Our Favorite Fall Adventures in Apple Picking and Pumpkin Patching with 2 BONUS recipes

Our Doula’s Favorite Pumpkin patches and Aple Orchards bonus recipes to make with your pumpkin
treasures once you come home

Kroll’s Fall Harvest Farm

If you are looking for something simple Kroll’s boasts a variety of different pumpkins. There are hayrides with a focus on educating visitors on farming (crop rotation, hay versus straw, pollination) and the crops they grow (gourds, corn, pumpkins). Then make sure you pay a visit to the donkeys, sheep, goats, chickens and turkeys and learn about each from one of the knowledgeable employees.
13236 W. Town Line Rd.
Waukegan, IL
847-662-5733
Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest

If you are looking for a pumpkin “experience” you may want to check out Bengston’s. This is more of an all day event. You can mine for gemstones, ride ponies, twirl in a honey pot, ride the train, chuck a pumpkin, walk through the haunted barn and so much more. There are multiple food trucks to dine from and of course apple cider donuts!

13341 W 151st St

Homer Glen, IL

708-301-3276 (FARM)

Country Line Orchard

Here you can pick apples, pumpkins and sunflowers. You can also check out their Bee Yurts which make the apple orchard possible. Get lost in the corn maze and then take a ride on the moo choo. Also, County Line Orchard is proud to showcase local musical talent every weekend in the fall with Barnyard Jams.

200 S County Line Rd,

Hobart, IN

219-947-4477

Tanner’s Orchard

You’ll find plenty of fun things to do for people of all ages. From the miniature golf and tether ball stations to our Funship Mayapple and Burlington Northern caboose, you’ll never run out of things to do. A farmer’s market full of apple goodies. On Festival Days take a ride in our covered wagons to go pick your apples fresh from the trees. Apple and pumpkin picking.

740 State Route 40

Speer, IL

(309) 493-5442

Doula Picks: Favorite Pumpkin Recipes

Adriana‘s Favorite

Curry Pumpkin Soup

Serves 4 and it has just five ingredients. It can be made stovetop or in a slow cooker. Ideal for those who follow a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle.

Ingredients:

2 Lb of Pumpkin or butternut, raw

1 can coconut milk.

2 Tbsp curry powder

1 Tbsp salt (Adjust to taste)

2 tsp pepper

Coconut oil

Stovetop Version.

1.Turn the stovetop to medium and lightly coat a deep pot or saucepan with a dash of coconut oil.

2. Once hot, add the pumpkin and curry powder, salt and pepper and mix well so the spice mixture is evenly spread. Add the coconut milk and water to just cover the pumpkin and once it starts boiling, reduce to a simmer and allow to cook until pumpkin is very tender and soft.

3, Once tender, either use a potato masher to ensure no pumpkin is left intact. Alternatively, you can use a stick blender to puree until desired thickness.

4. Serve with dried cilantro, pumpkin seeds, and red pepper flakes.

Slow Cooker Version

1. Add the pumpkin, curry spices, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker and stir several times for the spices to coat. Evenly pour the coconut milk over it and slowly add enough water to just cover the pumpkin.

2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for close to 5.

Notes:

You can use precooked pumpkin for the stove top version but need to adjust the water and/or simmer longer until desired thickness is reached.

Try to use full-fat coconut milk for the richer, creamier texture.

Bon appetit!

Celena’s Favorite:

Paleo Pumpkin Muffins

yield 10 muffins

Ingredients

1 cup almond flour (I use Honeyville)
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
3 eggs, lightly beaten.
3/4 cup canned pumpkin puree
3 Tablespoons melted coconut oil
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 cup honey
1/4 cup chopped pecans

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350° F and grease 10 muffin cups.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the almond flour, coconut flour, baking soda, salt, and pumpkin pie spice.
Add the eggs, pumpkin, coconut oil, vanilla, and honey. Mix until combined.
Spoon into 10 muffin cups and sprinkle the chopped pecans and additional pumpkin pie spice on top.
Bake for 20 – 25 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
Transfer to a wire rack to cool.

Doula’s Top Pumpkin and Apple Adventures with two bonus Pumpkin Recipes

Ingredients

Instructions

Submit a Comment Cancel reply