Pick Your Own

No, we don't mean your nose or your belly button lint. Tis the season for picking apples, raspberries, and of course hoards of gourds – think pumpkins and fall squash. Take the family or grab a pal for an easy day trip to one of many farms within an hour or so of the North Shore. One hundred bottles of pumpkin ale on the wall...

Didier Farms
Pumpkins, tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, green beans, hayrides, pumpkin patch in the field, 5 acre corn maze, Halloween shop.
Open 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. daily through Halloween
16678 West Aptakisic Road, Prairie View, Il 60069
847.634-3291
www.didierfarms.com

Heinz Orchard
Apples; Pure apple picking
Open Friday through Sunday, 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Ripening dates: McIntosh - September 11, Jonathan - September 18, Empire - September 25, Golden and Red Delicious--October 2
1050 Crest Road (corner of Crest & Atkinson), Green Oaks, IL 60048
847.770.3449
www.heinzorchard.com

Jonamac Orchard, Inc.
Pumpkins, apples, hayrides, pick-your-own pumpkin patch, kiddie barn. Also, pre-picked sweet corn, pumpkins, squash, apples, cider, preserves, honey, popcorn, Indian corn, hayrides and a haunted corn maze select days in October. Boo!
Open 7 days/week through Thanksgiving, 9 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. daily
19412 Shabbona Road, Malta, IL, 60150
815.825.2158
www.jonamacorchard.com

Kuipers Family Farm
Apples, pumpkins, honey from hives on the farm, cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), already-picked produce, gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, picnic area, pony rides, and petting zoo.
Apple Orchard open Saturday and Sunday only 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September and October; Pumpkin Farm Tuesday thru Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday & Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
1N318 Watson Road, Maple Park, IL 60151
815.827.5200
www.kuipersfamilyfarm.com

Vana's Pumpkin Land
Pumpkins, winter squash, gourds, white pumpkins, cider mill (fresh apple cider made on the premises), gift shop, snacks and refreshment stand, and petting zoo.
Open daily 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. through October 31
7705 W Rt17, Kankakee, IL 60901
815.939.2000

Savory Squash Recipe:

Squash is low in sodium, and good source of potassium, iron, fiber, and beta carotene. All varieties of squash are low in fat and calories. If you are like many folks, who take a pass on squash dishes that are served up as super sweet, brown sugar and cream concoctions, check out this savory recipe that gives a real zip to this nutritious fall favorite:

Butternut Squash with Green Chile and Mustard Seeds

2 teaspoons olive oil or vegetable oil
1/2 teaspoon brown mustard seeds
3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 chile pepper, halved, seeded, and thinly sliced
1 medium butternut squash (about 2 pounds), peeled, seeded, and cut into 1-inch cubes
1/2 cup water
Coarse salt
Chopped cilantro leaves (optional but yum!)

In a large frying pan over medium-high heat, add oil and mustard seeds. Cook over medium-high heat, covered, until seeds finish popping, approximately 1 minute. Add garlic and chile pepper and continue cooking, stirring, until garlic just starts to brown, about 1 minute.

Add squash cubes and stir to coat. Add 1/2 cup water, cover, and cook until squash is tender to the bite, approximately 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with salt to taste and garnish with chopped cilantro leaves if you like.

Makes 8 servings. (Recipe courtesy of Whatscookingamerica.net)

Laura Folkl

Pick Your Own

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