Pumpkins, Squash, & Apples-Locally Grown!

It’s the time of year when farm stands have a distinctive red, yellow, and orange color scheme. Make sure to support local farmers by stopping at the many roadside stands you see throughout our area.  Or, stop by the farmer’s markets that are set up during the weekends in Traverse City, Suttons Bay, or Frankfort. A full list can be found at: http://localdifference.org

We at Visit Up North love to check out the Macintosh and Honey Crisp varieties of apples.

Did you know that pumpkins originated in Central America? Or that the largest pumpkin ever grown weighed 1,689 pounds? For more fun pumpkin facts, check out http://www.pumpkinnook.com/ They’re not just for carving!

And, an all-time favorite Acorn Squash recipe:  2 acorn squash, halved and seeded, salt/pepper to taste, 1/4 cup butter (diced), 6 tbl packed brown sugar.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place squash in a shallow baking pan, cut side down. Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until tender. Turn cut side up; season with salt and pepper, dot with butter and sprinkle with brown sugar. Bake for 20 minutes more.