Blog

It’s cauliflower season!  We are growing 4 varieties this fall:  white, orange, green & purple.

I don’t think that there is a huge taste difference between the 4, but the best part is that they keep their colors when cooking.

Give this roasted cauliflower recipe a try and watch the colors get even more intensely beautiful!

Roasted Cauliflower

Ingredients:

• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite size pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• parsley for garnish

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.
2. In a large bowl, toss together the cauliflower, olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper & paprika.
3. Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast it for 20 – 25 minutes or until the edges are crispy brown.
5. Garnish with parsley.

Visit the markets soon to pick up a head of cauliflower to give this recipe a try. Here is where you can find us this fall.

See you soon!

1. Heat oven to 400 F. Cut eight 2½ inch circles from one sheet of frozen puff pastry (thawed) and
place on parchment lined baking sheet. Brush with 1 large egg (beaten) and top each with I
sprig dill, pressing to adhere. Bake until puffed and golden brown, 10 to 13 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, heat 3 Tbsp unsalted butter in a large sauce pan on medium. Add 2 leeks (cut into
half-moons), 3 carrots (peeled and sliced ¼ inch thick), 2 large stalks celery (sliced ¼ inch thick)
and ¼ tsp kosher salt and sauté until beginning to soften, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Sprinkle in 3½ Tbsp flour and cook, stirring 1 minute. Slowly stir in 5 cups reduced-sodium
chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Simmer until vegetables are tender and soup has
thickened, 10 to 12 minutes.

4. Remove from heat and stir in 1/3 cup frozen peas and one 2 1/2-lb rotisserie chicken (meat
picked into bite-size pieces) and its juices and heat through. Season with ¼ tsp pepper and stir
in ½ cup flat-leaf parsley and ¼ cup dill (both chopped). Serve with puff pastry rounds.

Recipe adjustments and additions:

To make this recipe gluten free, omit Step 1 of the recipe and in Step 3, use 3½ Tbsp of your favorite
gluten free flour.

Add the following to Step 2 if desired:2 parsnips (peeled, (cored if desired) and sliced ¼ inch thick)
2 small potatoes (peeled and diced into ½ inch cubes)
1 small onion (diced)

Original recipe found in September 2022 Good Housekeeping Magazine – Shared by a farm market customer.

We often get asked at market about the fall squash.  Everyone knows what butternut is, but what about the others?  What do they taste like?  Can you cook them the same?

This fall squash guide will make you feel confident enough to try them all and enjoy everything this fall favorite has to offer.

WHAT KIND OF SQUASH IS THAT?

Butternut Squash – This customer favorite features a bright orange flesh with a sweet taste. It stores well.

Acorn Squash – This squash features a sweet, nutty, mild flavored squash. Acorn squash stores well.

Delicata Squash – Also known as the sweet potato squash, it has a consistency similar to a sweet potato with a bit more earthy flavor. The skin is edible and stores well.

Buttercup Squash – Buttercup squash has a nutty earthy flavor with a touch of sweetness. Buttercup squash stores well.

Ambercup Squash – This sweet, smooth squash is a family favorite! It can be used interchangeably with pie pumpkin. It stores well.

Sweet Dumpling Squash – This squash makes a perfect bowl for cooking your meal in. It is a sweet squash also comparable to a sweet potato. It stores well.

Spaghetti Squash – By scraping the flesh of this squash you will get strings comparable to noodles. This is a great pasta alternative!

HOW TO STORE WINTER SQUASH:

Most fall squashes can keep well into the winter. Lay them out in a cool dark spot. Check them occasionally for soft spots, using those first.

HOW TO COOK WINTER SQUASH:

Bake – Cut smaller squash (like acorn squash) in half; scoop out the seeds. Place 2 teaspoons honey, brown sugar, or maple syrup and 1 tablespoon butter into their centers. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees oven for about 30 minutes, or until easily pierced with a fork.

Microwave Method – Cut the squash in half and discard seeds. Microwave on high for seven minutes per pound.

Roast – Cut in half and seed squash. Place the squash halves, cut-side up, on a rimmed baking sheet. Rub the flesh with softened butter or oil, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with brown sugar, maple syrup, or orange juice. Flip the squash over and roast them for 40 to 45 minutes in a preheated 400 degrees Oven. Roast the squash until the skin is blistered, browned, and the flesh is tender. Insert a fork or knife under the skin to test that the flesh is tender. When the squash has cooled the skin should peel off easily.

Boil – Cut the squash in half and discard the seeds. Peel and cut the squash into chunks. Place in a saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil and cook until the squash is tender. Let the chunks cool, then purée the flesh in a food processor or mash. To use the purée in pies, pass it through a strainer or sieve to remove any fibers or chunks.

Side Note:  Make sure to save the squash seeds!  You can cook them just like pumpkin seeds for a delicious healthy snack!

HOW TO FREEZE WINTER SQUASH:

Fall squash is very easy to freeze! We typically cook a whole oven full at one time. Cut the squash in half and scoop the seeds out. Place in a pan with water in the bottom. Cover. Bake until soft and scoop out the squash. Mash until you have the consistency you like. Place in freezer containers or freezer bags.

Ready to give them try?  Stop by the market at the farm or farmers markets and pick out a few kinds to try out!

Just wanted to write a quick note and remind you that Fall Fest is happening at the farm this Saturday!

Here are all the details:

• September 14, 2024 | 10am – 1pm.
• Tickets cost $5/person or $20/family.
• Snacks will be available for purchase.
• Please enter in the north driveway and barn behind the barn.  Look for the signs!
• Farm address is 5888 120th Ave, Holland.

We have all kinds of activities planned for you!

• Wagon ride in the field and woods.
• Take a walk in the corn maze and find all of the hidden veggies.
• Play fun games with your family.
• See all of our painted hay bales and get some fun family pictures.
• Visit the animal barn and pet the animals.

We are so excited to welcome you out to the farm.

See you soon!

Fall Events at the Farm

We would love to have you out to the farm this fall!  Check out all of the activities we have planned.

U-Pick Days:  Pick your own potatoes & tomatoes!

• U-Pick Red Skin & Yukon Gold Potatoes – $1.00/lb.
• U-Pick Slicing Tomatoes – $1.00/lb.
• Stop in at the market when you arrive for directions to the field.
• Open same hours as the Market at the Farm. September 2 – September 13, 2024.

Corn Maze:  Take a walk in the corn and find all of the hidden veggies.

• Cost: $3.00/person. Pay in the market and then head out to the maze.
• Open Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.  September & October.

Fall Fest: Take a walk in the corn maze, enjoy a wagon ride in the field & woods, play some games for the entire family.  Visit with the animals and play on the playground.

• Cost $5.00/person or $20.00/family.
• September 14, 10am – 1pm.
• Donuts, Apple Cider, Soda & Muffins will be available for purchase.

Flashlight Night:  Take a walk in the corn maze at night, with only your flashlight to lead the way.  Enjoy a wagon ride in the field and encounter some spooky scenes in the woods.  Feed the animals in the new animal petting barn.

• Cost $12.00/person.
• October 5, 2024.  7pm – 9pm.  Purchase your tickets HERE.
• October 19, 2024. 7pm – 9pm. Purchase your tickets HERE.
• Kids 15 & under need to be accompanied by an adult.
• Donuts, Apple Cider, Soda & Muffins will be available for purchase.

***With all of the events we highly recommend wearing boots!

Farm Address:  5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424.

Any questions please let us know.  We look forward to seeing you out at the farm this fall!

You have probably visited a farm to pick your own strawberries before, but have you ever picked your own potatoes?

We are SO excited to welcome you out to the farm this weekend to dig your own potatoes! 

Come and experience the joy of digging your own fresh, delicious potatoes straight from the earth. It’s a fantastic activity for families, friends, and anyone who loves fresh produce and a bit of outdoor fun.

What to Expect:

• Hands-On Experience: Get your hands dirty and dig up your own potatoes.  We highly recommend wearing boots!
• Fresh Produce: Take home the freshest potatoes you’ve ever tasted!
• Fun for All Ages: This is a great activity for kids and adults alike.
• About the Potatoes:  Yukon Gold & Red Skin Potatoes will be available for you to dig.  The potatoes cost $1.00/lb.

The farm address is 5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424.

U-Pick potatoes will be open Friday, August 30, 8am – 6pm.  Saturday, August 31, 8am – 5pm & Monday, September 2, 8am – 6pm.

How it works:

1. Stop in at the market when you arrive for directions to the field.
2. Drive out to the field.  Follow the signs and park in the parking area. Then walk to the potato field.
3. Dig your potatoes!  Pull the plants out of the ground and use your hands to dig around and find all of the potatoes.  Make sure you pull the potatoes off the plant too!
4. Once you are finished, bring your potatoes back up to the market to pay.

What else you will find at the farm this weekend: 

• Corn Maze:  $3.00/person.
• Petting Barn:  Free!  You can purchase feed cups to feed the animals in the market.
• Playground: Free!
• Donuts and drinks will be available for purchase in the market, plus all the seasonal veggies!

We can’t wait to welcome you to our farm and share this wonderful experience with you.

PS – U-pick tomatoes will also be available! Look for the sign in the field for the u-pick tomatoes, just down the path from the parking area.

Planning to preserve any tomatoes this season?

NOW is the time!  The tomato plants are full of beautiful ripe tomatoes.

Spend some time making your salsa now so you can enjoy a taste of summer during those cold winter months!

We have all of the veggies you will need…

Canning Tomatoes
Roma Tomatoes
Bell Peppers
Jalapeno Peppers
& Onions

Don’t have time to make the salsa now?  No worries!  It is super easy to freeze tomatoes and then make your salsa up later.  HERE is a helpful article on how to do that.

Here is where you can get your tomatoes:

• Muskegon Farmers Market: Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday, 8am – 2pm.
• Kalamazoo Farmers Market: Saturday, 7am – 1pm.
• Trufant Market: Thursday, 8am – 12pm.
• Market at the Farm:  Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.  Farm address is 5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424.

See you soon!

Lindsey

We are thrilled to invite you to the grand opening of our brand-new Animal Petting Barn at Crisp Country Acres! 

Event Details:

• Date: August 12 – 17, 2024.  We will be celebrating all week!
• Time: Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.
• Location: 5888 120th Ave, Holland, MI 49424.

What to Expect:

• Up-Close Animal Encounters: Get ready to meet our adorable farm animals up close! In the barn you will find bunnies, chickens, miniature horses, pigs and goats.
• Hands-On Activities: Pet and interact with our furry friends. It’s a fun opportunity for kids and adults alike to enjoy some time with farm animals.
• Refreshments: Free popcorn will be available in the market for you to enjoy!

Sale on 2024 Feed Cups:  Purchase a 2024 seasonal feed cup for $25 (regularly, $30). *While supplies last!
What is a feed cup? It is a cup that can be filled with feed each time you visit the farm. You will then be able to feed the animals yourself! The season cup includes ONE cup each time you visit the farm.

Make sure you save some time to play on the new playground area.

We can’t wait to see you there! 

Just a quick note to let you know that the green beans are looking great this week and so we are offering a sale this weekend only!

Purchase 10lbs of green beans for $20. 

Enjoy a taste of summer this winter.  Preserve some green beans now to enjoy during the cold winter months.

You will need to pre-order the beans HERE.  Orders are due by Thursday, August 1.

Pick up at one of these pick-up locations:

• Market at the Farm:  Friday, August 2 | 8am – 6pm or Saturday, August 3, 8am – 5pm.
• Kalamazoo Farmers Market:  Saturday, August 3, 7am – 1pm.
• Muskegon Farmers Market: Saturday, August 3, 8am – 2pm.

Don’t forget to pre-order your beans!  Here is the link.

Good Morning!

The playground at the farm is OPEN! 

Jon has done a great job designing and building the playground. We can’t wait for you to come and check it out. 

The playground will be open the same hours as the market. The Market at the Farm’s hours are:  Monday – Friday, 8am – 6pm & Saturday, 8am – 5pm.

If you have not been to the markets in a while, now is the time to come and pick up all of your summer favorites!  A few of the highlights right now:  sweet corn, green beans, zucchini, peaches, pickles & candy sweet onions.

Check out where you can find us each week HERE.

See you soon!