Maple Syrup Season is Coming!

We are excited with maple syrup season right around the corner.

We have our spiles and buckets ready, but our biggest concern is having enough firewood to keep the sap boiling for a few weeks. I’ve been chopping down dead trees on our new land, but we may need to make a trip to Amish country for some slabs.

This year, we will have at least a dozen new trees in the process. I anticipate we may break 15 gallons if we have a good season and keep an eye on the evaporator!

Fall 2024 Update

It’s been a while since we’ve posted, but there are some big updates to share from our farm. I’ll be brief in this post and share photos later on.

Cow Milk

Our cow Etta was bred in late summer and we expect her to give birth in May. That means we will likely have a herd share for cow milk in summer 2025.

Goat Milk

We now have 3 female goats, Lilac, Mary, and Dorothy, all bred at this point. We will have goat milk herd shares beginning in spring 2025.

Adding On

We recently purchased 20 acres of farmland adjacent to our current location, which will be expanded into more pasture space and maple and fruit trees. We will be renting out most of it to a farmer who does not use harmful pesticides or fertilizers.

For now, we’ve got a lot of fence and a barn to build.

Farewell to Farm Stand Season: Reflecting on a Year of Fresh Harvests

As the changing seasons usher in the crisp days of autumn, we find ourselves at the end of another rewarding farm stand season here at Three Daughters Farm.

It’s a time for us to take stock of the year’s accomplishments, express our gratitude to our loyal customers, and share a glimpse into what’s on the horizon.

Let’s walk through the diverse range of products that graced our farm stand throughout the year and provide a sneak peek into our upcoming maple syrup-making season.

A Year of Abundant Harvests

Our farm stand season kicked off with the promise of spring, bringing forth the first fruits of our labor. Early months witnessed an abundance of fresh garlic, ripe tomatoes, sweet corn, squash, and vibrant pumpkins. These vegetables, cultivated with care, served as a tangible testament to the hard work and dedication of our farm team.

Maple Magic Unleashed

A highlight of our farm stand was the availability of our beloved maple products: maple smoked nuts and pure maple syrup. The nuanced, smoky flavor of our nuts and the rich, amber sweetness of our syrup have become cherished staples. These products embody the essence of our farm and have been a delightful addition to our stand.

Farm-Fresh Essentials at Your Fingertips

No farm stand is complete without farm-fresh essentials from our barnyard. Our chickens provided us with eggs, proudly displayed alongside our other offerings. Additionally, the milk from our goat added a creamy touch to our selection late this year.

Indulge in Sweet Treats and Comfort Food

Beyond the essentials, our farm stand has become a destination for those seeking comfort and indulgence. Our homemade cookies, prepared with care, offered a sweet temptation that few could resist. The crusty exterior and soft interior of Jess’ sourdough bread is a daily favorite. And hand pies (when available), featuring apples and raspberries fresh from our orchard, or chestnuts when in season, combine nostalgia and flavor.

Peering into the Future

With winter approaching and our farm stand season drawing to a close, our focus shifts to the coming months. We look forward to the sugaring season, a time when we turn sap from our maple trees into pure maple syrup.

Thanks to our newly constructed sugar shack, an extension of our greenhouse, this year’s syrup-making promises to be more efficient and productive.

Heartfelt Thanks

We want to express our sincere thanks to all who visited our farm stand this year. Your support and enthusiasm have played a pivotal role in making Three Daughters Farm an integral part of our community. We eagerly anticipate welcoming you back next season with fresh produce, warm smiles, and even more farm-fresh delights.

From our family to yours, thank you for being a part of our farm’s journey.

Visit the Three Daughters Farm Market this Summer!

We’ve finished building our farm stand, right on 64th Street, where you can find:

  • Farm fresh eggs
  • Homemade jams
  • Homemade sourdough bread
  • Homemade cookies & other baked goods
  • Maple syrup
  • Maple smoked nuts
  • Seasonal produce
  • Herbal remedies and more!

So come visit us in Alto! We put the sign out on Saturday and Sunday, but you can also get in touch with us if you’d like to pick up during the week.

See you soon!

Creative Uses for Farm-Fresh Eggs

Eggs are a staple in most households and are incredibly versatile in the kitchen. If you have access to farm-fresh eggs, you’re in luck because they can make your dishes even more delicious. Here are some creative uses for farm-fresh eggs that you might not have thought of:

1. Poached Eggs

Poached eggs are a great way to showcase the quality of farm-fresh eggs. Simply simmer water with vinegar and crack an egg into the water. The result is a beautifully cooked egg with a runny yolk that pairs well with toast or English muffins.

2. Homemade Mayonnaise

Mayonnaise is a staple condiment in many kitchens. Making your own with farm-fresh eggs is easy and much tastier than store-bought versions. All you need is egg yolks, oil, mustard, vinegar, and salt.

3. Carbonara Sauce

Carbonara is a classic pasta sauce made with eggs, cheese, and bacon or pancetta. Farm-fresh eggs make this dish even more delicious, with their rich flavor and bright yellow yolks.

4. Shakshuka

Shakshuka is a North African and Middle Eastern dish made with eggs poached in a tomato-based sauce. It’s easy to make, and farm-fresh eggs add a delicious richness to the dish.

5. Homemade Ice Cream

Homemade ice cream made with farm-fresh eggs is an indulgent treat. The egg yolks give the ice cream a rich and creamy texture. Vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry are all popular flavors, but you can get creative and experiment with different flavors.

6. Egg Custard

Egg custard is a delicious dessert that’s easy to make with farm-fresh eggs. All you need is eggs, milk, sugar, and vanilla. You can also add other flavors like cinnamon or nutmeg.

7. Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are a classic appetizer that’s easy to make with farm-fresh eggs. Simply hard-boil the eggs, slice them in half, and mix the yolks with mayonnaise, mustard, and spices. You can get creative and add different toppings like bacon bits or chives.

8. Huevos Rancheros

Huevos Rancheros is a traditional Mexican breakfast dish made with eggs, salsa, and tortillas. Farm-fresh eggs give the dish a richer flavor and creamier texture.

9. Frittatas

Frittatas are a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meats. They’re easy to make and can be served for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Farm-fresh eggs give the frittata a delicious flavor and texture.

Farm-fresh eggs are versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. Here are some other creative uses for farm-fresh eggs:

  • Egg drop soup
  • Hollandaise sauce
  • Béarnaise sauce
  • Aioli
  • Scotch eggs
  • Quiche
  • Omelets
  • Breakfast burritos
  • Egg salad sandwiches

With farm-fresh eggs, the possibilities are endless. Whether you’re making breakfast, lunch, or dinner, farm-fresh eggs will add a delicious flavor and texture to your dishes. So, get creative in the kitchen and start experimenting with these delicious recipes!

Don’t Let a Spring Cold Snap Ruin Your Garden: Tips for Protecting Seedlings and Crops

Springtime can be a tricky season for gardeners in West Michigan. With fluctuating temperatures and unexpected cold snaps, protecting seedlings and garden crops from the elements can be challenging. However, there are several tips and tricks to help your plants survive a late-season frost and thrive during the spring and summer months.

Here are some practical ways to protect seedlings and garden crops from a cold snap:

  1. Cover plants: The easiest way to protect your plants from frost is to cover them. Use blankets, towels, sheets, or even cardboard boxes to cover them. Ensure the cover goes all the way to the ground to trap heat, and be sure to remove it in the morning before the sun gets too hot.
  2. Use water: Water helps to retain heat, and the process of freezing generates heat. Therefore, watering your plants before a frosty night can help keep them warm. However, be sure to water them early in the day so that the water has time to absorb into the soil and the plant can dry off before the temperature drops.
  3. Mulch: Adding a layer of mulch to your garden beds can help to retain heat and moisture. Use organic matter such as straw, leaves, grass clippings, or shredded newspaper. Spread it about two to three inches deep around your plants.
  4. Use cloths: You can drape old clothes, scarves, or burlap sacks over plants as protection against frost. Cloth provides better insulation than plastic or paper.
  5. Bring plants indoors: If you have container plants or potted seedlings, bring them indoors when there is a cold snap. Be sure to place them near a window that gets plenty of sunlight and move them back outside when the temperatures warm up.
  6. Use household items: There are several household items that you can use to protect your plants from frost. Milk jugs with the bottom cut out can act as a mini-greenhouse to trap heat. You can also use old sheets or curtains to create a barrier.
  7. Cover the soil: The soil surrounding your plants also needs protection from the cold. Cover the soil with a layer of straw or other organic mulch to retain heat and moisture.
  8. Heat lamps: If you have access to heat lamps or other outdoor heating sources, use them to keep your plants warm during a cold snap. Place the lamp or heater near your plants and be sure to follow all safety instructions.
  9. Build a temporary greenhouse: If you have a larger garden or want a more permanent solution, consider building a temporary greenhouse using PVC pipes and plastic sheeting. You can find instructions online, and this will provide protection against frost and extend your growing season.

Protecting your garden from a cold snap can be done with some household items, inexpensive materials, and a little bit of creativity. With these tips, you can help your plants survive a late-season frost and thrive during the growing season. Happy gardening!