My family lives life one October at a time – always working towards it, somehow surviving through it, and recovering after it. My parents own a pumpkin farm in Nebraska. For two years after college, and then on-and-off since, I worked as a food and beverage manager at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch, developing the 14 or so specialty food locations sprawled across the farm. Some people visit Vala’s to buy pumpkins, but I fly home in the fall mostly for the food.
Fall Food at Vala’s
Kettle Corn - We’re famous for our special recipe.
Big Barn Bakery - Fresh baked cinnamon rolls, cookies, pies and pumpkin bread
Lolo’s Fudgery - Sells fudge and cheese popcorn
Kirsten’s Coffee Shop - It may be a farm, but you can get a Starbucks pumpkin latte at my coffee shop
Snow Cones - Watch out for the bees!
Turkey Legs - Yumm.
Potato Patch - All things potato.
Cotton Candy - Kids love watching through the window.
Country Bakery - Serving chili in bread bowls, cupcakes and pumpkin cheesecake.
4 responses so far ↓
1 Kate in St. Louis // Oct 26, 2008 at 2:56 pm
The custard! You forgot the custard!!
For several years — as you know — we’ve been bringing home Vala’s kettle corn, fudge, caramel applies and other goodies. My best friend (who has had Mackinac Island fudge since she was little) has deemed Vala’s fudge The Best Ever. My co-workers have long agreed. It’s a long way to go for goodies, but they’re worth it! Of course, seeing all you guys helps…
2 Kris Smith // Oct 26, 2008 at 8:48 pm
Very nice pictures, Kirsten. Sorry I missed seeing you this fall.
3 Ann // Nov 1, 2008 at 12:46 pm
Okie, so am I jealous that you escaped from here or should I tease about how many trips I have made to Vala’s?
And a question, after the 31st, what do they do with all the leftover pumpkins left in the fields? I would kill for the seeds to roast!
4 Juan // Nov 21, 2008 at 2:08 pm
So how about we plan for a reunion sometime in the next few years at your pumpkin farm? That was so much fun. And I promise we won’t let jiayang drive the Gators.
Leave a Comment