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Fresh from Crisp Country Acres: A Holland, Michigan Farm JournalYour Table Deserves Farm-Fresh This Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Is Coming — Let’s Talk Sides!
This year, we’ve bundled up a full harvest of farm-fresh goodness in our Farm to Feast Veggie Bag — everything you need for delicious Thanksgiving sides:
8 lb apples
8 lb Yukon Gold potatoes
5 lb carrots
3 lb onions
2 lb cranberries
2 lb salad mix
1 butternut squash
All of this for just $50 — straight from the fields to your table. Order by November 15 and get 6 decorative gourds FREE!
Add the perfect fall touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Add the perfect fall touch to your Thanksgiving table.
Pick-up is Saturday, November 22, just in time for your Thanksgiving prep.
Want even more veggie variety? Add-ons include Brussels sprouts, celery, red beets, and kale.
Thank you for supporting local farming — and for making Crisp Country Acres part of your Thanksgiving celebration.
We can’t wait to fill your table with the freshest harvest of the season!
Cranberry Pie
Sharing one of our favorite fall desserts today: Cranberry Pie
- 2 ½ cups cranberries
- 1 ½ cups sugar
- ¾ cups melted butter
- 1 cup flour
- 2 beaten eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Put cranberries in the bottom of a buttered deep pie dish. Sprinkle ½ cup sugar over berries.
- Beat together: melted butter, sugar, flour, eggs and vanilla.
- Pour mixture over cranberries. Bake for 30 – 40 minutes at 375 degrees.
Pick up some fresh cranberries and other fall produce at the markets this week!
Here is where you can find us:
- Market at the Farm in Holland (5888 120th Ave, Holland): Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
- Kalamazoo Farmers Market: Saturday | 8am – 1pm.
- Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday | 8am – 2pm.
Support local & eat well: CSA enrollment now open
I hope you’re doing well! I’m excited to remind you that October 22 is the last day to sign up for our CSA program at Crisp Country Acres.
CSA program at Crisp Country Acres.If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy fresh, seasonal produce each week (or every other week, or monthly), support local farming, and be part of a community that cares about food and land — now’s your moment.
Why join the CSA?
Customizable weekly boxes — Before each delivery, we’ll email you what’s planned and you can swap out items you don’t want.
Add‑ons available — Want extra produce or local goods? We give members the option to expand your box.
Flexible holds — If you’ll be out of town or want to pause, you can put your share on hold without penalty.
Choose the location that works best for you:
Weekly share — Get produce every week.
Every-other-week share — A great option if your household is smaller or you travel.
Monthly share — Try things out without a big commitment.
We run a Winter 2025/2026 program from November through April — it includes root veggies, greens, apples & more.
Pick‑ups are available at multiple times and locations:
- At our farm in Holland (Tues, Wed, Thurs, Saturday)
- At local farmers markets or partner sites (e.g. Muskegon Farmers Market, Kalamazoo Farmers Market)
Your card will be kept on file and charged when your box is ready — and you control holds and changes.
Action required — by October 22!
To join:
1. Click here to create an account.
Click here to create an account.2. Select your pick‑up location and schedule.
3. Complete your enrollment before October 22 to lock in your spot.
If you have any questions — about share size, pickup, customizing your box, or anything else — just reply to this email or reach us at [email protected]
We’d love to have you join our farm family, support local agriculture, and enjoy the freshest produce Michigan has to offer.
Thank you for believing in local.
PS – Would you like to see some example boxes? Scroll down on THIS page to give you an idea of what to expect. Just keep in mind that the boxes are customizable and so every box will be different!
THIS page to give you an idea of what to expect. Just keep in mind that the boxes are customizable and so every box will be different!6 Fall Activities Waiting for You at the Farm
Can you believe how warm it’s been? Don’t get me wrong, I’ve loved these beautiful October days, but I’m pretty excited about the cold front coming through tonight.
Tomorrow we’re finally going to get that real fall weather – you know, the kind where you actually need a sweater!
Perfect timing to get out here and enjoy all the fall fun at the farm. Check out everything we have planned for the month of October:
Glow Night — This Saturday, October 11 | 7:00–9:00 pm
Included with your ticket:
-Navigate the corn maze in the dark.
-Feed the animals their bedtime snack.
-Enjoy a wagon ride in the Halloween decorated woods.
-Your ticket also includes glow sticks!
-$12/person
Don’t delay, Get your tickets HERE.
HERE. Pumpkin Fun
U‑Pick Pumpkins — Stroll through the fields and pick out your own pumpkin straight from the vine. Check in at the market when you arrive for directions.
Already Picked Pumpkins — Prefer to skip the search? We’ll have pumpkins ready for you to choose from.
Strawtastic Showdown
Check out the decorated straw bales around the farm and vote for your favorite. It’s a fun way to get into the fall spirit and see creative community entries!
Corn Maze & Scavenger Hunt
Our 2‑acre corn maze is open throughout October. The maze is open Monday–Friday, 8 am–6 pm, and Saturday, 8 am–4 pm. Cost:$3.00 per person.
Playground & Open Play
Between adventures in the maze and pumpkin patch, take a break and let kids (and adults) stretch out at our playground area. Slides, swings, and open space = perfect for recharging.
Animal Barn
Visiting the barn is part of the fall experience! Meet and interact with farm animals.
Farm Hours: Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
Come out to the farm and check some things off your fall bucket list. See you soon!
Glow Night
Join us at Crisp Country Acres for our special Glow Night event on Saturday, September 27th from 7:00-9:00 PM.
What awaits you:
- Navigate our corn maze in the dark – Experience the thrill of finding your way through our maze in the darkness, guided only by the soft glow of your light sticks. The corn maze is just under a half mile – perfect for kids (and adults!) of all ages!
- Evening animal feeding – Help our farm friends settle in for the night by giving them their bedtime snacks with special mini feed cups
- Nighttime wagon ride – Take a ride through our Halloween-decorated woods under the starlit sky
- Glow sticks will be provided!
Perfect for the whole family!
This event is completely scare actor-free, ensuring a fun and safe adventure for children of all ages. We provide the glow sticks, but feel free to bring a flashlight from home.
- When: Saturday, September 27th, 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Crisp Country Acres – 5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424
We can’t wait to see you!
Fall Fest is September 20
Hope your day is off to a great start! I just wanted to send a quick reminder that we are having Fall Fest at the farm THIS Saturday, 10am – 2pm. Here is what we are planning:
- Wagon rides around the farm and in the woods.
- Give our fudge a try with fudge samples.
- Spend some time in the playground and animal barn.
- Vote for your favorite straw bale.
- Fun games for the entire family.
- The corn maze will be open – $3.00/person.
The farm’s address is 5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424.
Fall Fest is a FREE family friendly event.
We would love to have you out to the farm to celebrate the season.
PS – We will be hosting GLOW NIGHT at the farm on September 27. Come out and enjoy the farm at night. We will be giving out glow sticks – see if you can navigate the maze in the dark. Take a night time wagon ride under the stars and feed the animals their bedtime snack. This is going to be a family friendly fun night at the farm. We are super excited for it! Get your tickets here.
Get your tickets here.Let’s talk about fall squash!
Fall is here, and that means it’s time to embrace all the wonderful winter squashes that are now in season! I’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make the most of the seven varieties you have available.
Each one has its own unique flavor profile and ideal cooking methods, so you can discover new favorites and cook with confidence.
Whether you’re looking for something sweet and creamy for soup, a healthy pasta alternative, or a new side dish to impress your dinner guests, this guide has you covered.
Let’s dive into the delicious world of fall squashes!
Butternut Squash
Taste & Texture: Sweet, nutty flavor with a smooth, creamy texture when cooked. The flesh is bright orange and dense.
What It’s Like: Think of it as the “sweet potato” of squashes – rich, velvety, and naturally sweet with earthy undertones.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Roasting: Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, roast cut-side down at 400°F for 45-60 minutes
- Soup: Perfect for creamy butternut squash soup – roast first, then puree with broth
- Cubing: Peel and cube for roasted vegetables, risottos, or grain bowls
Buttercup Squash
Taste & Texture: Sweet and creamy with a slightly drier texture than butternut. Orange flesh with a rich, almost custard-like consistency.
What It’s Like: Similar sweetness to butternut but with a more concentrated, less watery texture – like a cross between sweet potato and pumpkin.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Stuffing: Cut off top, scoop out seeds, stuff with rice, nuts, and herbs
- Roasting: Cut into wedges, roast at 425°F for 30-40 minutes
- Mashing: Steam or roast, then mash as a side dish with butter and herbs
Ambercup Squash
Taste & Texture: Exceptionally sweet with dense, fine-grained flesh. Deep orange color with a smooth, creamy texture.
What It’s Like: The sweetest of the winter squashes – almost dessert-like with honey and maple notes.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Roasting whole: Pierce skin, roast at 350°F for 60-90 minutes until tender
- Baking: Cut into rings, remove seeds, bake with a drizzle of maple syrup
- Puree: Perfect for pies, muffins, and other baked goods
Spaghetti Squash
Taste & Texture: Mild, slightly sweet flavor with a unique stringy texture that separates into spaghetti-like strands.
What It’s Like: Think of it as nature’s pasta – neutral flavor that takes on whatever seasonings you add, with a satisfying, noodle-like texture.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Classic method: Cut in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds, roast cut-side down at 400°F for 40-50 minutes
- Microwave: Pierce whole squash, microwave 12-15 minutes, turning halfway through
- Use as pasta substitute: Scrape out strands with a fork, toss with marinara, pesto, or butter and herbs
Delicata Squash
Taste & Texture: Sweet and creamy with hints of corn and sweet potato. Tender, edible skin when cooked.
What It’s Like: The most convenient winter squash – no peeling required! Sweet like butternut but with a more delicate, less dense texture.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Roasted rings: Slice into half-moons, remove seeds, roast at 425°F for 20-25 minutes
- Stuffed: Cut in half lengthwise, stuff with quinoa, cranberries, and nuts
- Pan-fried: Slice thin and sauté as a side dish
Sweet Dumpling Squash
Taste & Texture: Very sweet with dense, smooth flesh. Small size makes them perfect for individual servings.
What It’s Like: Like eating a natural dessert – incredibly sweet with notes of honey and brown sugar. Dense like a sweet potato but sweeter.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Whole roasted: Pierce skin, roast at 350°F for 45-60 minutes
- Stuffed individual portions: Cut off top, scoop out seeds, stuff with wild rice mixture
- Halved and baked: Cut in half, scoop out seeds, bake with butter and cinnamon
Mashed Potato Squash (NEW this year!)
Taste & Texture: Mild, slightly sweet flavor with a dry, fluffy texture that’s remarkably similar to mashed potatoes.
What It’s Like: The name says it all – when cooked and mashed, it has the exact consistency of fluffy mashed potatoes but with a subtle sweet flavor.
Best Cooking Methods:
- Mashed: Steam or roast until tender, then mash with butter, salt, and pepper
- Roasted wedges: Cut into wedges, roast at 400°F for 35-45 minutes
- Soup base: Use as a creamy soup base – naturally thick without cream
General Cooking Tips
Storage: All winter squashes keep well in a cool, dry place for 2-6 months.
Prep shortcuts: For hard-to-cut squashes, pierce and microwave for 2-3 minutes to soften slightly before cutting.
Roasting basics: Most squashes benefit from a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper before roasting.
Seed bonus: Don’t throw away the seeds! Clean, season, and roast them at 300°F for 20-30 minutes for a healthy snack.
The bales are decorated – now YOU pick the winner!
This past weekend was so fun having families out decorating the round bales. The creativity blew me away – they all look absolutely fantastic!
Now it’s YOUR turn to help decide the winner!
Just swing by the farm anytime between now and the end of October and let us know which one caught your eye.
These families really went all out and we would love to have you out to see them!
Just stop by during our regular hours, check them all out, and vote for your favorite.
Huge thanks to all the families who participated – you guys made something really special that everyone can enjoy.
PS – The corn maze & scavenger hunt is now open at the farm! It cost’s $3.00/person. Check in at the market when you arrive to pay and for directions.
Tomato Season = Perfect Salsa Time!
Hope you’re doing well! With tomatoes at their absolute peak right now, I couldn’t resist sharing this incredibly simple and fresh salsa recipe. There’s nothing quite like the flavor of ripe, in-season tomatoes – they’re so juicy and flavorful that they practically make the salsa themselves.
Simple Fresh Salsa
- 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
- 1/2 onion, finely chopped
- 2-3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and minced (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Just mix it all together, let it sit for 15-30 minutes, and you’re done! The natural tomato juices create the perfect base – no need for anything else.
Perfect timing to take advantage of these gorgeous late-summer tomatoes!
Come and visit us at the markets this week and see all of the delicious produce we have available right now:
- Market at the Farm (5888 120th Ave, Holland): Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
- Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 8am – 2pm.
- Kalamazoo Farmers Market: 7am – 1pm.
See you soon!
Psst… Want to Know a Tomato Secret?
With tomato season in full swing, now’s the perfect time to preserve that fresh flavor for the months ahead! Freezing tomatoes is so easy and a great way to enjoy summer’s bounty year-round.
How to Freeze Tomatoes (It’s So Easy!)
- Wash your tomatoes thoroughly.
- Remove the core.
- Cut a small “X” on the bottom of each tomato.
- Place them in freezer bags and freeze.
That’s it! No blanching, no complicated prep work required.
Ready to Use Them? When you’re ready to cook with your frozen tomatoes, simply set them out to thaw. The skins will come right off.
This Week’s Suggestion: Consider picking up a few extra tomatoes during your visit this week – your future self will thank you when you’re making hearty winter soups with that captured summer flavor!
Here is where you can find us this week:
- Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday | 8am – 2pm.
- Kalamazoo Farmers Market: Saturday | 7am – 1pm.
- Market at the Farm (5888 120th Ave, Holland): Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.