging.
The farm garden is bursting with diversity. Ripe tomatoes are weighing down the vines. We are harvesting ears of baby corn-super excited about this new crop. Pumpkins and winter squash are visible amidst the jungle of vines. The sunflower patch is in pure show-off mode.
The lawn adjacent to the pavilion is set up for guests to hang out and play games. There's a nice breeze under the shade of the pavilion OR you can enjoy the farm's fare in our air-conditioned dining room/café "Caprae." Our small bites and bar snacks menus are simply delicious, and folks are beginning to discover the amazing food that our chefs are crafting. Sunday brunch specials change weekly-the word on the "street" is that we have the best brunch in town! Read about all the happenings below and come visit us!
Market offerings
Last chance to celebrate National Goat Cheese Month! Celebrate with goat and mixed milk (goat and cow) cheeses from Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery!! (HONESTLY, we hope you celebrate our cheeses all year long, but August is especially dedicated to goat cheeses).
We are attending BOTH the "Urbana's Market at the Square" AND "Downtown Bloomington Market." The Urbana Market runs 7 AM to 12 noon and the Bloomington Farmers' Market runs 7:30 AM to 12 noon. Prairie Fruits Farm & Creamery is in the same location in Urbana as last year (the south end of the market in line with aisle two) but with an expanded footprint (and more offerings). We are sharing space with Central Illinois Bakehouse at the Bloomington Market. We will have cheese available at the CIB booth at the downtown Champaign (Tuesday) and Springfield Thursday (Fairgrounds) market as well. NEW ADDITIONS: We now have a select offering of Central Illinois Bakehouse (CIB) breads, crackers and granola at our market cheese stand in Urbana. All are EXCELLENT vehicles for enjoying our cheeses and yogurt. Check out the farm-kitchen's garden veggie pickles and grab a t-shirt or ballcap while you're there!
Here are this week's offerings:
Moonglo: Our raw goat milk "tomme" style semi-hard cheese is perfect for snacking and easy meal prep in the hot summer days. The wheels of this cheese are washed with a culture-brine containing pear leaf tea (steeped "Moonglow" pear leaves from our orchard) and Illinois pear wine. The result: a supple, meltable cheese with notes of fruit and nuts--perfect for serving alongside your favorite hard salami or fresh peach wedges 2023 ACS Silver Medal
Pelota Roja: our Spanish-style raw goat milk hard cheese is BACK!! --sharp, nutty, spicy--shave it, grate it, slice it and bask in its deliciousness 2021 Good Food Award
Mixed-milk feta in whey brine! Tangy, creamy yet crumbly--just as you remember it!! Crumble it on everything, summer greens salads and whatever is good for grilling! 2024 ACS GOLD MEDAL!!
Chevre frais: plain, herbs de Provence, cracked pepper and everything bagel seasoning--so fresh and lemony, it screams spring is here!! 2024 ACS GOLD MEDAL FOR EVERYTHING BAGEL
Seasonal chevre flavors: chevre with blueberry-jalapeno compote
Ukrainian Farmers' Cheese: our all-jersey cow milk fresh cheese--the flavor is mild with a slight tang; the texture and mouthfeel are similar to both ricotta and small-curd cottage cheese--eat with fresh berries and honey or use in place of ricotta or cottage in your favorite recipes 2024 ACS BRONZE MEDAL
Goat milk yogurt!!! Both pints and quarts available this week! Buy your yogurt and then add a bag of CIB granola! This will become your breakfast of champions!
Angel Food: mixed milk petite brie--super young this week
"Archangel:" our all-goat milk mini-brie style cheese-beautifully ripe this week with the perfect amount of gooeyness
Black goat: our all-goat milk ash-ripened bloomy-young this week
Fleur de la Prairie: our all-goat milk bloomy adorned with dried edible flowers and herbs--also young this week--2021 Good Food Award and ACS gold medal in 2022!
Our weekly CSA share offers you unique pairings with ultimate flexibility. Every week, you'll get cheese, bread and house-made accompaniments. We will have these for sale at both the Urbana and Bloomington farmers' markets, but please sign up for shares. This week's share will make you the perfect cheese, egg and tomato sandwich:
--arch angel--our all-goat milk petite bried
--farm garden tomato
--CIB white sourdough bread
--dozen eggs from Joyful Wren Farm
Farm Open Hours
The farm OPEN HOURS have changed a bit. We now offer pre-fixe farm dinners on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Tuesday evenings are all about goat fun (choose your own adventure of either a goat hike OR goat yoga) followed by Happy Hour and "Taco Tuesday." Saturday goat hikes at 11 am continue as well. When you come during open hours, you can stroll along groomed paths, visit with the goats, enjoy the amazing locally-sourced food and take in the fun activities. The pavilion is a great place to savor our special cocktails, along with a cheese plate!
Our new "back to school" hours are:
Mondays: Closed to the public (we are recharging our batteries for the rest of the week)
Tuesdays: Happy Hour and Taco Tuesday! 5-8 pm. Goat Yoga (Pilates) and Goat Hikes are available. Buy tickets online in advance or at the farm. Bar will be open along with small bites and bar snacks. Check out our family-friendly taco menu too!
Wednesdays and Thursdays: Closed to the public. Farm to Table dinner night, reservations and tickets required (see themes and link to reservations below).
Fridays: 11 am to 9 pm: Open to the public-no reservations required. Come check out the farm's restaurant "Caprae." Find a seat inside or enjoy open seating under the pavilion. Order at your table or at the bar and pick up inside. Menu items feature local produce and proteins and will change seasonally. Accessible, upscale modern-American farm-to-table dining. Salads, sandwiches, cheese plates and small bites. Play some lawn games, take a walk or visit with the goats
Saturdays 11-9. Special breakfast/brunch menu along with the regular Caprae menu. Guided Goat Hike at 11 AM!
Sundays 9-4. Seasonal brunch menu available from 9 am to 2pm; small bites menu from 2-4pm.
TAKE A HIKE!! Reserve your spot for a hike with the goats!
Tuesday evening-5 pm OR Saturday morning Hike-11 am (includes cheese and/or gelato sampling). NOTE: Weather permitting--if it is too hot or raining, we will have to cancel the hike for the safety of the goats (and the goat herder, Carol!!).
During all open hours guests can enjoy walking around the farm grounds on marked trails, visiting with the goats and enjoying a meal or beverage sitting under the pavilion or on the lawns. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to answer any questions about the goats or cheese and to chat about the farm. Please no outside food and no pets.
Thank you!
Please follow us on Facebook and/or Instagram and check your inboxes for future updates.
Goat Yoga-Pilates enjoy some movement & relaxation, featuring our adorable baby goats and certified Pilates instructor Lisa Staples of Living Legacy Pilates. Sign up now for this light-hearted workout.
GOAT MILK SOAPS HANDCRAFTED BY THE WRIGHT SOAPERY!! Made with our farm's goat milk and garden herbs, these beauties are available at the farm and at the Bloomington Farmers' Market farm stand. New t-shirts with farm's new logo available too!
GOAT MILK GELATO IS BACK!! At long last, Goat & Pail is producing goat milk gelato for the farm store using the farm's goat milk. Smooth, creamy and refreshing--available in both cups and pints.
Farm Stays!! The farm's log home is now available for overnight stays and rentals. It's a great way to take in the serenity of the farm and hang with some adorable goats. You will have upfront access to world class farmstead and artisan cheeses as well as farm-to-table cuisine. Check out the listing and book your stay!
Farm to Table Dinners: Chefs Garron Sanchez and Cody Butler are offering pre-fixe multi-course meals featuring locally grown foods and our cheeses, of course. Dinner tickets include non-alcoholic beverages, taxes and gratuity. Wine, beer and cocktails are available for purchase at the farm, or you can pre-purchase a beverage add-on to your meal that includes a welcome cocktail and two full pours of paired wines with dinner. Tickets are selling fast! Go on our website NOW to make reservations. Dinners tickets are now available for Wednesdays and Thursdays.
September Themes
Sept 4th & 5th
Riggs Brewery Labor Day BBQ Event
Kick off the month with elevated American BBQ classics! We're celebrating Labor Day and local craft beer with Riggs Brewery. Savor smoky flavors paired with crisp, refreshing brews. Tickets still available for Sept. 5th
Sept 11th & 12th
Greek Regional Cuisine
Transport yourself to the Mediterranean! We're featuring Abundant Pastures as our farm partner for an authentic Greek feast with a Midwest twist
Sept 18th & 19th
Late Summer Harvest
Experience culinary magic with Guest Chef Keith Potter from Sadelle's in Dallas, TX. Enjoy the bounty of late summer through the lens of a renowned chef.
Sept 25th & 26th
Oktoberfest
Prost! We're bringing Bavaria to Illinois with our Oktoberfest celebration. Traditional German dishes meet Prairie Fruits Farm's local flair.
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