Cheesy Devils -aka Mac and Cheese Stuffed Red Bell Peppers

Ok folks, this may just be the scariest Halloween post ever here at Pig In Mud. If you've been around for a while you know I like to keep the 'happy' in Halloween. But I had some red bell peppers in the the garden and did raise two boys... Yep, even as grown men today they got a kick out of these Cheesy Devils:@) Two ingredients, peppers and store bought prepared macaroni and cheese. Kids love mac and cheese and this is an easy way to add a little veggie into dinner. Simply cut some exaggerated tringles for eyes and free hand a wonky circle for the mouth and bake. Done.

Want to add some protein? Maybe use the mac & cheese with burnt ends or serve crescent wrapped mummy hotdogs with them:@)

Cheesy liquid oozing from eyes and mouth...

Oh yea, it is Halloween after all:@)

My Halloween Food Pinterest Board here.

Cheesy Devils -Macaroni & Cheese Stuffed Peppers

1. Use one extra pepper than you plan to bake.
2. Choose any red peppers that will stand up, tops cut off, seeds and membranes removed.
3. Cut eyes and mouth out of pepper.
4. Use store bought prepared mac and cheese from the cold case. Stuff the peppers, pressing down lightly to fill with mac and cheese.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for about 30-45 minutes. I used 30 minutes, my peppers were a little thin from the garden and I do like a little bite.
6. While in oven, cut horns out of the red pepper we didn't bake. Push into mac and cheese when done baking.

Make something just for fun and

Have a Happy Halloween Season🎃

Creamy Garlic Turkey Tetrazzini

Years ago I started a label on the blog called 'new food to me'. The idea was to challenge myself to try new things. Turkey Tetrazzini was on the list. I've heard about it forever, never used spaghetti in a white sauce, and this sounded like a nice meal. My twist on the recipe is, I added two very large cloves of garlic and took a shortcut by using cream of mushroom soup (we are not mushroom connoisseurs here at Pig in Mud:@) There is a ton of flexibility here, alter amounts and additions as desired, and it's a great way to reinvent leftover holiday turkey. We all liked this dinner, the garlic was really nice, and it will be added to the rotation. Although, I will say the 9x13 recipe below will feed a lot of people... I'll scale it back to 8x8 the next time.

Turkey Tetrazzini-what I did 

Leftover cooked turkey, about 2 C cubed, or as much as you'd like or have

12 oz thin spaghetti, cooked, drained and run under cold water to cool.

onion, medium, diced

celery, one large stalk sliced

red bell pepper, about 1/2 C, diced

garlic, 2 large cloves, minced

2-3 Tblsp butter

(2) 10 oz cans cream of mushroom soup

1 C half and half

1/2 C chicken broth

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 tsp garlic powder

up to 1/2 C parmesan cheese-I used a 2.5oz jar of grated

1 C (or more) frozen peas, thawed

S&P to taste

1. Cook onion, celery, and red pepper in butter, cook for about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic and extra butter if needed. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes to release flavor.
3. Stir in soup, half and half, broth, and cheese.
4. Heat and stir until all is incorporated.
5. Add some salt and pepper.
6. Stir in spaghetti, turkey and peas.
7. Pour into 9x13 casserole dish.
8. Cover with foil and bake at 350 for 30-45 minutes or until heated through.

Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

My New Foods List:

(If my sons happen to read this... relax! I still promise fairly "normal" Sunday dinners...)

hominy ~ artichokes ~ fish sauce (I'm scared) ~ leeks ~ almond paste ~ oyster sauce (scared again) ~ gorgonzola ~ dates ~ brisket ~ parsnips ~ adobo ~ meringue powder ~ fennel ~ goat cheese (I'm told to be scared) ~ souffle ~ red velvet anything ~ curry ~ capers ~ chow chow ~ pot stickers ~pho ~ ponzu sauce ~ fondant ~ fire roasted tomatoes ~ Gruyere ~ Quinoa ~ Tetrazzini any kind ~ Divinity ~ Meyer lemon ~ lemon curd ~ shallots ~turkey tenderloin and Chipotle Powder ~ Smoked Turkey Sausage

8x8 Tuna Noodle Casserole -Retro, Budget Friendly

On today's episode of Frugal Living, pinch that penny til it squeals...

It's been about 100 years since I've made a Tuna Noodle Casserole. I thought I'd share it because, it's honestly not a very expensive meal to make, and feels like comfort food on these cold winter days. This recipe for an 8x8 baker will easily feed up to four people. Wiggle room? I used one can of tuna, add more if desired. Want to add carrots or another veggie? Change it up and toss them into the water while boiling the noodles. No noodles? Sub any pasta. Don't care for celery soup? Use Cream of Chicken or Mushroom. Bread crumb topping kinda boring? Change it to crushed potato chips, crushed pork rinds, French fried onions, croutons or panko. Yep, lots of options folks...

Only want two servings: 

Use a pouch of tuna, cut recipe in half, and use a loaf pan.

Walmart the day I shopped:

Can of tuna - 88¢

Can of celery soup - 69¢

Frozen peas - 99¢, use half or more

16 oz dry noodles - $1.45, use less than half

8X8 Tuna Noodle Casserole

5oz can tuna fish in water, drained

approx 5-6 oz wide noodles, cooked and drained

approx half bag of frozen peas (can add more), thawed

10 oz can Cream of Celery Soup

1 Tblsp milk

1/4 tsp seasoned salt, your favorite

1/4 tsp onion powder

Few hearty grinds black pepper

Bread crumbs for top

1. Boil water, cook noodles for 7 minutes, drain. (I like to add the frozen peas to the colander, then pour the boiling noodles into the colander).
2. Mix everything except breadcrumbs. 
3. Pour into 8x8 baking dish (or foil pan, even better:@)
4. Top with breadcrumbs.
5. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes or until heated through.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Hellmann's Macaroni Salad

I'm thinking about trying some of the tried and true classic recipes for summer salads instead of just winging it like I usually do:@) Years ago I made Creamettes Macaroni Salad here, it had eggs and cheese and was very good. On today's menu, Hellmann's Macaroni Salad. This is the first time I've added white vinegar to a macaroni salad, it brings a nice little zing. I also loved the good amount of fresh vegetables, they add a cool crunch that will be welcome in the warmer weather. This is a refreshing side salad that will appeal to anyone that likes a little zippy bite, please note there is very little sugar in this recipe.

Hellmann's Macaroni Salad

8 oz elbow macaroni, cooked and run under cold water, drained

1 C Hellmann's Mayonnaise

2 Tblsp white vinegar

1 Tblsp Dijon mustard

1 tsp sugar

1 C celery, thinly sliced

1 C green or red bell pepper, chopped

1/4 C white or yellow onion, chopped

*1 tsp salt

*1/4 tsp ground black pepper

1. Mix mayonnaise, vinegar, mustard, sugar in bowl. 
2. Mix in everything else.
3. *Add S&P to taste.
4. Served chilled.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Vegetarian Chili Mac

No secret to anyone here, I love to eat:@) But if there's one thing I know, it's that a meatless dinner at least once a week is a good idea. This Vegetarian Chili Mac is filling, tasty, and can be made in about 30 minutes. And as the weather is hopefully getting warmer, regular chili might be a little heavy, this is a lighter version. I feel it's also a great recipe to help teach kids how to cook. This is ~incredibly versatile~, add more veggies, swap out the canned tomatoes for Rotel if you'd like. Use the beans you have on-hand (I had black beans for this batch). But no matter how you make it, I do highly encourage you to serve it with sour cream-good stuff folks.

Don't hesitate to start with this recipe,

I think it will appeal to most.

Then make it your own:@)

Vegetarian Chili Mac-from Taste of Home

1 large onion, chopped

1 medium green pepper, chopped

1 Tblsp olive oil

1 clove garlic, minced

2 C water

1 1/2 C uncooked elbow macaroni

14.5 oz can chili beans, undrained

14.5 great northern beans, drained and rinsed

14.5 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained

8 oz tomato sauce

4 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/2 tsp salt

Sour cream for serving

1. In dutch oven cook onion and peppers in olive oil until onion is translucent.
2. Add garlic, cook for a minute, stirring constantly.
3. Add everything else except for some cream. Bring to boil, stir, reduce to simmer. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes stirring occasionally, or until macaroni is cooked.
4. Serve with sour cream.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Weekend Potluck

Welcome Sign Update & Leftover Ham, Pineapple and Noodle Casserole & Spinach Plants...

I've been having fun with my new Welcome Home Sign, and now that Easter is over the next holiday icon isn't until Memorial Day. So I decided to look around the house for an idea and made this little Phillies O to hold me over until I come up with something I like better... Logo fabric from my stash (thank you Ma) and I simply glued it to a wide mouth metal canning lid. The best part, the lid automatically sticks to the magnet on the sign, didn't even have to add another magnet. Life is good:@)

And speaking of Easter being over... Have leftover ham? This Ham, Pineapple and Noodle Casserole is a great way to use some up! My ham was huge this year, this might just be Sunday dinner on the next cool day when a little oven heat would be welcome in the house.

I'll leave you with a garden update: I took a quick pic of the spinach in my raised bed garden. I planted these seeds in the fall, the few plants that came up literally wintered over on their own (no cover or cold frame, with freezing Philadelphia temperatures and snow covering the plants). They are hearty little things:@)

All Pig In Mud Pinterest Boards-click here.

Have a great weekend:@)

Creamy Broccoli Macaroni & Cheese Casserole (or not...)

I mentioned that I thought there was plenty of cheesy sauce in the original recipe to add some pasta... Well, I gave it a try and do recommend this Creamy Broccoli Macaroni and Cheese, and if you have some leftover ham, turkey or chicken (heck, use up that last grilled burger or two)... Toss it in and wa-la, dinner is served:@) If you've ever had a mac & cheese turn out dry, you'll be pleased with this easy, foolproof recipe folks. Using frozen broccoli makes this extra convenient, and the cracker crumb top is totally optional-I my opinion... It makes it a little fancier for company, but I do like the idea of this side dish or casserole for leftovers more.

Be sure to cut the broccoli bite size, this package had some ~large~ pieces. And it's always best to use freshly grated cheese from a block... Full disclosure: I did use a store bought finely grated cheddar here:@)

Honestly, if you want to microwave the broccoli and drain it, just heat everything up in a non-stick skillet until the cheese melts... You can even skip the oven part:@)

Creamy Broccoli Macaroni and Cheddar Cheese Casserole

1/2 C dry macaroni

12 oz frozen broccoli, thawed

10 oz cream of chicken soup

1/4 C milk or half and half

1 C shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp seasoned salt-I'm using Walmart's brand these days

Half of a sleeve of saltines (or Ritz) crackers, crushed

dots of butter for top

1. Cook macaroni in boiling water for 8 minutes, drain and run under cold water to cool off. Drain well.
2. Lightly blot the broccoli with paper towels, cut into bite size pieces. I just give the broccoli a light squeeze with clean fingers to remove some of the water.
3. Mix everything except crackers and butter, pour into 1 - 1 1/2 quart casserole dish.
4. If using, sprinkle crackers over top, dot with a little butter here and there.
5. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until broccoli is tender and cheese is melted.

Let's use up those leftovers and 

Have a Happy Day:@)

Football!!! Team Color Dyed Pasta & Sports Ugly Sweater Vest for Ken (Barbie)

It's my favorite season folks, Football Season:@) Why not kick off the year with this fun little twist and make a crowd pleasing (and filling) Team Color Dyed Pasta Salad. This isn't really a recipe for the salad, just sharing how to intensely dye the pasta in team colors. I've even provided a chart from McCormick that shows how many drops of food coloring to use for each team. The chart is for icing, but it gives you a good idea. Yep, this would be a conversation starter for sure! Although here in Philly, we talk about the Eagles 24/7 year round anyway...

And even Ken is excited for football, he's sporting his ugly team sweater vest for opening day. I took my free vest pattern and "glammed" (or maybe "hammed") it up with team colors and a nod to all things football. Ken says it's his lucky vest and any true fan would be thrilled to have one... Barbie on the other hand, rolls her eyes and wouldn't be seen in public with him dressed like this😉

(My football is a child's ring that was a decoration on some cupcakes from Walmart.)

The idea is based on Ugly Christmas Sweaters🎅

so the tackier the better!

And yes, even guys like a little bling😎

Now Ken is ready for some football!!!

The pattern I started with:

✂What I did:

1. Cut pattern from paper.
2. Fold piece of felt in half.
3. Place pattern on fold of felt. Pin pattern in place.
4. Cut vest out.
5. If your felt has a design, place right sides together (turn inside out).
6. Sew or glue sides together, aim for a 1/4" seam.
7. Turn right side out. Gently press side seams so they lay flatter. You could lay a book on the vest to help with that.
8. Dress Ken and smile at 10 minutes of time well spent😉

And of course these vests can be plain for every day, or dressed up for any sport, holiday, or occasion:

Have a great weekend, and

🏈GO BIRDS!!!

Mexican Macaroni Salad

As soon as I saw that this Mexican Macaroni Salad called for a can of mixed vegetables (which I already had on-hand), I just had to try it. The addition of ham made it more of a lunch salad, and of course the pickled jalapenos caught my eye too:@) My honest thoughts... I was hoping it would knock my socks off, it did not. But~I did find it tastier the next day, and it truly does need S&P folks. Overall, I say, if you have a can of veggies and a little leftover ham, give it a try. It had a big write-up at TofH, and you may just love it. 

Recipe easily cut in half.

Mexican Macaroni Salad-from Taste of Home

2 C dry macaroni, cooked and cooled under running water, drain well

1/2 C mayonnaise

1/2 C sour cream

1 Tblsp juice from jar of pickled jalapenos

3/4 tsp ground mustard

S&P to taste-it needs salt

2 C fully cooked cubed ham

14.5 oz can mixed vegetables, drained well

1/3 C pickled jalapenos, sliced

~Mix everything, cover and store in refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Old Fashioned Macaroni & Tomatoes

I am truly drawn to old time, tried and true family recipes. And if it's super easy, and from someone's Grandma, well, that's even better:@) Immediately copied this Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes recipe and couldn't wait to try it. The original post also calls it Southern Mac & Tomatoes, and it was copied from a cookbook where it was labeled Grandma's Macaroni and Tomatoes. So the idea has been around for a while, and it's versatile. I can see this as an inexpensive kid friendly meal that will feed quite a few people. Also as an easy side dish, maybe with a quick pan fried, or grilled ham steak. Another option, add a handful of green beans to the pasta as it boils. Did I mention it's versatile???

I also love that, much like Grandmom,

canned tomatoes and dry macaroni are pantry ingredients for me:@)

Recipe easily cut in half.

Old Fashioned Macaroni and Tomatoes-from These Old Cookbooks

2 C dry macaroni, cooked and drained

28 oz canned tomatoes with juices, whole or diced

3 Tblsp sugar

1/2 tsp salt -or- S&P to taste

2-3 Tblsp butter

1. Add tomatoes to large skillet, break up if using whole tomatoes.
2. Add pasta, sugar and S&P, bring to a simmer.
3. Add butter, stir-done.
4. Serve with bread and butter, and maybe a side salad.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Pastalaya -Jambalaya with Pasta (instead of rice)

Every year around Mardi Gras I make a batch of Yankee Gumbo or Jambalaya over rice... We look forward to it as one of those -once a year- holiday meals. Well, pasta always seems to catch my eye, and I saved the recipe for this Pastalaya the minute I saw it:@) This is also a nice meal for folks that would like a little New Orleans flair, but aren't fond of seafood. I did change it up a bit by adding okra, and do suggest thickening the sauce with a little flour. But, this was a great recipe to start with! 

Want a more elegant dinner?

Serve the stew with thickened sauce over piled linguine.

Oh and... This okra came from Dollar Tree,

it's usually sliced into nice frozen rounds...

This year it was um, rough cut large chunks DT???

Pastalaya-from Louisiana Cooking

2 Tblsp butter

1 lb boneless chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces

1 lb andouille or smoked sausage, cut into 1/2" rounds

2 C Trinity-mixture green pepper, onion, celery

2 cloves garlic, minced

2 C fresh tomatoes-I used canned diced tomatoes in juice

1 C chicken broth

10-12 oz Frozen okra-optional

2 Tblsp Creole Seasoning-easy homemade Emeril's Essence recipe here

flour mixed with water/chicken broth, only if desired to thicken broth

1 lb linguine, cooked and kept warm-I used a large ziti

1/4 C chopped green onion

1. In large dutch oven, melt butter, brown chicken and sausage. Remove from pot.
2. Add Trinity, cook about 5-7 minutes, until softened.
3. Add garlic, cook for a minute stirring constantly.
4. Return chicken and sausage, add tomatoes, broth, Creole seasoning and okra if using. Bring to boil, reduce to medium, cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes.
5. If it needs to be thickened add a little flour to small amount of water, stir into stew.
6. Stir in pasta and green onions. Alternately: Serve stew over linguine and garnish with green onions.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Year End Review 2022 -Happier Than A Pig In Mud

Happy New Year Everyone! I wanted to pop in with a few favorite things from 2022, just a quick recap... Without a doubt, my favorite project this year was setting up the new Raised Bed Garden. I loved watching it grow and we thoroughly enjoyed the abundance of vegetables! It was nice to have enough to be able to share too:@) I've added an extra bed further out for zucchini and maybe one more type of squash this summer. I'm looking forward to Jan/Feb planning and sketching out what to grow in 2023. That will be a fun winter project.

I've still maintained a consistent blogging schedule here at PIM.

Hard to believe we're coming into year 13:@)

My personal favorite new recipe this year:

Chicken & Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach and Bacon in Garlic Cream Sauce

The most popular reader recipe from 2022:

One Ripe Banana Muffins

And I have to say, it's a great way to use up that one banana!

In addition to the garden, my other favorite hobby... Yep, still getting a kick from Barbie crafts and creating dioramas. It's been fun bringing a little of my own personality to the dolls, and the dollhouse renovation is an on-going project.

I sincerely Thank You for taking the time to visit:@)

Happy New Year Everyone,

I wish you good health and all the best in 2023!!!

Chicken, Penne and Bell Pepper Casserole

This Chicken, Penne and Bell Pepper Casserole is a nice change of pace from a more traditional beef or sausage spaghetti/ziti type meal. It's very flavorful with lots of wiggle room for adjusting ingredients. I've made it a couple times and it was a big hit at Sunday dinner. Leftovers are perfect for lunch, and would freeze beautifully if needed. Extra fun for me, I literally used the last of the peppers from the garden. I like regular size diced tomatoes for a little body and bite, and the seasonings were pretty much spot on. Yep folks, it gets a big thumbs up from us:@)

The only thing I might do differently next time,

add a little spinach (or zucchini in the summer).

I think some extra green veggies are always nice.

Chicken, Penne and Bell Pepper Casserole-adapted from Taste of Home

hearty 1 1/2 C uncooked penne pasta-I used mini penne (never saw that before:@)

1 Tblsp canola oil-I used olive oil

1 lb boneless chicken thighs or breast cut into bite size pieces

1/2 C onion, diced

1/2 C green bell pepper, diced-I cut larger pieces and added more

1/2 C red bell pepper, diced-I cut larger pieces and added more

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tsp dried basil

1 tsp dried oregano

1 tsp dried parsley

1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes-I added a few shakes

14.5 oz diced tomatoes, with juice

3 Tblsp tomato paste-I used 2 Tblsp

3/4 C chicken broth-I omitted and added an envelope or cube of chicken bouillon

2 C shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 C grated parmesan or romano cheese-I used parm

1. Cook pasta, drain and set aside.
2. Cook chicken in oil, remove from pan.
3. Cook onion for a couple minutes, add peppers, cook until they begin to soften.
4. Add garlic, cook for a minute or until fragrant.
5. Add spices, tomatoes with juice, tomato paste and chicken bouillon if using. Stir until paste is incorporated. Add a little extra chicken broth or water if it looks a little dry, I have not needed it.
6. Return chicken and pasta to pan, remove pan from heat and mix well.
7. Making two layers, spoon half of mixture into sprayed 9x13 dish. Top with half of the cheeses. Make second layer topping with cheese.
8. Bake at 350 degrees covered with foil for 15 minutes. Remove foil, bake another 15 minutes or until heated through and bubbly.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Full Plate Thursday

A Morning Cup of Joe

Fresh Green Bean and Pasta Salad & Barbie Halloween K-Cup Buckets

I had a handful of beans from the planter to use up, so I made a quick Fresh Green Bean and Pasta Salad. Honestly easy folks, five ingredients, and the most involved part is cooking the pasta. This is a great mix and serve salad, the Italian dressing adds lots of flavor. (This pic was taken ~hours~ after dinner.) And look at that great color, Christmas potluck anyone? Don't hesitate to give this a try if you're looking for a side dish that's just a tad different:@)

And in Barbie's World...

We made a cute little Recycled K-Cup Halloween Bucket.

This is a great seasonal project for kids,

they can decorate them any way desired.

✂What I did:

• Remove foil lid and filter from k-cup, wash and dry thoroughly.
• Poke a hole on each side, can ~carefully~ use scissors or an exacto knife, I used a hole punch (very easy).
• Run pipe cleaner through the holes, hold about 1" on outside of one hole. Create the handle by gently pulling the pipe cleaner up from the center of the bucket, and run the long end up creating a double handle. Twist together and secure loose ends.
• ***Time saver for lots of giggling girls... Create the buckets ahead of time, the girls can have a decorating party.
• Finish decorating as desired.
• Easy-peasy and cute😎

Fresh Green Bean and Pasta Salad-from Kraft

1 C dry penne pasta, cooked, run under cold water, drained well

1/2 lb fresh green beans, washed, dried, cut into 1" lengths

1 tomato, chopped

1/4 C zesty Italian salad dressing

1/4 C parmesan cheese

1. Cook pasta per package directions, adding beans during the last 2 minutes.
2. Drain into colander, run under cold water, and drain well.
3. Mix everything and serve. Yep, easy-peasy.

Have a happy day:@)

Chicken & Pasta w/Tomatoes & Spinach in Garlic Cream Sauce

This Chicken and Pasta with Tomatoes and Spinach in a Garlic Cream Sauce was a dinner where all three of us immediately said "make this again". Once declared a winner I reluctantly got up from the table to take a few (very quick) pics so I could continue eating:@) Oh, and in addition to everything mentioned in the title, bacon. Yep:@) Diet food? Ah, no... But fairly quick comfort food? Oh yea! I even enjoyed the leftovers for lunch two days later... Good stuff folks.

I did things slightly differently than the original recipe,

I'll list what I did, you can click for the original post.

Chicken & Pasta with Tomatoes & Spinach in Garlic Cream Sauce-from Julia's Album

2 Tblsp olive oil

1lb chicken breasts or tenderloins cut into bite size pieces

1 tsp paprika

1 hearty tsp Italian seasoning

salt to taste

5 cloves garlic, minced

1 1/2 C heavy cream -I used Half and Half

1/2 C parmesan cheese, shredded -I used the grated stuff in the green can

5 tomatoes chopped -I used a 14 oz can, drained

3 C fresh baby spinach-I added the whole bag

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes -I added a few shakes

6 strips of bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled -I only had 4 strips

10 oz penne pasta -I could only get ziti the day I shopped

*1/2 C shredded parmesan cheese for serving -I added a hearty handful of mozzarella to the pot instead

1. Cook pasta per package instructions while you cook the chicken.
2. Heat oil in skillet, add chicken. As it cooks sprinkle with paprika and Italian seasoning.
3. Flip and stir until chicken is cooked through. Remove to plate.
4. In same pan, add garlic, cook for a minutes stirring constantly.
5. Add cream and bring to boil, add 1/2 C parmesan cheese. Reduce to simmer and stir to melt for a couple minutes.
6. Add tomatoes, spinach, garlic and red pepper flakes to the sauce, stir, cook until spinach wilts.
7. Add chicken back, and stir pasta into sauce.
8. Stir in bacon and serve.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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Creative Muster

Wonderful Wednesday

Full Plate Thursday

Handmade Monday

Review: Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic & Uggs for Barbie DIY Craft

This Oven Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic served over Pasta is a great recipe! It works equally well, whether using up some garden tomatoes, or less flavorful store bought out of season. And it makes the house smell pretty darn good too:@) Fresh basil is optional, but adds some great color and freshness.

As we look forward to fall and cooler weather, I thought it would be fun to make some knock-off Ugg Boots for Barbie. Despite the small scale, they do come together fairly quickly, and can be customized in many ways. The boots are made from felt, so the color options are endless, and the side detail can be anything- small pom-poms, mini buttons, beads, sewing trim, or a hand sewn French knot. My boots are assembled with a needle and thread (embroidery floss would be another good option), and some Aleene's Turbo Tacky Glue. I'm sure Barbie, and your girl, would love a couple sets in different colors:@)

A note about sizing:

The only thing my dolls do is pose for pictures, 

no kid's play or roughhousing...

Yep, total Divas😉

The pattern is larger and will fit up to flat footed Barbies. They will be loose and fall off of slender high-heel type feet with play. My suggestion: If needed, add a glue dot to the inside heel. This way the boots will stick to the bottom of the doll's foot. Another option, draw the pattern pieces onto the felt, and cut to the ~inside~ for smaller pieces. My tan boots are smaller than the pink set.

The pattern:

Cut two of each from felt for a set of shoes.

Then cut two more of the foot bed, for the soles of the shoes.

The soles can be a contrasting felt color, or made from craft foam.

To sew:

1. Lay the rounded toe portion on top of the foot bed.
2. Begin sewing at the center on one of the sides. The 'wing' type sides will stick out and be loose.
3. Secure the first stitch with a knot, let all string ends have some length, they'll get glued under the sole.
4. Continue to sew, up and down (top through bottom/bottom through top), leave a little area around the edge of the boot to mimic Uggs.
5. Sew all the way around the toe area to the other side.
6. Butt the back piece up to where you started the toe piece, flat side is the bottom.
7. Sew it all the way around the sides and back of the boot.
8. Trim a tad if necessary when it meets the felt on the other side.
9. Knot ends when done.
10. Fold winged sides over the back piece and glue in place. You'll need to hold the glued piece for a bit until it sets.
11. Cut string ends short, push ends onto the foot bed.
12. Glue sole onto bottom of boot.
13. Glue or sew on embellishments.
14. Dress doll and smile😎

I added a seam above the arch on the pink ones:

Um... Forgot to add it kept the tan ones more like moccasins or slippers😉

Barbie says she's ready for fall!

And finally, I'll leave you with a a pic of the late August raised bed garden. While showing a little stress from maturity, heat, and lack of rain, it's still doing pretty well! It really was a good year:@)

Have a great weekend:@)

ReView: 12 Macaroni Salad Variations & Kid Friendly Barbie Summer Crafts

I love macaroni salad, it's extremely versatile and I've tried many recipes over the years. Here I've gathered one post with links to 12 Different Macaroni Salad Variations. It can be a side dish, or adding a little protein makes a hearty main meal. I wouldn't hesitate to make any of these again, I hope you find something new to try:@)

My Pinterest Board of Side Salads can be found here.

1. Macaroni Salad with Ham, Peas and Dill
2. Deviled Egg Macaroni Pasta Salad-lots of protein
3. Macaroni Coleslaw
4. Macaroni Tuna Salad
5. BLT Macaroni Salad-with tips to help it not get soggy
6. Amish Pasta Salad-very creamy
7. Macaroni Cucumber Salad
8. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni Salad
9. Creamettes Macaroni Salad-retro recipe with peas and cheese
10. BBQ Macaroni Salad-leftover pork or chicken
11. Pepperoni & Cheese Pasta (or Macaroni) Salad
12. Dyed Pasta Macaroni Salad-any occasion

And while we're gathering ideas, here are a few boredom buster Easy Summer Crafts for the dolls:

No Sew Dress  ~  Balloon Dress  ~ Tank Top

I'm sure the kids are looking for a little extra something to do by this point in the summer:@)

Have a great weekend:@)

Pepperoni & Cheese Pasta Salad

If you're looking for a no-mayonnaise side dish, this Pepperoni and Cheese Pasta Salad is very good, comes together quickly, and you can make any additions or subtractions desired. The recipe is basically just a guideline, and a variation of a deli pasta salad. I just happened to have some pepperoni in the fridge, so this became lunch, it's good stuff:@) My pepperoni came pre-sliced, if I went shopping specifically to make this salad, I'd buy a stick and cut it into rounds, then fourths, like I cut the cucumber. I didn't use scallions, just some regular onion and chives for color. And obviously, any pasta shape you have on hand would work, but I will say the spirals are easy to get on the fork... Don't hesitate to whip some up folks, you really can't go wrong!

Pepperoni & Cheese Macaroni Salad-from Taste of Home

2 C dry spiral tri-color pasta, cooked, run under cold water, and drained well

1 C cubed cheddar cheese

1 C cubed cucumber

1 small tomato, chopped

2 green onions, chopped

28 pepperoni slices

1/2 C zesty Italian salad dressing-or just eye it

~Mix everything in bowl, cover and store in fridge until serving. Mix, drizzle with more dressing if needed.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

ReView: Red, White and Blue Pasta Salad & 4th of July Barbie Crafts

It's hard to believe, but 4th of July Weekend is almost here. This year is flying by! How about adding a little pizzazz to your macaroni salad for the BBQ... This Red, White and Blue Pasta Salad is super easy, but a small touch that will tickle the kids and get folks talking:@) And if you're looking for more ideas, especially for different coleslaws, you can find my Side Salads Pinterest Board here. It has 105 posts as of this time.

I love the fun grab-and-go fat quarters of fabric you can get anywhere from Walmart to the craft stores, and now I see some at Dollar Tree too. Here's a *quick* little no-sew Handkerchief type top for Barbie that literally comes together in minutes. I made this one for the 4th of July and summer holidays, but it would be perfect in any fabric design or for any casual occasion.

 Cool and breezy!

Supplies: fabric, velcro and hot glue

1. Make 6" long triangle of fabric; fold fabric in half, measure 3" long across top and 3" down on fold. 
2. Cut triangle with pinking shears if you have them.
3. Fold long top of triangle over about 1/4" and either iron or run your fingernail over it a couple times to keep fold in place. (I used my fingernail.)
4. Hot glue (or sew) velcro to ends so they close behind doll's back.
5. Throw some burgers on the grill and enjoy your simple new 4th of July Barbie top😎

This is also the perfect size to use as a head scarf too.

And let's not forget Ken... These Oversized Felt Neckties for the Holidays come together in no time using little scraps of felt.

Happy holiday planning, and have a great weekend:@)

Saturday Re-BOO: Halloween Dyed Pasta, Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies & Barbie Costumes

Looking for some quick, last minute, fun ideas for Halloween? We don't have to spend a ton of money on specialty seasonal pasta folks... Simply add some food coloring as macaroni cooks and we end up with a colorful Halloween Pasta Salad:@) The kids will be tickled, and it's a meal grown-ups will enjoy too.

Or how about whipping up a batch of Variegated Cake Mix Crinkle Cookies. Just mix, roll and bake, gotta love that:@) I've added an eerie eyeball option too if that's more your style, you know your crowd... 

And I'm sure the kids would love to help Barbie dress up for Halloween! I'll provide links below for some cute costume ideas... You might be surprised to find you already have most of what you need in your craft stash, and the doll clothes you already have on-hand (hello doctor/nurse) can be a great place to start.

Links to projects:

 Hula outfit  ~ Cat ears headband ~ Frozen cape ~ Dia de Muertos Mask ~ Mermaid tail ~  Cheerleader pom-poms ~ Doctor or Nurse face mask ~ Jack-O-Lantern from Balloon ~ Dracula or Prince cape ~ Pumpkin Costume ~ More dollar store Halloween ideas for Barbie HERE.

Wishing you a weekend full of Halloween fun:@)