The Seasonal Kitchen: Local Pumpkin Patches to visit

Did you know Illinois is the #1 pumpkin producing state in the US? 

It is now pumpkin season and that means all the local pumpkin patches are open for business as of this weekend! My family is going for our annual birthday party for my niece to the local patch and I am ready! I love the season and all it brings. The food, the weather, the colors, it's all wonderful! I am going to give you an overview of 5 local pumpkin patches within 2 hours from Springfield where you can take your family or go visit on your own. 

1. Bomke's Patch: located at 605 Country Lake Rd. Springfield IL 62711 217-670-2470

Admission for Bomke's for kids under 2 is free, ages 3-65 are $8, and 65+ and military are $6. Bomke's was started as a Christmas Tree farm in 2002 and in 2011 they opened their pumpkin patch. They have 13 acres with over 50 varieties of pumpkins. You can choose to pick your own or choose from a selection of pre-picked options. 

Activities offered include: a play area, corn maze, bean maze, wagon ride, petting zoo, and food truck. Plus, some unique activities like a pumpkin cannon (5$), barnyard bath, and new this year bocci ball! You can feed the animals at the petting zoo for 1$ per cup. 

2. Pumpkin Creek Farmstead: 7392 Barclay Rd. Sherman, IL 62684 217-629-4058

Pumpkin Creek farmstead is opened all week (Mon-Thurs 10-5, Fri-Sat 10-6, and Sun 12-6). They also offer a season pass for $22- or single-day tickets for $8, $6 for 65+ and $6 Mon-Thurs. 

Pumpkin Creek has been operating for 10 seasons and offers a variety of activities like a play area, petting zoo, corn maze, U-pick, hayrides, country store, and food. This is one of my family's annual places to visit. I especially love the petting zoo with their chickens and highland cows and the apple cider donuts and apple cider slushie! Unique things that they offer are the Haystack Mountain, and new for this year: tug of war, tetherball, and a new game called the rat race. 

3. Indian Creek Farmstead: 19468 Curtis Blacktop Rd. Petersburg, IL 62675 217-993-4050

Open Saturday and Sunday through October 29th- cost is $7 per kid for barnyard admittance, and adults are free unless wanting to go on a wagon ride for $3. 

Indian Creek Farmstead is on 120+ acres and includes over 70 varieties of pumpkins. The property includes 4 buildings (barn, granary, shoppe, and memory barn) some of which are historical. You have an opportunity to see and pet animals, see crops in the field, and learn about the foods as well. This is experiencing farm life and the role of agriculture. 

The Shoppe includes a food area including a vintage ice cream shoppe. I am very excited to check this out this season and this pumpkin patch has a lot of event space available for special events. 

They also have a play area, wagon rides, and a safe alternative to a corn maze using MILO/ Sorghum instead of corn stalks. 

4. Curtis Orchard and Pumpkin Patch: 3902 S Duncan Rd. Champaign, IL 61822 217-359-5565

Free admission and free parking and current hours are Mon-Sat 9-am-6pm and Sunday 11am-6pm. They instead charge per activity instead of a base admission price. 

Free activities include a toddler area and petting zoo. They also include horse drawn carriage rides on Sundays in September and weekends in October for 5 Tokens. There is a restaurant called the Flying Monkey Cafe open 8/26-10/31 from 11am-2pm daily. There is also a store where you can find items like produce, apple products, and unique items. 

The farm was founded in 1873 by the Curtis family and has gone through many changes since then. They started the orchard in 1977 and opened to the public in 1980, when a bad hailstorm prompted them to start making Apple Cider. Since then, it has been an award-winning favorite. The orchard still is a family run business today and is one of the area's most popular spots for Agricultural Tourism. 

5. The Great Pumpkin Patch: 1749A E County Rd. 1900 N Arthur, IL 61911

Open until 10/29, beginning 9/20. Wed-Sun 9-6. Weekday tickets for adults $7, 60+ $5, child 6-12 $5, under 5 free. Weekend tickets for adults $11, 60+ $7, child 6-12 $7, under 5 free.  Season pass available for $22.

The patch is located on over 200 acres and includes over 300 varieties of pumpkins from 20 different countries. The property was started as a homestead property in 1859 and includes some historical buildings including an old schoolhouse. The family started growing pumpkins in 1989 and opened the pumpkin patch to guests. In 2006, they added the Homestead Bakery offering from-scratch baked goods.

They have a corn maze, wagon rides, pumpkin art (if you have been you know what I mean), trails, photo ops, animals (my favorite is the three little pigs), a bakery, shop, and thousands of pumpkins to see. 

Not only is this a great pumpkin patch but you drive through the heart of Amish country to get there so it is an experience not to be missed. 

I hope you have a chance to check out one or more of these pumpkin patches and enjoy this wonderful season! I know I plan to check out a couple of them myself! Bring on the apple cider donuts, pumpkin bread, and apple cider slushies!

The Learning Kitchen: Local cooking classes

 Springfield has great options for learning more about cooking if you are so inclined. Some I have mentioned in our events space on the blog, but others will be more in depth. 

Good Decisions Cooking Class- Monthly

Located at Danenberger Family Winery in New Berlin. The class is filled with an evening of cooking and great food. The winery's cooks will demonstrate and teach how to make three of Good Decision's classic recipes: hand pie, seasonal pasta, and a sweet treat. Each class includes a three-course dinner and will highlight local farms, stores, and suppliers. This way you can recreate the dishes at home. The cost of the class is $50 and lasts from 6:30-8:30pm. You can register for the class and find the dates of the class online at the Good Decisions website.

Copper Pot Cooking Studio

Copper Pot offers two types of classes a 'cook' class and an 'eat' class. The cook class is a hands-on experience where everyone makes the recipe and takes home the finished product. The eat class is a demonstration style class where you watch the chef make the dish. This is a dining experience where you get to observe different cooking techniques. The cook class is $40. The eat class is $45. The classes have different themes as well. They also offer classes just for kids. This is called Cookie Friday. Your kids get to go to the studio and bake a dozen of two types of cookies. The Cookie Friday class is $35.

They are located at 916 W Laurel St. Springfield IL 62704. You can go the Cooking Pot website to register for the classes. 

History Cooks Demonstrations

This is a demonstration only class offered every Friday afternoon during the summer from 12-1pm. This is located at the Lincoln's Home Visitors Center picnic tables. Each week offers recipes that would have been cooked at the time that the Lincoln's lived in Springfield and some of Abraham and Mary Lincoln's favorites. Each demonstration is taught by a culinary instructor at LLCC's culinary school. You can find more information on the Lincoln's Home website. 

The Nook at Harvest Market

Located upstairs at Harvest Market behind the bar. The Nook is an instructional and educational kitchen. The classes are demonstration style with an array of cooking techniques being introduced. They use an array of different ingredients and cuisines. Currently their website does not include a list of cooking classes offered. If interested check them out on Facebook or in the store. If I find a list of classes, I will let you know. 

Culinary Classes at LLCC

LLCC offers fun, educational, non-credit culinary experiences. These include hands on, demonstrations, dinners, special nights out, team building, and youth programs. Local chefs and food experts share their knowledge on a variety of topics. Gift certificates are also available. 

Dinners at Bistro Verde are multi-course experiences (not hands on). The chef offers remarks on the menu for each course. One glass of wine, spirits, or beer are served with each course. Participants must be 21 to register. The cost of these dinners are $79. There is one dinner offered per month. 

Hands-on Baking Classes are baking and pastry classes where you can learn to bake breads, pies, pastries, etc. For ages 19 and over. These classes are $59.

Hands-on Cooking classes are classes where you can learn the basics. You will join a culinary expert for hands-on cooking classes on the skills every cook needs to know. For ages 19 and over. If interested in learning basics there is a Kitchen 101 class offered on Sept 7. All these classes are $59.

Parent and Me Classes are hands on classes where you and your child will work side by side. The fee for one adult and one child is $55. If registering a 2nd child, it is an additional fee of $25. There is a limit of 2 children per adult. There are no scheduled classes at this time but check back at the website above if interested. 

Special Night Out Classes are a great way to spend a fun night with family, friends, or that special someone. You will watch a chef demonstration, enjoy a drink (cocktail, wine, beer). This is a fun and tasty night out. There is a 2-drink limit per person. Must be 21 years old to register. The cost of this class is $69.

Youth classes are designed specifically for young chefs ages 8-18. They are a perfect opportunity for youth to explore their interests and build their skills. The only class offered upcoming is on Oct 28 from 9:30am-12:30pm and the focus is on Halloween Treats. Costumes can be worn to class as long as they can work safely in the kitchen while wearing them. The cost of this class is $59.

History Cooks! Food of Lincoln's Springfield- offered weekly during the summer

Have you ever wondered what Mrs. Lincoln cooked or how ethnic diversity played into the food of the Lincoln's neighborhood? What was served at his inaugural dinner? How have we learned what the Lincoln's would have eaten in their home? Neighbors of the Lincoln's indicated that Mr. Lincoln often put on his apron and helped Mary make dinner or would help shop for groceries. History Comes Alive in Springfield IL started a new series last summer called History Cooks. In this summer series you have the opportunity to learn the answers to these questions and many more cool things and learn about a recipe that was actually a part of the Lincoln Household. 

Each week at Lincoln's Home in Springfield IL during the summer, they have partnered with LLCC's Culinary School to feature a free cooking demonstration inspired by the life and times of the Lincoln Neighborhood.  The location of the demonstration is at the Lincoln Home National Historic Site at the picnic tables near the visitor center. 

This event is offered every Friday from June 2-August 4 noon-1pm. Come check out the cooking demonstrations and receive the souvenir recipe card to recreate. 

Examples of dishes from last year's events are:

• Hibiscus Tea Punch
• Red Velvet Cake
• Cucumber Salad
• Cucumber Catsup
• Lemon Drop Candies
• French Almond Cake 
• Beer
• Fricasseed Chicken
• Oyster Stew
• Pickled Beets
• Milk Bread
• Pork Roast and vegetables
• Onion dressing
• Roasted Duck
• Hoe Cakes

Upcoming remaining demonstrations for 2023 are:

• July 7th- Mr. Lincoln's First Inaugural Ball with Chef Augie Mrozowski- pate's 
• July 14th- Mr. Lincoln in New Orleans with Chef Howard Seidel preparing traditional New Orleans dishes
• July 21- Bones found at the Lincoln Home with Chef Ty Bergman
• July 28- Mr. Lincoln's Gingerbread with Sarah Adams
• August 4- Mr. Lincoln's Diverse Neighborhood with Chef Marcus Holmes- sample of diverse menu from the time

I may just have to take one of these Fridays off work so I can check out this cool event! 

I love all the different cooking events that are offered in the area! If you find out about any others let me know. I have updated the events section with some upcoming festivals and fairs and this event as well. 

Kickoff to the Old Capitol Farmers Market is May 17th!

May kicks off one of my favorite seasons! Farmers Market season! In Springfield IL our Farmer's Market kicks off for the season on May 17th. It is considered to be the most popular farmers market in Central Illinois. The market supports small farmers and local growers by providing an open-air venue for them to sell their products. The local economy is supported by providing access to healthy products at a reasonable cost. The market is a great community meeting place. In preparation for that event, I am compiling some information you may want to know. 

First where is it located? The Old Capital Farmers Market runs on every Wednesday and Saturday morning starting May 17th in downtown Springfield, IL at 4th Street and Adams. It runs from 8am to 1230pm. The market runs through the end of October for the summer market.

What produce will be available in May? You will be able to find great produce like cabbage, cherries, lettuce, strawberries, and others. See the graphic below for all produce that will be in season and the benefits of the produce. 

What other items can you find at the farmers market? It is not just a place to find produce. You can find things like coffee, baked goods, soaps, olive oil, cut flowers, plants, eggs, meat products, and many other things. 

What type of payment do the vendors accept? Cash, credit, and debit are accepted as well as LINK is accepted and matched. 

My favorite vendors to check out are: 

Itty Bitty MicroFarm- I love their microgreens on sandwiches and salads, also they sell cat grass which my kitties love!

Calhoun Produce- they have the best peaches!

Hilltop Community Gardens- they just always have good stuff.

Hodgson's - mom always said they had the best cantaloupe.

I like to make a morning of it. Grab a friend, meet for breakfast (my favorite places to go are Boones and Cafe Moxo), then head to the market. Even if you don't end up buying anything ( I mean that never happens) it is great to get out among the community with friends and get some fresh air. 

The Big Feed Event

 This weekend I went with a friend to one of my favorite grocery stores, Harvest Market, for an event called The Big Feed. 

For anyone not familiar with Harvest Market, they support a lot of local small business producers. They sell their product and also give them primo space so people can discover these great products. This weekend the store opened their doors for the local vendors to come in and set up stations and pass out samples of their products and to share their products with the masses. 

This event was very cool to be able to talk to the person that roasted the coffee, or made the salsa, or worked on getting the best products to sell. 

I personally really enjoyed talking with the ladies from the Spartan Valley Olive Oil Company located in Springfield IL. The olive oil was reasonably priced for a good local product and tasted delicious. The most exciting part for me though was that they are helping me get a product I have been looking for months for! I have a recipe I want to make that calls for a specific Greek cheese that I have been unable to locate elsewhere. So, while I was sampling their product, I took a shot and asked if they carried Greek cheese and specifically the Kasseri I had been looking for and they do! You have no idea how excited this made me. They even gave me their contact number so I can call and make sure they have it in stock. 

They focus on working on bringing natural, fresh, extra virgin olive oil to us from Sparta, in Southern Greece. They also sell other products made with olive oil and sell Kalamata olives and Basalmic Vinegar.  Not only can their products be found at Harvest Market but they also have been found at the Old Capital Farmers Market on Saturday mornings. Their shop has very limited hours only on Tues and Thurs from 11-2. I also believe from our conversation that they have more in the store than is available online. 

Another company I really enjoyed speaking with was the Smart Owl Coffee Company located in Springfield IL. I have been on a hunt for a company that is local, cost effective, direct trade, and low acid. This company marks all the boxes and then some and as an added bonus it tastes great! We were able to sample the current seasonal blend, spiced mocha rose blend and it was so good! It tasted great and you have the additional benefits of no mold, supplements added to enhance for better health, and its organic. They have a subscription online, you can buy online, or you can go to various stores to purchase their product including Harvest Market. If you are interested in trying the product and want to buy online, they have a 20% off discount that is available as well. 

Smart Owl is woman-owned, family-run, and based in science. Another cool fact about this company is that it was started in the height of COVID in 2020. The supplements included vary depending on the type you get but all of their coffee has one common supplement, L-theanine, which is a type of tea extract that is an amino acid that is beneficial to our bodies but is not readily found in our diets. It is a cognitive enhancer which allows you to focus and be productive without the jitters and crash of typical coffee. Needless to say I stocked up on this coffee. This seasonal blend is on its way out due to it was the winter blend and a new one is in the works for the summer called the Give a Hoot Essentials Blend. It has Vanilla and Cinnamon tasting notes and $2 from every bag purchased will go to the Treehouse Wildlife Center in Dow, IL.

There were other great samples that I tried like the house made tortilla chips and salsa-YUM! The Guacamole was pretty good and I have never been a big fan of guacamole so that says a lot. I also really liked the Creekstone Kettle Works popcorn. They had so many unique flavors that you can buy like Bourbon and Brown Sugar (made special for the Springfield Harvest Market store), birthday cake, people chow, and sweet chili cheese among other more usual flavors. The samples of the Niemann Ranch Ground beef was so good and as an added bonus they run the restaurant at Harvest Market which I cannot say enough great things about. It has been my restaurant of choice lately in Springfield IL. All their beef is born and raised on pasture and are not given any artificial growth hormones. Niemann Ranch is located in Monroe City, MO. 

There were many other great products that I was able to sample, and it was great talking to the people who made the items like Kathy's Kitchen's Zesty Peach Salsa. This company is owned and operated by a couple in Virginia IL. Kathy for years entered preserved items in competition and won may times going back to the beginning in 1960. There are no artificial flavors or preserves, thickeners, extenders, or syrups. Each batch is carefully selected and prepared by hand to ensure only the best goes in each jar. It really gives you perspective when you meet the woman who tirelessly works to make such a quality product and you really can taste the difference. 

If you have not checked out Harvest Market, you should check them out. I know the first comment will be but it is expensive right. My response is that depends on how you look at it. Compared to Aldi and Walmart probably more expensive. However, you will find more local products so you can support local family run companies and get a great product. They have a great bulk section if you are looking for ways to save on packaging and some of the items are really priced well. 

Also, their produce and meat products are great! It's my favorite place to get meat and produce and if you want to try something different like Dragonfruit they have it (both in fresh and dried in the bulk section. They also have some unusual meat options like bison, elk, venison, and wild boar available. 

They also make great store made products like the salsa, guacamole, and tortilla chips mentioned earlier. As well as orange juice and fresh churned butter to name a few. 

Harvest Market has a great restaurant called the Farmhouse Restaurant. The price is very reasonable and you get a lot of food for the cost. The restaurant is farm to table with many recipes made from scratch. They use locally sourced ingredients from vendors like Niemann Ranch Beef, Little Farm on the Prairie Farm Fresh Eggs, and local milk from Kilgus Farms. They offer daily specials as well. If you haven't gone you need to try it. My personal favorite breakfast is the Columbia Street Waffle with extra bacon. They add espresso to the batter and to the butter. It's so good! They also have a great pony shoe and the pulled pork nachos are great! If you go in the evening, you can go upstairs in the bar area where they have live music scheduled and also have weekly events like trivia night and music bingo, and a comedian monthly. The music bingo is a lot of fun. Plus, the severs there are fantastic! 

Harvest Market also has various of other events like cooking videos and cooking demos with the stores in house dietician. There is also a coffee shop located at the store which I believe is one of the better ones in town personally. What makes it so good...for me it is the availability of sugar free options. When a lot of coffee shops are limiting these it seems, Harvest Market's Kaldi's Coffee seems to have more selection. Lastly, Harvest Market has meal kits available for purchase that are designed and prepared by the in house registered dietician. 

If you haven't checked them out yet you should go in and see what all they offer.