A Recipe for Gathering: Cedar Oak Farms' Slow Dinner
By Leslie Cooperband, farmer & storyteller
At Cedar Oak Farms near Paxton, guests linger over candlelit tables inside a historic stone barn, conversations stretch between courses, and nearly every ingredient has a story rooted in central Illinois soil. For owner Teresa Strum, food has always been about slowing down, gathering together, and creating meaningful experiences around the table.
Farm History
Cedar Oak Farms sits on five peaceful acres beside Middle Fork Forest Preserve near Paxton. Teresa and her husband purchased the property in 2000, drawn to its quiet beauty and historic charm. The farmhouse and barn date back to the late 1800s, though the home sat vacant for decades before another farming family cared for it for much of the twentieth century.
After taking ownership, the Strums carefully restored both the farmhouse and the striking stone barn that now serves as the backdrop for many of the farm’s gatherings and dinners. While the property includes vegetable and flower gardens, Cedar Oak Farms' true focus eventually became food and hospitality.
Teresa worked in several renowned Chicago restaurant kitchens while putting herself through college, though she later pursued accounting as a career. Cooking, however, remained her true passion. After retiring early, she began baking and hosting a small farm market, which naturally evolved into private dinners and, eventually, Cedar Oak Farms' signature communal farm dinners.
Inspired in part by the intimate dining style of The Lost Kitchen, Teresa launched her slow-food-style dinners in 2024. Each event hosts just 24 guests gathered around long communal tables, where meals unfold slowly and intentionally from May through October.
The Heart Behind the Table
Teresa is passionate about seasonal cooking and showcasing the incredible ingredients grown throughout central Illinois. While she grows herbs, flowers, and select produce on-site, much of her menu is sourced from nearby farms and producers. Beef comes from Cow Creek Farm, poultry from DuChick Ranch, pork from Living Light Farm, and lamb from a farm near Farmer City.
But for Teresa, the experience extends beyond the plate. She loves introducing guests to the people and farms behind the ingredients while creating an atmosphere that encourages conversation, connection, and community. Every meal is designed to feel welcoming, relaxed, and deeply rooted in place.
She’s also passionate about highlighting the beauty of the Paxton area itself, especially the surrounding woods, prairie, and nearby Middle Fork Forest Preserve.
Slowing Down & Settling In
Ask Teresa what she most enjoys sharing, and she’ll quickly point to the farm’s history, the restored stone barn, and the stories behind the ingredients she serves.
The farm also offers u-pick flowers and herbs during the growing season, along with fresh-baked goods on select days. Guests can wander a self-guided walking trail that extends into nearby forest and wetland areas connected to Middle Fork Forest Preserve, making the property feel even more tucked into nature.
Whether visitors are gathering around a communal dinner table or strolling the trails before sunset, the farm encourages people to slow down and savor their surroundings.
Unique Experiences
Cedar Oak Farms continues to expand its offerings with seasonal and pop-up experiences designed to bring people together in thoughtful ways. Alongside the monthly farm dinners, visitors can enjoy wood-fired pizza nights on the patio complete with live music, yoga retreats, private dinners, and special seasonal events like Mother’s Day brunches.
Rather than creating large-scale attractions, Teresa has created a place where visitors can reconnect not only with where their food comes from, but also with the simple joy of slowing down and sharing a meal together.
CU on the Farm!
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