1:6 Scale Barbie Pumpkin Pie from Bottle Cap & Clay

Barbie asks, are you ready for pumpkin season? Pumpkins are big business, and a fall essential to many people. She got a couple little beauties in her last CSA box from Cousin Rube's Farm. And while it's way too early to think about Jack-O-Lanterns, she got her knife out with something different in mind...

Pumpkin pie:@)

While these Bottle Cap Pies aren't a new idea, this is the first time I've made one for my Barbie World. It was quick and easy, I like that in a craft:@) I took a standard bottle cap, filled it with clay, and let it dry. Then just painted the top to look like pumpkin pie. You can be as detailed as you'd like, make a lattice top, or a top crust with a pretty design. I made good ole standard pumpkin pie. 

I'd like to thank my son for planting the itty pumpkins and gourds in his garden the last couple years. This Barbie size one is from him, and the smallest in this pic. They have been fun😉

Another easy idea:

Lattice pie from masking tape here.

Make something just for fun, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Pineapple Pie, K-Cup Easter Egg Holders & Easter Tiered Tray

The countdown to Easter is truly on, so for this week's ReView... If you're looking for a dessert that's little different for the Easter buffet this year, may I suggest this Pineapple Pie. It only requires one 20 oz can of crushed pineapple and a double crust. I used a cute chick cookie cutter to vent the center:@)

These Recycled K-Cup Easter Egg Holders are a fun project, especially great to keep the kids busy for a while... Then maybe the Easter Bunny could set his favorite dyed egg out for each kid to have for breakfast. You know, before they start in on the candy:@)

My 2024 Easter Tiered Tray: "Chocolate" bunny is a 98¢ plastic candy container from Walmart. I tied a pretty bow around the neck. Dollar Tree chick S&P's (bought years ago), and an old Christopher Radko Easter Bunny ornament. Luckily the bottom is flat, my ornament holder won't fit on the top tier.

Bottom Tier: How to make Flameless Candle Wrap here, colorful appy food picks, napkins, functional S&P grinders, vintage ducks on pond S&P, and of course we have to have some jelly beans:@)

🐣Easter is next weekend folks,

Have a Happy Day!

Small Any Fruit Pie Filling Dump Cake Recipe -Jiffy Cake Mix

Every once in a while I like to make a fast dessert using minimal ingredients, and this one only calls for three things. I'd also prefer that it only be for dinner, not temp me for days:@) That's exactly what this Small Any Fruit Dump Cake is, and we all thought it was pretty darn good. Maybe not Easter buffet glamorous, but nice for Sunday dinner. Especially with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. Start with any canned fruit pie filling you'd like, and it really doesn't matter what size... This will work best with 20 oz, but I think we can get away with 15 oz if that's all we have. And instead of a regular cake mix, I used the smaller Jiffy size, it worked great. 

Note: 9x13" crowd size would require two cans of pie filling, a full size cake mix, and 1/2 C butter.

Small Any Fruit Dump Cake

20 oz can pie filling

Jiffy yellow cake mix

1/4 C butter, cut into thin pats

1. Pour pie filling into pie dish.
2. Evenly sprinkle cake mix over filling.
3. Add pats of butter all over top.
4. Bake at 350 degrees for about 35-45 minutes or until top is golden brown and bubbling at edges.
5. Serve with ice cream if desired.

Let's try something new, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

St. Pat's Candy, Easter Small Cheesecake & Barbie Silliness...

Happy March! For this week's review I thought I'd share a couple sweet ideas for the spring holidays:@) Irish Potatoes Candy is a staple here in the Philadelphia area for St. Patrick's Day. They aren't made with potatoes (cream cheese, powdered sugar and coconut), but rolled in cinnamon to resemble potatoes. They are sweet, tasty, and ~very rich~, so I like to vary the size, aiming for about 1" and smaller. I encourage you to try it, especially if your crowd has a hearty sweet tooth, good stuff folks! 

And this Small Cheesecake is great any time, but perfect for Easter dinner. It only calls for one 8 oz brick of cream cheese, and if you use a store bought graham cracker crust, comes together in no time. (And um, we have some unfortunate pictures from the very beginning of PIM...) But I promise you will love the cheesecake:@)

I've made a ton of these easy Holiday Headbands from a Bottle Ring for Barbie, even have a round-up of ideas here. How about a fun one for St. Patrick's Day... I like to use rings that are a little sturdier than water bottles, then start by wrapping pipe cleaners around it, cut to size, shape, and glue on items for embellishment. Anything goes, feathers, buttons, sequins, flowers, beads, stickers, etc. Just have fun with it:@)

Free dress pattern here.

🍀🐰Have a Happy Weekend:@)

Pie Crust Cinnamon & Sugar Pinwheel Cookies

These Pie Crust Cinnamon & Sugar Pinwheel Cookies are truly a use it up idea folks. I had an extra store bought pie crust so -keeping things super easy- I unrolled it, liberally sprinkled with cinnamon, then used colored sugar, rerolled, sliced and baked. Were some a tad smaller than others? Yep, I liked it. Any extra small or scraps... Well, let's just call that the cook's treat:@) I took a pic with a few un-iced so you could see the color. I do think they need the drizzle for a little extra sweetness. 

Truly bite sized little cookies, 

perfect with coffee or tea...

Pie Crust Cinnamon & Sugar Pinwheel Cookies

1. Unroll pie crust (or roll out some homemade).
2. Liberally sprinkle top with cinnamon.
3. Liberally sprinkle top with stripes of red and green sugar. Cover the whole top. I added mine in diagonal stripes. Alternately, make one side red, the other half green, then you'd have solid cookies of each color.
4. Re-roll. Cut into 1/4" rounds and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Can dip finger in water to help seal the tail to the circle.
5. Optional-Sprinkle tops with sanding sugar (my sanding sugar kinda just bounced all over the baking sheet...).
6. Bake at 425 degrees (for store bought pie crust) for about 10-12 minutes, or until bottoms are browned and crust is done.
7. Place tray on cooling rack for a couple minutes, then remove cookies and cool completely.
8. Drizzle tops with melted white chocolate or candy melts, let firm up.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

Cocktail Franks with Cherry Pie Filling Appetizer -Slow Cooker, Stove Top, Microwave, or Oven

As we're truly into the Christmas countdown and entertaining season is in full swing, it's always good to have one super easy appetizer that whips up in seconds, and can be scaled down, or makes enough to feed a crowd. These Cocktail Franks with Cherry Pie Filling check all the boxes folks:@) Basically they only need to be heated up and served with cute food picks. Fastest way, microwave until heated through. Alternately, heat on stove or in oven. And the ultimate, guests are coming later, dump into Crock Pot, turn to low for 3 hours, and finish straightening up the house...

My best serving suggestion: Add a spoon to the vessel and have folks eat from little cocktail plates.

I've seen several variations of this, some call for 3 Tblsp of brown sugar and pineapple chunks. I think this basic idea has been around forever, don't stress the measurements, grab a can of pie filling at Dollar Tree and use up to 1 lb of franks. Get a second can if serving more. If your store has the 21 oz size, no problem...

Cocktail Franks with Cherry Pie Filling

1 lb cocktail franks

1 lb cherry pie filling-can use either the 15 oz or 21 oz it will be ok

~Heat everything and serve.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

ReView: Pumpkin Palooza! Pie Cake, Crochet Coaster, Yo-Yo Pumpkins & Dollar Store Crafts

I thought we'd do a little pumpkin round-up just for fun... How about a seasonal treat that's different and will impress your guests... This Pumpkin Pie Cake might just replace your traditional pie at the holidays, yep folks, it's really good:@) You'll see in the original post, it can be a full 9x13 size, or I made half in an 8x8 pan. It's a total from scratch recipe (using canned pumpkin), and well worth the time to give it a try.

While I'm far from a student of the fiber arts... Every once in a while I'll make a little somethin-somethin. Way back in 2013 I made some Crochet Pumpkin Coasters. Click to pop over for the free pattern and directions:@)

This Yo-Yo Pumpkin Picture Tutorial remains one of my most popular posts to this day. Easy-peasy and a great way to use up a little left over fabric from your stash. I've made the large stuffed yo-yo's, and...

 Stacked yo-yo's:

And I'll leave you with a few crafts/recycling ideas using Dollar Tree Items. Good to use as little decorations on shelves or tiered trays, and of course for Barbie play:@)

Pumpkin Topiary  ~  Tea Light Jack-O-Lantern

Pumpkin Head Costume

Pumpkin/Pumpkin Spice Cooking & Crafts Pinterest Board.

Halloween Food Pinterest Board.

Make something just for fun, and...

Happy Pumpkin Season🎃

ReView: Heart Shaped Food Round-Up & Heart Suspenders for Ken (Barbie)

Wow, we're down to single digit days before Valentine's Day folks, so I thought I'd add a Heart Shaped Food Round-Up from the archives. Ideas for main meal, deviled eggs, cookies, cake, pie, and fudge, a little something for everyone:@)

I saw some cute red and pink 98¢ party favor bracelets at Walmart and thought they might be fun for a little Valentine's Day Barbie crafting. The first thing that came to mind was suspenders for Ken, and I love the perfect scale. They can be attached with buttons or sewn directly onto to pants. While he may choose to not get super dressed up for the occasion, there is no denying Ken did put thought into Valentine's Day! Barbie's smitten:@)

✂What I did:

1. Super simple, just sew a few small buttons onto any pair of Ken pants.
2. Cut the bracelet apart at bottom of heart at bend in bracelet, and loop the hole in the bracelet over the button. The top bend from the packaging naturally falls at his shoulder.
3. You'll need to trim a couple hearts off of the back, then loop a hole through buttons on the back of the pants.

My inspiration:

Make something just for fun,

and have a happy day💗

Saturday ReView: Lighter Pecan Pie & Barbie DIY Santa Makeover

In a perfect world I would have been able to find a poseable 1:6 scale Santa doll for Barbie play. But not in my world... So I started with an action figure doll thrift store rescue, and dug out the Christmas props box to see what I already had... 

The coat is a 2022 ornament from Walmart.

Pants and hat 2021 ornament from Kohl's.

Boots came in a grab bag of thrift store items.

First preliminary pic:

Now, do I wish the pants were longer?

Yes, but I can work on that later.

I did rework the belt a bit.

The Santa face:

A little white paint on his eyebrows and hair.

And dabbing the paint on helped make the brows bushier too,

I might try to tone the brows down with a little gray later.

Gotta clean up that hairline too...

I thought the beard would be the most challenging part,

but ended up repurposing a little faux fur from a deconstructed ornament.

Simply cut to shape and glued to his face.

The hat always helps!

A pillow adds some belly and...

Wa-la, one department store type Santa 

for my Christmas scenes and pictures🎅

Cousin Rube will be thrilled to have his help

at Peace and Pancakes Farm this Christmas😉

Before and after:

And this Lighter Pecan Pie would be perfect for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas! Not only does it have less sugar, it only calls for one cup of pecans... Making it both lighter in calories, and lighter on the wallet too:@) Good stuff folks, I've made it a few times, don't hesitate to give it a try.

Have a great weekend:@)

Pumpkin Pie in a Mug -Microwave Single Serving

It seems the only thing I make with pumpkin that calls for a whole can is pumpkin pie. Most recipes call for about 1/2 cup, so I'm always looking for new ways to use up leftover pumpkin... This Microwave Pumpkin Pie in a Mug is pretty easy, comes together quickly, and was quite tasty! Another thing I love about it, you don't have to make the cookie crust if you don't want to, saving a few calories (and leaving more room for extra whipped cream:@) I used an 8oz mug, the pumpkin will rise and puff up in the microwave, then deflate as it cools. This tastes like pumpkin pie, but the texture will be somewhere between creamy pie and slightly spongy cake. But it is a very nice treat!

My microwave is pretty strong,

it only took 2 minutes.

Pumpkin Pie in a Mug-from The Kitchn

1 tsp butter-melted-optional

14 grams gingersnaps (2 cookies), crushed into 2 Tblsp crumbs-optional

1/3 C pumpkin puree

1 egg

2 Tblsp brown sugar

1 Tblsp milk or cream

1 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1. Pour butter and cookie crumbs into mug, stir and press into bottom (if using).
2. Mix pumpkin, egg, milk, brown sugar and spice.
3. Pour into mug, place mug on plate.
4. Microwave on high 2-5 minutes. All microwaves vary, start at 2 minutes, if still jiggly use 30 second increments until set.
5. Allow to cool a bit, serve with whipped cream if desired.

Let's start saving those holiday recipes

and have a happy day:@)

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Crowd Size Impossible Taco Pie -Bisquick

Well here's something new, I'm generally scaling recipes down, but this time I wanted to try a 9x13 size Bisquick Impossible Taco Pie. I had some hamburger and needed an idea for Sunday dinner, this turned out to be a real crowd pleaser:@) We all loved adding the fun toppings at the table, use anything your crew likes with tacos. This hearty recipe also calls for four eggs, the boys thought this dish would be great to serve for brunch too.

Leftovers freeze beautifully, simply reheat in microwave.

9x13 Pan Bisquick Impossible Taco Pie-adapted from Betty Crocker

1 lb lean hamburger

1 1/2 C onion, chopped

2 envelopes taco seasoning-very robust flavor, can start with 1 1/2 envelopes, add more to taste

14.5 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained well-can sub 1 C beans, 1 C corn

10 oz tomatoes with chiles (Rotel or store brand) drained well-can use green chiles

1 C Bisquick

2 C milk

4 eggs

2 C cheddar cheese, shredded

Any toppings you like with tacos

1. Spray glass 9x13 pan with cooking spray (I cooked the hamburger and baked it in a 12" round, straight sided, non-stick pan-worked great!).
2. Cook hamburger and onion. 
3. Turn of heat, stir in seasoning, beans, corn if using, and Rotel. Pour into 9x13 pan.
4. In bowl, whisk Bisquick, milk and eggs. Pour over hamburger mixture.
5. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes or until knife comes out clean.
6. Top with cheese, bake 10 minutes more, or until cheese browns up nicely.
7. Let sit about 5 minutes before slicing into  squares.
8. Serve with anything you like on tacos: Cheese, sour cream, lettuce, salsa, black olives, avocado, corn chips, tortilla chips, etc.

Enjoy a little comfort food and have a happy day:@)

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ReView: Heart Shaped Food Round-Up & Easy Button Wrap for Barbie

As we're firming up ideas and plans for Valentine's Day I thought I'd share a post from 2017, a Heart Shaped Food Round-Up. It shows several simple ideas to help turn every day food into something just a tad more special for the holiday. Main dish, side dish and dessert, there's a little something for everyone:@)

I'm always searching for blog inspiration and as soon as I saw a beautiful crochet wrap with decorative button, I knew it would be a fun Barbie project. Use your craft of choice, crochet or knitting, and I might knit one and update pics if Philadelphia gets another snowy day:@)  This is a great beginner's crochet project. I love that it calls for so few stitches in each row, kids will see progress quickly, encouraging them to continue. This simple wrap can be worn a couple ways, draped low off of one shoulder, or draped over both shoulders. And I'm sure young fashionistas will come up with some of their own ideas... 

I chained 10 for this particular wrap.

I suggest at least 12 for a bit more length. 

I've said it before folks... I am ~not~ a student of the fiber arts. I'm more of a "one-two-three-oh look, a shiny sequin" kind of person...

My goal is to simply share an idea that you can make for, or better yet ~with~ your girl. Make it yours, if you know how to crochet or knit a fancy stitch, have fun with it😎

One tip: I knew sewing a button onto this loose stitch would be a problem, so I chose to push a pipe cleaner through the button hole instead. Then just folded the ends over toward the middle. Just gives it a little more surface area to hold the button on.

My gorgeous inspiration:

You can stop by Fiber Flux to see her great pattern (for real people) with video.

✂What I did:

Extra thin (string type) yarn

J hook

Chain 12 or as many as desired for length from shoulder to hip.

Double crochet, or use any fancy stitch, for width. Use doll as guide, wrapping garment around her until it fits to your liking.

Sew button on, dress doll and smile😊

💗Make something just for fun and have a happy weekend:@)

Dashing Through the Snow -Christmas Pie Embellishment

While we love desserts of all sorts, there's no doubt about it, apple pie is #1 with the crew here at Pig In Mud. I wanted to mention that it's fun to decorate pies too folks... I've had this retro Santa decoration from Etsy for a few years, and decided to bring it out for this pie. I simply gave the cool top crust a dusting of powdered sugar and, wa-la, we have snow! I think Santa, the reindeer and trees are really sweet and give this dessert just a little extra something-something:@)

Santa says, gotta dash off...

Kinda busy time of year:@)

My Pie Recipes and Decorating Pinterest Board can be found here.

Make the season magical and have a happy day:@)

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Acorn Squash with Apple Pie Filling

I kept seeing cans of apple pie filling at Dollar Tree and knew I wanted to make something with it... This Acorn Squash with Apple Pie Filling was a fun side dish. And if you get lucky and find the squash at your local garden center for $1, well, happy fall! (Actually, Aldi had it for $1.15, that's not bad either:@) This would be perfect with some pan fried ham or kielbasa, add a slice of buttered bread and dinner is served. I've seen baked squash stuffed with apples, I like the idea of serving the apples on the side so folks can help themselves, making this a four serving side dish.

I added my pumpkin label because (well, it's squash:@), 

and I added pumpkin spice to both the apples and squash.

Another addition that sounds good, a handful of raisins.

Acorn Squash with Apple Pie Filling

1. Cut squash in half lengthwise, scoop out seeds.
2. Place cut side down in baking dish (can place on parchment paper for easier clean-up if desired).
3. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from oven.
4. Carefully flip squash cut side up. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, and dust with pumpkin spice.
5. Return to oven for 20-25 minutes, check for doneness. It's ready to eat when flesh is tender.
6. Stir 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice into 21 oz can of apple pie filling. (Want to up the flavor and add more spice? You know your crowd:@) Heat apples on stove or in microwave. 
7. Cut squash into quarters, serve with apples at table.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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White Chocolate Spider Web Pumpkin Pie Topper -Halloween Food

~~Let the Season of Spooky Begin~~ Here's a fun idea to add to Halloween festivities... This White Chocolate Spider Web Pumpkin Pie Topper comes together in minutes and would be a big hit with kids, and the young at heart, alike:@) Bake or buy your favorite pie, and pipe some candy melts or melted chocolate onto parchment paper. Just be sure to keep the web small enough to lay flat on the baked pumpkin part of the pie, not leaning onto the edge of the crust where it can bend and break. I microwaved candy melts in a disposable icing bag and made my candy lines thicker insuring they wouldn't break. Pumpkin pie is kinda wet... I suggest placing the web onto the pie right before serving.

Don't want to free-hand the spider web?

Draw one onto the parchment paper with a Sharpie,

then turn the parchment over, tape corners down, and pipe chocolate onto the other side.

Make the long straight lines first, then the arched ones on top.

Be sure to let the candy cool off  and become solid before removing from parchment.

Three embellishment options: 

Use a plastic spider ring as I did. 

Make a cute spider from a large gum drop and shoestring licorice, 

or simply lay some candy eyes peeking out from under the web for a spooky effect.

A couple more fun Halloween pies:

A pie crust Jack-O-Lantern and Apple Pie Mummy...

🎃Bake something just for fun and have a happy day:@)

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Five Minute Blueberry Pie, No-Bake

No matter how the gardens do each year, my son's blueberries are the one thing we can always count on. I was tickled to find this Five Minute Blueberry Pie recipe, and especially pleased that it is a no-bake recipe. Perfect for summer! Much like the Fresh Strawberry Pie, this will be added to our yearly list of seasonal things to make. I do have a few suggestions though... It's rare that I'd add more sugar to a recipe, but blueberries can be a little tart. Also, I'll be using a shortbread crust next year instead of graham cracker. One last little thing, a tsp of fresh lemon juice would be nice too. But honestly folks, if you've ever had a blueberry pie make a mess of your oven, you'll welcome this easy recipe:@)

Tip: Always place a store bought crust into a pie plate. 

Just set the foil pan right into it for stability.

Five Minute Blueberry Pie-from Taste of Home

1/2 C sugar-I'd add 2 Tblsp to 1/4 C more depending on how tart the berries are

2 Tblsp cornstarch

3/4 C water

4 C blueberries, fresh or frozen

1 tsp lemon juice-optional

1 graham cracker crust-I used store bought and would use a shortbread crust next time

whipped topping-optional

1. Add sugar and cornstarch to large sauce pan. Add water and stirring constantly, bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until thickened, approximately 2 minutes.
2. Add blueberries, cook for about 3 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
3. Pour into pie crust, chill until set, approximately 4-6 hours. (I left mine on the counter for about an hour, then put it in the fridge for a couple hours, then covered the top with plastic wrap.)

Enjoy a slice of pie and have a happy day:@)

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