This is the LAST video in our My Favorite Things holiday series. John secretly makes Lemon Curd Mini Pies while Andrea is away! Lemon Curd Mini Pies are easier to make than you might think. And making lemon curd yourself is a LOT cheaper than buying it. Use pre-made pie crust to make it even easier.![]()
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Lemon Curd:![]()
1 stick butter![]()
3 eggs, beaten![]()
3/4 cup sugar![]()
3/4 cup lemon juice![]()
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Heat slowly, stirring constantly until mixture is thick and starts to boil. Remove, cool, and spoon into cooked pie crust. ![]()
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Thank you for letting us share our holiday favorites with you. Best wishes for a prosperous 2025!![]()
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If you missed any in our My Favorite Things series, you can see them all at www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLONpgcHRH17tCNXPcib3VM6DG_5HRD7c2
My Favorite Things - Lemon Curd Mini Pies
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This is the LAST video in our My Favorite Things holiday series. Lemon Curd Mini Pies are easier to make than you might think. And making lemon curd yourse...
My Favorite Things - Trinidad Milk Punch![]()
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This delicious will transport you to the tropics! Enjoy it after dinner with friends. And watch the outtakes at the end!![]()
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1/2 cup evaporated milk![]()
1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk![]()
1/4 cup lemon curd![]()
1/4 cup white rum![]()
1/2 tbsp lime juice![]()
1/2 tsp bitters![]()
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By the way, when creating this video, YouTube's AI suggested titles. Too funny. Here's what they suggested:![]()
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- I Tried Trinidad Milk Punch and Here’s What Happened![]()
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- The Shocking Difference Between Trinidad Milk Punch and Regular Milk![]()
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- Trinidad Milk Punch Is the BEST Thing That's Happened to My Morning![]()
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- The 5-Minute Trinidad Milk Punch Hack That Changed My Life
My Favorite Things Trinidad Milk Punch
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This is a delicious drink that will transport you to the tropics! Enjoy this after dinner with friends.1/2 cup evaporated milk1/4 cup sweetened condensed mi...
It's that magical time between Christmas and the New Year. Christmas is over and you can finally relax and forget what day of the week it is. So make yourself a refreshing holiday drink and try not to think about how quickly going back to work. ![]()
Here's one to try. It's called the Naughty & Nice Cocktail.![]()
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Ingredients:![]()
2 oz bourbon![]()
1 oz orange juice![]()
2 oz cranberry juice![]()
1 oz ginger syrup![]()
2 oz club soda![]()
Mix and serve over ice![]()
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Ingredients for the Ginger Syrup:![]()
1 cup chopped ginger (put it in the blender)![]()
1 cup water![]()
1 cup sugar![]()
1/2 cup lemon juice![]()
Boil, Strain, & Refrigerate![]()
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My Favorite Things - Naughty & Nice Cocktail
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This is a refreshing holiday drink! You'll want to have a second one.Ingredients:2 oz bourbon1 oz orange juice2 oz cranberry juice1 oz ginger syrup2 oz club...
Christmas may be over, but there's still plenty of time for holiday gatherings. And there's always time for chocolate cake! This cake is delicious and easy to make. Use just one pot on the stove to mix and one sheet pan to bake. It's like fudge on chocolate cake. Thank you Brenda for showing us how to make this!![]()
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Cake Ingredients:![]()
2 sticks butter![]()
4 tbsp cocoa![]()
1 cup water![]()
2 cups sugar![]()
2 cups flour![]()
1 tsp salt![]()
1/2 cup sour cream![]()
2 eggs![]()
1 tbsp baking soda![]()
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Frosting Ingredients:![]()
1 stick butter![]()
4 tbsp cocoa![]()
1 cup milk![]()
1 lb powdered sugar![]()
1 tsp vanilla![]()
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My Favorite Things - Texas Sheet Cake
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This cake is delicious and easy to make. Use just one pot on the stove to mix and one sheet pan to bake. It's like fudge on chocolate cake. Get ready for ...
Happy Wife Acres will be closed on Christmas so that our employees can…YEAH RIGHT! On the farm, every day is a work day. We rounded up roosters for tomorrow’s processing, and de-spurred our permanent roosters. Just another day on the farm. ![]()
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MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!
Next in our series is a rich and delicious drink, Buttered Rum. Worry about calories in January. Enjoy the holidays with this drink!![]()
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1 stick butter![]()
1 cup heavy whipping cream![]()
1/2 cup brown sugar![]()
2 oz spiced rum![]()
1/4 tsp salt![]()
1/4 tsp Moroccan spice blend![]()
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Moroccan Spice Blend ingredients:![]()
3 tbsp black pepper![]()
2 tsp ginger![]()
2 tsp cinnamon![]()
1 tsp turmeric![]()
1/2 tsp cardamom![]()
1/4 tsp ground clove![]()
1/4 tsp nutmeg![]()
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My Favorite Things - Buttered Rum
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This drink is like liquid candy! Rich and delicious, you'll be asking for more. Ingredients:1 stick butter1 cup heavy whipping cream1/2 cup brown sugar2 oz...
Update: Sunny D has a new home pending pickup. ![]()
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We posted about Sunny D nesting yesterday. She only had 1 baby and it died. This is the second time she only had 1 baby, so are retiring her. We don’t want to eat her, so she will either run the yard with Isabella, or will become someone’s pet. If you are interested in a large pet rabbit, please contact us. You must have all the supplies ready to care for a rabbit.
A Few Minutes on the Homestead - 21 December 2024![]()
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Today we talk about the winter solstice and the effects of sunlight on egg production. Today is the shortest daylight day of the year. Even though we will start having more daylight, it will only increase about 20 minutes in the next month. But in TWO months (21 February), we will have an extra hour and 40 minutes! The laying hens will notice the extra light, and will start laying more. Actually, the production begins to increase in January, but we really notice the difference in February. Yes, in the middle of winter! Production peaks in early May, and steadily drops until October, when it nosedives due to molt and decreased sunlight. So while we enjoy our winter break and the holidays, we look forward to more sunlight and eggs!![]()
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A Few Minutes on the Homestead - 21 December 2024
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A quick look at what is happening on the farm. Today we talk about winter solstice and the effect on egg production.
Sunny D is about to have babies! She already made a nest behind her, and this morning she is pulling fur to line the nest to keep the babies warm. That usually happens about 4 hours before the babies arrive. How does she know babies are 4 hours away?? Miracles of nature. The fur comes from her belly, which makes her teats easier to find. We'll check on Sunny D in a few hours to make sure all the babies are together in the nest and warm.
We will be processing chickens on Thursday, 26 December in the processing barn.![]()
1. If you would like to observe the processing and ask questions, please fill out this form: www.happywifeacres.com/request-to-observe-animal.../. If you intend on showing up on Thursday, please put that in the comments or write us. We start at 8:30 am. There is no cost to observe, but space is limited. 4 slots available.![]()
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2. If you would like to purchase processed chicken, please fill out this Meat Order Form: www.happywifeacres.com/chicken-meat-order-form/. We will have young roosters and maybe old hens. ![]()
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3. If you have unwanted roosters or old hens that you would like to donate, please contact us to arrange for drop off before Wednesday evening,24 December( Christmas eve). www.happywifeacres.com/livestock-drop-off-form/ ![]()
You can also message us or call/text at 937-361-5798 with questions.
My Favorite Things - Mini Maple Pecan Pies![]()
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Here's an easy recipe made even easier by using a package of sugar cookie mix. ![]()
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Mix the sugar cookie dough according to the package instructions.![]()
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Divide the dough into 12 pieces. Flatten and form cups in muffin tins. Half bake, about 10 minutes at 375F.![]()
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Mix the following:![]()
1/3 cup packed brown sugar![]()
1/4 cup corn syrup![]()
1 tbsp maple syrup![]()
1/2 tsp vanilla![]()
1 cup pecan pieces![]()
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Remove the cookie cups and spoon on the pecan mixture. Bake for another 10 minutes. Cool for 30 minutes. Enjoy!![]()
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My Favorite Things - Mini Maple Pecan Pies
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Here's an easy recipe made even easier by using a package of sugar cookie mix. Mix the sugar cookie dough according to the package instructions.Divide the d...
Next in the My Favorite Things lineup are No Bake Cookies. How can you go wrong with chocolate and peanut butter?? And the oats will make you think that cookies are good for you! This recipe is borrowed from our neighbor, Nancy. The extra cocoa powder and peanut butter set these cookies apart. Your family and guests will be asking for more.![]()
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HEAT TO BOIL:![]()
1 stick butter![]()
2 cups sugar![]()
5 tsp cocoa powder![]()
1/2 cup milk![]()
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THEN ADD:![]()
2/3 cup peanut butter![]()
1 tsp vanilla![]()
3 cups quick cook oats![]()
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Spoon out on wax paper and let cool![]()
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My Favorite Things - No Bake Cookies
www.youtube.com
No Bake Cookies are delicious! This recipe is borrowed from our neighbor, Nancy. The extra cocoa powder and peanut butter set these apart, and the oats mak...
Next in our My Favorite Things" series is a warm cocktail, the Hot Ginger Toddy. The bourbon and ginger will warm your insides. Sip and smile. Drink this AFTER you're done with chores!![]()
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4 oz bourbon![]()
1 oz ginger syrup![]()
1 oz lemon juice![]()
2 oz honey![]()
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The ginger syrup is easy to make. We use a blender to chop up the ginger root. Then boil a few minutes with the water, sugar, and lemon juice. Strain and refrigerate. It's also good in fruit juice. ![]()
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1 cup chopped ginger![]()
1 cup water![]()
1 cup sugar![]()
1/2 cup lemon juice![]()
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My Favorite Things - Hot Ginger Toddy
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This is a powerful drink, but the ginger will make you feel warm on the inside! Gently heat on the stove so you don't boil off the alcohol. Then sip and sm...
Next on the list of My Favorite Things is Mexican Pecan Candy. Don't let caramelized sugar intimidate you. It's easier than you think, and the results are worth it. These sweet treats won't last long!![]()
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HEAT![]()
1 cup sugar![]()
1 cup brown sugar![]()
2 cups pecan halves![]()
1/2 cup water![]()
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ADD ![]()
1/2 cup caramelized sugar![]()
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HEAT to 238F![]()
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ADD![]()
1 tbsp butter![]()
1 tsp vanilla![]()
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Spoon onto wax paper. Cool. Enjoy!![]()
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Tank, our little Serama rooster, sleeps in the garage. At sunset, he jumps the fence to the back porch and patiently waits by the back door to be let in. Such a sweetheart.
The next holiday favorite is the classic Grasshopper cocktail. It's creamy with tastes of chocolate and mint. Perfect for the holidays! And with only 3 ingredients, it's easy to make.![]()
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1 oz Creme de Cacao![]()
1 oz Creme de Menthe![]()
2 oz Heavy Whipping Cream![]()
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My Favorite Things Grasshopper
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The Grasshopper cocktail is a classic because it's so delicious! And it has only 3 ingredients. It's creamy, with tastes of chocolate and mint. Yum!1 oz C...
We're already scheduling classes for 2025. We'll teach the "Beginner's Guide to Raising Chickens" on 15 March and "Raising Quail for Food" on 22 March. Now through the end of 2024, the fee for both classes is $25, but will increase to $30 in 2025. Register now and save $5!![]()
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Learn more and register at www.happywifeacres.com/classes/
The next of Andrea's favorite things is Sausage Balls. These will be a hit at your holiday party. Who doesn't love sausage and cheese?! Easy to make, and you can even freeze them ahead of time and pop them in the oven when guests arrive. There won't be any left! Andrea says to serve them with mustard.![]()
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1 pound sausage![]()
8 oz cream cheese![]()
1 10oz can Rotel tomatoes![]()
2 cups shredded cheese![]()
2 cups baking mix![]()
1/4 tsp pepper![]()
1/2 tsp garlic powder![]()
1/2 tsp onion powder![]()
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Bake 20-25 minutes at 375F![]()
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My Favorite Things Sausage Balls
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This will be a hit at your holiday party. Who doesn't love sausage and cheese?! Easy to make, and you can even freeze them ahead of time and just pop them ...
Next in our holiday video series is the Santa's Sleigh Cocktail. This drink is an adult milkshake! Ice cream and egg nog makes it sweet and smooth. Brandy gives it a little kick!![]()
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1 cup egg nog![]()
1/4 cup brandy![]()
1/4 cup Amaretto liqueur![]()
cinnamon![]()
nutmeg![]()
1 scoop vanilla ice cream![]()
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Blend. Serves 2.![]()
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My Favorite Things - Santa's Sleigh Cocktail
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The Santa's Sleigh Cocktail is creamy, like an adult milkshake. And it's easy to make!1 cup egg nog1/4 cup brandy1/4 cup Amaretto liqueurcinnamonnutmeg1 sco...
Next in our holiday series is Easy Egg Nog Bread. Imagine a muffin and a fruit cake had a baby. It's hearty and moist, but not too sweet. And emphasis on easy. Your family or party guests will love this! ![]()
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-Next in our series is Easy Egg Nog Bread. It's sort of like a fruit cake and a muffin had a baby. Not too sweet, but hearty and moist. Forget the fruit c...
We don’t raise Cornish Cross chickens on our farm for a couple of reasons. First, they aren’t sustainable. They are artificially inseminated, so the backyard chicken owner can’t make more. Second is the taste. Cornish cross chickens are so young at processing that they don’t have time to develop flavor in their meat. So they are injected with fluids to make them taste like what industry thinks chicken should taste like. We raise heritage breeds. They are a smaller chicken at 5 months, but have more flavor than you will ever get from a 6-8 week old store chicken.
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Second in our holiday series is a simple yet delicious cocktail, the Ruby Mule. It has just 4 ingredients:![]()
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2 oz grapefruit juice![]()
1/2 oz lime juice![]()
2 oz vodka![]()
4 oz ginger ale![]()
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Enjoy!![]()
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My Favorite Things - Ruby Mule Cocktail
youtu.be
This simple cocktail is delicious! And easy to make. Instead of ginger beer, just use ginger ale. 2 oz grapefruit juice1/2 oz lime juice2 oz vodka4 oz ging...