Jam Schmeared Crescent Rolls with Cinnamon Glaze

I usually have a can of rolls in the refrigerator in case I need them for Sunday dinner, but decided to go the breakfast route this time... These Jam Schmeared Crescent Rolls with Cinnamon Glaze literally come together in no time and will be on your table in about 30 minutes total. Not to mention the house will smell pretty good too:@) I like using the term schmear in the title because we really only want to use a small amount of jam so it doesn't make a mess as mine did below. I also like using jam or preserves that have the little bits of fruit in them, not jelly. As for the glaze, cinnamon adds some extra flavor, or you could use pumpkin spice if you'd like. Or omit the spice and have a milk glaze, or maybe add a touch of vanilla or lemon extract if that sounds good. We like options here at Pig In Mud!

Out of the oven cooling a bit before the glaze.

Oooey, sticky goodness...

Jam Schmeared Crescent Rolls with Cinnamon Glaze

8 oz can crescent rolls

Jam or preserves, flavor of choice

Glaze

1/4 C powdered sugar

1/2 tsp cinnamon

Enough milk or Half and Half to make a thick glaze

1. Add parchment to baking sheet (I just lined mine with foil).
2. Unroll the dough, separate into triangles.
3. Spread a small amount of jam onto dough, leave about 1/2" around the edge without jam to help the dough stick together.
4. Starting with the wide end, roll the dough. Place the open end down on the parchment, shape into a crescent shape.
5. Bake per package directions.
6. Remove from oven and allow to cool for about 5 minutes.
7. Mix glaze in small bowl. Go easy on the milk, it will come together quickly and you may only need a tablespoon or less. If it gets too thin add more powdered sugar.
8. Drizzle over rolls.

Enjoy a treat and 

Have a Happy Day:@)

Pumpkin Ketchup

I was determined to enjoy every last drop of that Pumpkin Spread from Aldi and this Pumpkin Ketchup was very good:@) Super simple, equal amounts of pumpkin spread/butter/jam and ketchup. I also chose to add a few shakes of hot sauce, and full disclosure, added quite a few more shakes before I ate my fries:@) The pumpkin adds an extra little something seasonal, and was a sweet addition to my lunch.

The jam I bought:

Pumpkin Ketchup

Equal amounts pumpkin spread/butter or jam.

Optional: A few shakes of hot sauce to taste.

~Mix well and serve with anything you like to dip in ketchup (fries, tator tots, chicken nuggets, etc)

Enjoy a seasonal twist and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Jalapeno Hot Pepper Jelly with Lemon Jello

This Jalapeno Hot Pepper Jelly with Lemon Jello has been on my mind for years, and between my son's garden and mine, we finally had enough peppers to give it a try. The color on cream cheese is gorgeous, I love the yellow background, it looks little dark in the jars... There is a great balance of sweet and a little heat, and it's great on charcuterie boards with cream cheese or to top cheese and crackers. The jam will thicken up more as it sits for few days, and especially in the refrigerator. Tasty stuff folks!

Tips: I wanted chucks of pepper, they did give it a little chew. You can make them smaller in the food processor if you'd like. If you have extra jalapenos I think you could easily add more, anywhere up to 2 1/2 C without blinking. I removed the seeds and membranes from the peppers, you could add one or two whole jalapenos for heat if desired... You know your crowd. Be sure to drain the pineapple well. 

I have another variation using pectin and fresh lemon juice here.

Jalapeno Hot Pepper Jelly with Lemon Jello

At least 2 C cleaned and finely diced jalapenos

2 1/2 C to 3 C sugar

8 oz crushed pineapple, drained well

4 serving size box Lemon Jello

1. Add jalapenos and sugar to large pot, gently heat peppers and sugar over medium heat stirring constantly until sugar dissolves.
2. Add pineapple, bring to light boil, cook for 3 minutes.
3. Add Jello, stirring constantly until Jello dissolves.
4. Ladle into sterilized jars, add lids and rings, process in hot water bath for 10 minutes.
5. Serve jelly chilled.

Let's use up what the garden gifts us and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Strawberry Rhubarb Jam -No Pectin Recipe

My little strawberry patch did not produce a lot this year. I only ended up with a couple extra cups of small berries, but I did toss them into the freezer as I picked them. Then took a ride over to my son's garden to cut some rhubarb, and a couple hours later... I made No Pectin Strawberry Rhubarb Jam. I usually suggest simple cooking ideas and relaxed recipes here at PIM. This one is more of a weighed ratio recipe, with the wiggle room being the addition of extra sugar if desired. 

Is this fast and easy? While not hard, we do need to plan on an hour or so for the fruit to cook down. **My best suggestion, cook it until your spoon leaves a clean line as you scrape the bottom of the pot... (I made a small batch and did not follow that suggestion this time😕** I cooked mine too long, it got very thick, almost a butter instead of a jam. I will be using the old fashioned spatula method going forward.

No Pectin Strawberry Rhubarb Jam

Weigh your strawberries

Add two times the weight of 1/4” cut rhubarb

Weigh sugar that equals the same as strawberries

Lemon juice, approximately 1 Tblsp per 5 C of fruit-does not need to be exact

1. Add strawberries and rhubarb to large pot.
2. Sprinkle with sugar, let sit for about two hours.
3. Add lemon juice and heat over medium and bring to low boil. Reduce heat to simmer, stir often and mash fruit.
4. Once sugar dissolves taste and add sugar 1 Tblsp at a time if desired, but keep in mind it will sweeten more as it reduces.
5. Cook until thick and a spatula scraped across bottom of pot leaves a clear path the width of the spatula.
6. Pour into sterilized jars, cover and place in refrigerator, -or- remove air bubbles, add lids and rings and process for 10 minutes in hot water bath.

Let's preserve a little bit of summer and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Strawberry Jam with Jello -Four Ingredients, Easy

If you do any canning I'm sure you've noticed that pectin has gotten... A little expensive. And since we're kinda smitten with Jello here at Pig In Mud, I thought I'd whip up some Strawberry Jam with Jello. Super easy, four ingredients, cooked up and dishes done in less than one hour-gotta love it! I had some crushed strawberries in the freezer from the garden last year, and decided to use raspberry Jello. Yep, that's a robustly flavorful combination:@) The recipe as written will make 2 1/2 cups of jam. There's some wiggle room with the sugar, 1. I chose sugar free Jello, 2. Start with the lesser amount, let it dissolve, carefully taste, add more sugar if desired. This will thicken more once placed in the refrigerator.

In addition to PB&J's, it's always nice to place a small bowl of jam on charcuterie boards to top cheese and meats…

Very tasty:@)

Other Jello Jams: Amish Rhubarb with Cherry Jello  -  Zucchini with Peach Jello  -  Rhubarb Jam with Strawberry Jello  -  Blueberry with Pineapple Jello  -  My Jello Pinterest Board - My Jam/Jelly Pinterest Board

Strawberry Jam with Jello-adapted from The Country Cook

7 oz frozen strawberries

3 oz Jello flavor of choice, regular or sugar free

1 1/2 - 1 3/4 C sugar

1 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

1. Add berries, Jello, sugar and lemon juice to pan.
2. Slowly cook over medium heat until berries thaw, stir occasionally.
3. Mash berries if they aren't already crushed.
4. Heat over medium until it comes to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes.
5. Remove from heat, spoon off foam.
6. Pour into sterilized Ball jars.
7. Add lids, screw on bands.
8. *I turned mine upside down for 15 minutes, then turned them upright. The lids sealed and pinged:@)
9. *Alternately, store in fridge or freezer.

Let's try something new and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Winter Projects-Pineapple Jam, German Red Cabbage & Fast Rise Yeast Rolls

The holidays are over, it's cold outside, and we're looking for new things to try indoors. May I suggest a few cooking projects... I chose Pineapple Jam because it's made with canned pineapple that's easily accessible year-round. I have a Small Batch recipe here, and a robust Pineapple and Citrus Zest Full Batch here. Both are very good:@) Need to use up a different fruit, or want a different flavor? My Jelly and Jam Pinterest board can be found here.

This German Red Cabbage can be made either in a slow cooker or on the stove top. But no matter how you make it, it's very tasty and I encourage you to give it a try:@) 

And even though I know some folks might still be on their New Year's diet, I did want to add a bread project... These Classic Dinner Rolls are a ~faster~ version because we use rapid rise yeast. They do still require planning, but it is well worth the time! Or maybe you're curious about the Artisan Bread in 5 Minutes a Day, you can find that here.

So there you have a few ideas to try something new

 and help make the house smell great!

Have a fun weekend:@)

Cranberry Sauce with Jalapeno

I planned to try a variation of this Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce as soon as I saw it in Food Network Magazine. Love me some 'penos, and as always, I cleaned them really well, so mine is all pepper flavor, not a ton of heat. Want more heat? Leave some of the membrane and seeds, you know your crowd:@) There is an extra pop of flavor, and I'm thinking this would be ~amazing~ with leftover turkey sandwiches. 

I do think this is best the day it's made.

Recipe is easily halved.

Want more ideas? I have a Cranberry Sauce round-up here. Pumpkin spice, tangerine chutney, slow cooker with bay leaf, cranberry strawberry jello mold, and Barbie's jellied cranberry:@)

Jalapeno Cranberry Sauce-adapted from Food Network Magazine

1 C sugar

1 Tblsp grated ginger-I used 1/2 tsp ginger powder

1-2 jalapenos, seeded and diced

zest and juice of an orange-I used 2 mounded Tblsp orange juice concentrate

12 oz fresh or frozen cranberries, washed and picked through

zest of small lemon, plus 1 Tblsp juice

Pinch Kosher salt-I forgot to add this

1. Heat sugar, ginger, jalapeno and orange over medium heat, bring to simmer and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Add cranberries and cook until they pop, about 10-20 minutes. I used a potato masher. If it looks too dry add a little water, I did not need to.
3. Remove from heat, stir in lemon zest and juice, add pinch of salt and let cool completely.

Eat well and have a happy day :@)

ReView: Cranberry Apple Jam & Barbie Outerwear Christmas Gifts-DIY

Leftover cranberries in the freezer? How about whipping up some Cranberry Apple Jam, I've provided a recipe that can be scaled down or up depending upon how much you'd like to make. And since cranberries have natural pectin, no store bought pectin is required! Just fruit and sugar, nice and easy... Add some warm spices and this would be a perfect Christmas gift:@) Good on toast or over cream cheese as an appetizer with crackers.

And as we're gathering gift ideas for the little Barbie enthusiasts in our life,

here are some cute DIY outerwear ideas that come together pretty quickly.

Mattel doesn't offer much cold weather gear...

No sew poncho from wide ribbon:

Knit Vests HERE

Vary the type of yarn used for different looks.

Crochet Poncho HERE

Happy Holiday Planning🎅

Peanut Butter and Jelly Spritz Cookies

A couple years ago I made some almond spritz with jam centers , and they were a big hit with my crew. But these Peanut Butter and Jelly Spritz Cookies have been on my mind ever since... As you might think, it's a match made in heaven:@) And the best part? You can split the dough up and make some plain peanut butter cookies, some with jam, and maybe even some with chocolate in the center. An easy way to help fill your holiday cookie tray.

Tip: Try to fish the bits of fruit out of the jam,

that will make the centers extra chewy.

I used my old Mirro cookie press and the swirled disc.

Peanut Butter & Jelly Spritz Cookies
1/2 C shortening (I use 1/4 C shortening, 1/4 C butter)
1/2 C creamy peanut butter
1/4 C brown sugar
1/2 C sugar
1 egg
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/4 C flour
1/2 tsp salt-can just add a pinch
1/8 tsp baking powder

Jam, a red flavor will hold up best to the peanut butter-I used strawberry

1. Cream shortening/butter, peanut butter and sugars. 
2. Mix in egg and vanilla.
3. Sift dry into wet, mix well.
4. Load press and form cookies on cool, ungreased cookie sheets.
5. Lightly indent the center of each cookie, add a small amount of jam.
6. Bake at 375 degrees for 9-12 minutes, or until just beginning to brown around the edges.
7. Makes approximately 70 cookies.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

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Christmas in July-Jalapeno Lemon Jelly & What's Barbie been up to?

I'm always tickled by Christmas in July, even though this year the temperatures in Philly are hovering at 100 degrees... Ugh. Don't forget about canning a few things to tuck away for gifts as the gardens are over producing. It might take a little time, but homemade jams and relishes are truly something you just can't buy at the supermarket folks:@) This Jalapeno Lemon Jelly is fantastic with a little cream cheese on a cracker, and would also be a nice little something-something to add to a wine gift basket. 

My Jam and Jelly Pinterest Board is here,

and my Pickling Pinterest Board can be found here.

Every year as the holidays approach I start looking for Christmas ornaments that are about 1:6 scale and make fun props for Barbie's world. These little mirror disco balls caught my eye... I hot glued three into a circle (the middle), and then one on top and one on the bottom. A pin holds them onto the chain. This makes a fun 1970's type hanging disco ball light fixture. 

I added it to Barbie's computer corner/work station in the livingroom. The extra light, sparkle, and whimsy, are welcome during the -l-o-n-g- work day😉

The ornaments I started with:

While it's never easy to find the date until it's upon us (for some reason?), it looks like Discovery Channel's Shark Week will start on Sunday, July 24th. And for this year's contribution... We have Barbie swimming in a sea of blue and green Jello Jigglers, with white Cool Whip foam, as ~cue the music~... The shark stealthily comes into view. 

My doll is a Wilton cake topper, the shark is a rubber finger puppet from Walmart. My dish is vintage milk glass, I thought the fun edge would be a wink and nod to waves breaking and splashes...

Barbie says enjoy watching the shows!

Previous Shark Week Posts: 2020 & 2021

🎅Have a Jolly Christmas in July Weekend!

...And stay cool:@)

Sweet, Spicy and Fruity Kielbasa Appetizer

Do you know what season it is? It's here folks... Football Season:@) Yep, it's time to que up some great appys and the first offering this year will be these Sweet, Spicy and Fruity Kielbasa Bites, and this is a good one! I believe kielbasa is a little different and not something folks generally think of as an appetizer, so if you find a recipe you like, it might just become your signature party dish... The maraschino cherries really makes this different (and perfect for the holidays too). Another thing to love, it can be made on the stove top and kept warm in a slow cooker. Don't hesitate to try this folks, I think you'll be happy.

The only thing I'd do differently,

cut all of the cherries in half so there are more for each bite.

Recipe easily scaled down.

Sweet and Fruity Kielbasa Appetizer-from All Recipes

(2) 16 oz packages Kielbasa, cut into 1/2-1" pieces

16 oz bottle BBQ sauce

1/4 C grape jelly

15 oz can pineapple chunks, drained

4 oz jar maraschino cherries, drained

1 Tblsp crushed red pepper flakes-I just added a few shakes

2 dashes hot sauce

1. Brown Kielbasa, can use a little oil if desired.
2. Add everything else and simmer for 20 minutes.
3. Serve as an appetizer with fun food picks, or over rice for dinner-with something green on the side, of course:@)

Eat well and have a happy day🏈

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Saturday ReView: Christmas in July- Barbie Stocking Cap DIY & Zucchini Bread Jam

Whether it's summer or winter, I always see guys wearing stocking caps... So I thought we'd make one for Christmas in July from a sock:@) This is made from the ribbed top part of the sock and you can easily get two hats from one sock. I say only two because I'm using the finished top edge as the part of hat that folds up. This is a quick project that only calls for a couple seams, and even sewing it by hand only took me about 20 minutes. It stretches on to fit just about any Barbie size or 1:6 scale action figure doll. The hat I made here used a woman's, thinner, lighter weight sock.

What I did:

Cut 2" band from the top of the sock.

Then cut it in half vertically, you'll have two hats.

Turn fabric so the right sides are touching. Making sure the finished edge (what would be the elastic top of the sock) is even, sew straight up the vertical cut edges. Hand sew or use sewing machine.

For the very top (the cut edge), it will be sewn into an X or + shape (however you choose to look at it).

If you scrunch the circle between your thumbs and index fingers, you can create this shape. 

Reinforce the center with a few stitches and tie into a knot.

Gently turn right side out, put on doll's head with the seam in back and turn bottom up.

Wa-la, one very cool doll size stocking cap😎

Simple no-hem team logo tank tops for Ken here.

And since this is Christmas in July...

You can always sew or glue a pom-pom to the top if desired😉

A view of the top and back:

What to do with the rest of the sock?

The toe can be turned into a no-sew tank top.

And you can even turn the heel into a sling baby carrier with this tutorial.

~And may I suggest one of the tastiest ways to preserve the summer garden's most notorious overachiever... Zucchini Bread Jam. This is a nicely spiced jam that's perfectly at home on toast or a bagel. My only recommendation, if you're making this to tuck away for gifts, the golden raisins would be prettier.

For more ideas from the blog click:

My Canning and Preserving Pinterest Board.

My Making Jelly & Jam and Recipes that Use It Pinterest Board.

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🎄No matter what you do this ~holiday~ weekend, 

I hope you make it a fun one:@)

Saturday ReView: Small Batch Strawberry/Banana Jam & Thrift Store Props for Barbie

I wanted to feature something with strawberries today and ended up doing a blog search for Small Batch Jam. Several tasty (and thrifty) options popped up, but this Strawberry/Banana Jam was what I was really looking for:@) It's a flavor combination you really don't expect in jam, and a nice way to use up an over ripe banana and couple handfuls of strawberries... This is a great jam, and one I' m sure the kids would all love!

And Barbie just wants to send a little reminder that,

1:6 scale toys and props can be found anywhere, even at the thrift store!

This scooter was only $1.

As with anything, timing is everything, but it never hurts to look:@)

Looks like this weekend will be a washout here in Philly.

But, you know what they say,

April showers...

🌼Have a great weekend everyone-enjoy:@)

Orange Marmalade Meatball Appetizer -Little Dipper Crock Pot or Larger Slow Cooker

These Orange Marmalade Meatballs are sweet and tangy with a big citrus flavor! This is a very nice appy that only calls for a few ingredients, and frozen meatballs and a slow cooker make it even that much easier:@) The only thing I might do differently next time is, as the marmalade heats up it gets thin... I might add 1/2 tsp or so of corn starch to try to help thicken it up a bit. I'll list my Little Dipper Crock Pot recipe below, you can click the original link for the full recipe version. Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, we all thought these meatballs were great!

Little Dipper Crock Pot Orange Marmalade Meatballs-adapted from Funny Is Family

7 oz frozen meatballs

1/2 C orange marmalade

2 Tblsp ketchup

1 1/2 tsp soy sauce

1/8 tsp garlic powder

few grinds black pepper

1. Mix everything except meatballs in vessel of Little Dipper.
2. Add meatballs, stir to coat.
3. Place paper towels under lid, cook for 2-3 hours or until meatballs are heated through.

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Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

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Four Easy Dips -Appetizers, Savory and Sweet

I'm thinking after the year we all just had, we could use a few easy, no-fuss snacks for New Year's Eve (or football). So I found four I really liked from the archives and thought I'd share:@) Minimal ingredients for maximum munching... I like that in an appetizer!

Apricot Horseradish Cream Cheese Dip for Crackers

I've been making this dip for as long as I can remember, good stuff folks:@)

BLT Dip

Hard to stop eating...

Smoked Sausage Appy with Hot Pepper Jelly/Mustard Dip

A nosh that's sure to fill you up (this did get a thumbs-up from my crew)...

Peanut Butter Dip (Football shape optional:@)

And something sweet...

You can find my Dips and Cheese Ball Pinterest Board here.

I sincerely wish everyone a very healthy and happy 2021!

Happy New Year:@)

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Macintosh Apple Pie Jam

If you're looking for a great little gift to make now and tuck away for Thanksgiving or Christmas giving (it's coming folks... just sayin'), you can't go wrong with this amazing Macintosh Apple Pie Jam. Especially now while apples are on sale. It's sweet and cinnamon-y and perfect with so many things (besides just a spoon:@) I've added the dip label, yep, go ahead and pour this over some cream cheese and serve with crackers. Or, spoon some over vanilla ice cream. How about on French toast or serving over pork chops... As you can see, this jam is very versatile and good for both sweet and savory uses. 

Jam is so much easier than making jelly, just add everything to the pot, 

bring to a boil, then process for 10 minutes in a water bath. 

Do you add more spices to your apple pie? Go ahead and add them to the jam too!

There are lots of recipes out there folks, I'll just share mine using Macintosh which are softer apples that cook down.

Tip: Save your peanut butter lids, most 18 oz jars fit regular canning jars. 

Some brands even use red which is great for the holidays. Gently screw them on over the canning lid for gifting. 

This way once folks pop the lids off, they can store the jar in the fridge with out the metal canning rings getting rusty.

Macintosh Apple Pie Jam-what I did... made seven 8 oz jelly jars.

3 lbs whole Macintosh apples, peeled, cored and approx 1/4" diced-Macintosh goes on sale often here

juice from 1/4 large lemon

1 1/4 tsp cinnamon

1 C water

1 box dry pectin

3 1/2 C sugar, can add up to 5 C but we find 3 1/2 plenty sweet

1. Bring canning pot of water to a boil.
2. Combine apples, lemon juice, cinnamon, water and pectin in 6 quart pot. Cook over medium/high heat until mixture comes to a full rolling boil (can't be stirred down). Stirring occasionally.
3. Add sugar and bring to another full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Cook for 1 minute after rolling boil.
4. Remove from heat, skim foam from top. 
5. Fill sterilized jars to within 1/4" headspace. Wipe jar rims clean, add lids and rings, finger tighten.
6. Boil in water bath canner for 10 minutes.
7. Remove from water, place on folded towels, count the lid pings and love life:@) If a jar happens to not seal, store in fridge and enjoy it first.

Gift well and have a happy day:@)

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Saturday ReView: Swing Top for Barbie & Ham and Peach Shish-Ka-Bobs

I'm lovin' this super easy, really cute swing top for Barbie! This is another project that comes together in minutes and would be great for a girl's birthday party or sleepover. The key is to use a nice old t-shirt that's well worn, really soft, and drapes easily. It gets dressed up with some bling from diamond mesh ribbon, and the cherry on top... This is a no-sew craft.

I found the diamond mesh ribbon at Dollar Tree. You can get it in three or five row width, I think three rows is best for this top.

Swing Top Supplies: soft knit fabric, diamond mesh ribbon, velcro, glue.

Directions:

1. Save pattern to your computer, use the scroll button on your mouse to make the line equal 1". Print or gently trace the pattern onto paper and cut out.
2. Cut one piece from soft knit fabric.
3. Cut approx 5" strip of diamond mesh (24 rows long).
4. Glue diamond mesh onto the straight top of the fabric. The glue I used to hold the diamond mesh to the fabric was Aleene's Fabric Fusion. It worked very well!
5. Glue small piece of velcro to the back to close the top. Hot glue works best for attaching the velcro (unless you want to sew it on).
6. Tip: If planning a group craft project, it's always best for you to make a test shirt ahead of time.

A quick pic of the back.

And the side... 

I have another no-sew diamond mesh top tutorial HERE.

Barbie says: A girl can never have too many cute tops😉

And the ten day forecast says it looks like temps are cooling down into the 80's here in Philly, and I for one, am grateful! It has been a little ~steamy~ here for a long time. So, what do nicer temps mean? Grilling! If you've never added some peaches to your kababs before, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised folks, they are perfect with ham, and ham on the grill is a beautiful thing too:@) HERE.

Have a great weekend everyone:@)