Maker's Long Acres

Effortless Entertaining: 10 Tips for Feeding a Crowd with Ease Over the weekend, we had the joy of hosting friends and family, filling our home with laughter, love, and an abundance of delicious food. People often marvel at how we manage to feed and entertain such a large group, saying, "Oh my gosh, how can you do that? I could never host that many people!" The truth is, with a little foresight and some practical strategies, it’s entirely possible to feed a crowd without breaking a sweat. Here are 10 tips to help you host with ease and enjoy the experience. Plan Ahead: Create a detailed menu and shopping list several days in advance. Knowing exactly what you need and having everything on hand can significantly reduce stress on the day of the event. Prep in Advance: Chop vegetables, marinate meats, and prepare any make-ahead dishes the day before. This will save you time and allow you to focus on final touches and spending time with your guests. Simplify Your Men...

We had a splendid time with friends over the weekend, the kind of gathering that fills the heart and feeds the soul. It wasn't grand or extravagant, just folks coming together, sharing a meal, and making a few memories. These are the moments we find most precious, where the simplicity of life reveals its true richness. Farm-life though didn't let us feel the warmth for long and before the weekend was over, tragedy  left us shredded and cold...  Leading up to our gathering was a week filled with the flurry of activity. Hannah, in her element, butchered a hog here on the farm for one of her Slaughter and Butchering two day events. Watching her is mesmerizing and we still marvel at the speed and efficiency she possesses.  It's truly a skill that connects us to our roots, reminding us of the cycle of life and the blessings it brings. I took to the kitchen, turning that hog into an array of dishes over the course of the week. Candied pork belly skewers, roasted gar...

It was an extraordinary week here at the farm as we prepared an entire pig's worth of pork for our friends. We spent days crafting piles of candied pork belly skewers, trays of pork rib-wrapped meatballs in a Spicy Thai chili sauce, seasoned with dried cherries , sweet peppers and onions, and trays and trays of roasted garlic and black pepper sausages. (We had some seriously full bellies!) The highlight for many, however, were the Birria tacos. Our guests had a blast frying up their own tortillas and assembling their tacos with their favorite toppings at the little taco station. Birria tacos have a magical way of bringing people together at gatherings, fostering fun and joy with every bite. By their very nature, Birria tacos make it super simple to feed a crowd. They are one of our top pick meals when it comes to hosting a gathering because the slow-cooked meat can be prepared in large batches ahead of time, and guests can easily assemble their own tacos with their pref...

Welcome to The Herd! Happy Wednesday Folks! Get ready to indulge in a treasure trove of sensational Rhubarb recipes, delight in the debut of a mouthwatering new  Premium Smoked Salt flavor, and enjoy an overload of fluffy cuteness. So, kick back, relax, and savor every moment! Ramblings From Ole Ma...  The skies opened up in a torrent, sheets of rain turning the world into a blur. There the three of us drove this Ole Ma, Ole Pa and Little Raye. Through the downpour, hoping or tires held to the pavement, we navigated toward a divine decree we never could have envisioned. We had answered an ad for a single pup, imagining a straightforward adoption of one furry companion. Life, however, had other plans.  Read Ole Ma's Ramblings Here!  Say What..  Guess what's FREE at the Farm Stand again this week? That's right- RHUBARB! If you haven't tried rhubarb in awhile it's time to give it another go! This tart treat, so often overlooked, packs loads of flavor and just might...

Hi folks, Hannah here, reflecting on an incredible weekend behind the butcher block. We just wrapped up a phenomenal butchery workshop at the farm, and I can't begin to express how fulfilling it's been to guide such a fantastic group of individuals through this journey. Over the weekend, we dove deep into the art of butchery, not just as a skill but as a way to reconnect with our food and its origins. It's been truly inspiring to see everyone embrace the challenge and grow in their understanding of sustainable living through hands-on experience. To all who joined us, thank you. Your enthusiasm and commitment to learning are what make these workshops so special. Let's continue to nurture our passion for good food and responsible living together. Ole Ma snapped several photos of the action packed class. Warning, don't scroll any further if you're squeamish! But if you're interested in where food comes from, I encourage you to check them out!   Look...

The skies opened up in a torrent, sheets of rain turning the world into a blur. There the three of us drove this Ole Ma, Ole Pa and Little Raye. Through the downpour, hoping or tires held to the pavement,  we navigated toward a divine decree we never could have envisioned. We had answered an ad for a single pup, imagining a straightforward adoption of one furry companion. Life, however, had other plans. It was a sweet older couple, long-time customers of our farm, who we're the owners of the pups. They were completely overwhelmed. They had a new grandbaby on the way, due any moment, and many other circumstances that made it difficult for them to find homes for the puppies. Through a series of messages, it was decided that we would take the whole litter. The whole litter! So there we were, driving through a fierce spring storm, with our hearts flooding,  excitement  popping and cracking like the lightning in the sky, on our way to meet the fluffballs and make t...

Furry Friends: 10 Signs You're Ready to Welcome New Companions In this week's newsletter, we're thrilled to share the heartwarming news of welcoming seven adorable puppies into our home. Watching these playful bundles of fur explore their new surroundings, wagging their tails with excitement, reminds us of the joy that pets bring into our lives. As we prepare to find loving homes for these precious pups, we're also excited about the prospect of offering bunnies to our community. It's a decision that's not to be taken lightly, and we're here to offer guidance for anyone considering adding a new furry friend to their household. Here are 10 signs to help you determine if you're ready for the rewarding journey of pet ownership: 1. Lifestyle Harmony: Assess if your current lifestyle aligns with the needs of a pet. Pets require time, attention, and care every day. 2. Space Suitability: Evaluate whether your home provides enough space for the type ...