Showing posts with label bread. Show all posts
Showing posts with label bread. Show all posts

Saturday, February 24, 2024

Weight Watchers 2 Ingredient Pizza Dough, BBQ Pork & Rice Krispy Treats-Small Batch Cooking

G-Mom-B always said, even if you live alone, you still have to cook for yourself. Yep, I do like to eat:@) So for today's ReView I thought I'd share a few easy ideas for serving one or two people. I was intrigued by this Two Ingredient Weight Watchers Pizza Dough and just had to give it a try-it's pretty darn good folks! Just unflavored Non Fat Greek Yogurt and self-rising flour... No self-rising flour? No worries, I've added a homemade version of that too. Boy I  Pizza...

We don't have to make a huge pork shoulder to enjoy a nice BBQ Shredded Pork Sandwich... I simply tossed some country ribs into my 2 quart Crock Pot, sprinkled with equal parts garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, smoked paprika and two times as much seasoned salt. Add a few grinds of black pepper, add the lid, and cook on high for about 4 hours. Shred, slather with BBQ sauce, and enjoy:@) Even easier using a liner, just sayin'...

And for a snack...

Eat well and
Have a Happy Weekend:@)

Saturday, February 17, 2024

Winter Cooking: Easy Beef Stew & Quick White Bread Recipe

Even though we may all be dreaming of spring, the reality is, here in Philly, as well as a lot of other places, we have another month of winter left. It's actually snowing here today... So that calls for some hearty meals:@) I dug ~way back~ to 2015 and found this Darn Good Beef Stew. This is a nice recipe that takes a while to cook on the stove top, but I promise it will make the house smell great and be worth the wait! 

And of course we want a nice slice of bread to enjoy every last drop of that gravy, here's a Quick Homemade White Bread that takes about 1 1/2 hours from start to finish. Most of that is resting time for the yeast. Good stuff folks:@)

Eat well, stay warm, and
Have a Happy Day:@)

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Ham and Cheese Mini Muffin Appetizers

These Ham and Cheese Mini Muffin Appetizers are the fourth flavor combination I've tried with these mini-muffins. And it's a very good combo at that:@) This is a nice substantial appy for big games, holidays, and any get-together. Heck, how about any Saturday for lunch... Simple pantry ingredients and about 30 minutes, wa-la, everyone will be snacking and very happy! The honey mustard dipping sauce is really-really good... Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, I think it will be liked by most.
Easy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce: Equal parts Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise.

Two more excellent variations:
Ham and Cheese Mini Muffins
3/4 C A/P flour
3/4 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
3/4 C milk
1 egg, lightly beaten
1 C shredded cheddar
1 C cooked ham, small dice
Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce for serving:
Equal parts Dijon mustard, honey, and mayonnaise.
  1. Grease a 24 cup mini-muffin pan.
  2. Mix first 3 ingredients in large bowl.
  3. Add milk and egg to dry ingredients, mix.
  4. Stir in the cheese and meat.
  5. Let sit for 5 minutes.
  6. Fill muffin cups with approximately 1 Tblsp batter.
  7. Bake at 375 degrees until puffed and golden, 20-25 minutes.
  8. Serve with honey mustard sauce for dipping.
  9. Makes approximately 24.
Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Saturday, January 13, 2024

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:@)

Monday, January 1, 2024

Happy New Year! 2023 Popular Posts

2023 was a year of trying new things and re-direction here at Pig In Mud. I expanded the garden, and by end of season broke the far beds down and decided to keep it compact and at the patio. I also brought Barbie back to PIM in the fall, that turned out to be a good decision:@) Another thing that folks seem to like are my Dollar Tree posts. I've always said, DT is kind of like a scavenger hunt, you never know what you might find... And speaking of finding, I  my St. Nick Foles $2 thrift store ornament:@) Thrift stores are still a big part of my Saturday morning rounds.
The blog remains a fun hobby for me, even as I'm entering my 14th year. Boy that's hard to believe... Looking ahead to 2024, I think I've created a posting schedule that's manageable for myself, and hope to continue sharing recipes, crafts, finds, and ideas that provide a little inspiration, or at least a fun quick peek while enjoying a cuppa!

On to the Top 3 Posts:
Always an adventure...


And I am truly shocked...
Ha, I always chuckle as I create my picked egg post at Easter, and wonder if anyone really makes them? I'm glad to see folks do actually click to take a look:@)

Let's make 2024 an amazing year!
After all, 
we're the only ones that can do it:@)
Happy New Year!!!

Saturday, September 30, 2023

Pumpkin Yeast Dinner Rolls & Fall Football Table Runner with Tiered Tray Tip

Looking for a nice weekend baking project as the weather turns cooler? Or maybe want to perfect that signature side dish before the holidays get here? How about some Homemade 90 Minute Pumpkin Dinner Rolls. The key to these fluffy warm rolls is using rapid rise yeast, also known as bread machine yeast. I dressed mine up a bit with sesame seeds, little pepitas would be a pretty seasonal addition too. Just look at that great color folks:@) Leftover pumpkin? More Pig In Mud ideas here.

And I wanted to share my new Fall Football Table Runner:@) Love the look with my tiered tray on the kitchen table. I've mentioned before, this tiered tray has to be functional (S&P, napkins, candy, food picks, etc...), and I like to add little seasonal touches. My tip for today, you can easily decorate a tier with nothing more than a candle ring. This one is nice and full. I'm a sucker for these retro hard plastic rings and pick them up when I find them in good shape at thrift stores.

Pic from Amazon:
The footballs are 4" long.

🍁Happy early fall,
have a great weekend:@)

Wednesday, September 27, 2023

Crescent Roll Apple Pie Danish

I had a few apples to use up and decided to treat myself to these easy little Crescent Roll Apple Pie Danish for breakfast. Store bought rolls, an apple, some cinnamon and sugar... Wa-la, breakfast is served:@) Pillsbury adds some butter and used apple pie spice. I chose to add a little sprinkle of pumpkin spice, and topped them with some sanding sugar. Two suggestions: 1. Add the apple slices to a bowl, cover it and microwave for about 45 seconds, let them cool. This will help the apples soften up a bit more. 2. These danish would be ~wonderful~ with a pretty white confectioners sugar glaze. Next time...
Get the kids involved folks,
they'd love to help with this one:@)

Crescent Roll Apple Pie Danish-from Pillsbury
1 apple, peeled, cored and cut into 8 pieces-I cut mine into 16
*I microwaved my apples for a bit and added 2 slices per danish
3 Tblsp butter, melted-I did not use this
8 Crescent Rolls, separated
1/3 C packed brown sugar
1 tsp apple pie spice
  1. Drizzle 1 Tblsp butter over sliced apples, set aside.
  2. Mix sugar and spice. Spread evenly over the 8 triangles of dough.
  3. Add apple to wide end, roll up.
  4. Place on parchment covered baking sheet.
  5. Brush top with reserved butter. 
  6. Bake at 375 degrees for approximately 12-14 minutes. Watch carefully towards end.
  7. Cool.
  8. Optional: Add extra dusting of spice or powdered sugar, or drizzle with glaze. Or turn into a dessert and serve with ice cream as Pillsbury suggests.
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Monday, July 24, 2023

Zucchini Gingerbread Muffins -Christmas in July & Shark Week 2023

How's your garden doing, got zucchini??? Yep, I thought you might:@) Recipe number three for 2023 using summer squash... Zucchini Gingerbread Muffins. And it's a winner folks! The only thing I'd do differently, add a little shake of sparkly, crunchy sanding sugar on top before baking. Some reviews suggest bumping up the spices a bit, I left my measuring spoons slightly mounded. This is a nice way to use up a little zucchini, and they do freeze well. And of course, gingerbread would be a perfect snack for Christmas in July with a nice cuppa...

I made a half batch (used 1 egg), and ended up with 10 mega muffins. You could easily get 12 normal ones.
Looking for more ideas: My Zucchini Pinterest Board here.

Zucchini Gingerbread Muffins-adapted from All Recipes
1 C brown sugar
1/4 C molasses
1/4 C vegetable oil
3/4 C vanilla yogurt-I had sour cream on-hand
3 eggs
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp ginger
1/2 tsp nutmeg
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt
2 1/2 C grated zucchini
3 C A/P flour-I used half white whole wheat
Sanding sugar, powdered sugar, icing-optional
  1. Add liners to two 12 cupcake pans, or spray pan. Alternately, can use two 9x5 loaf pans.
  2. Stir together first 5 ingredients, mix well.
  3. Add spices, baking soda and baking powder, mix well. 
  4. Fold in zucchini, then add flour. Mix until combined.
  5. Add to pans. Sprinkle with sanding sugar if desired.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-25 minutes for muffins. 50-60 minutes for loaves, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool loaves for 10 minutes in pan before removing to racks.
  8. Dust with powdered sugar or add icing if desired. 
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Each year I try to come up with a theme'd post for Shark Week, in 2023 it starts this Sunday, July 23rd. There's a lot going on right now (everything in one week), 21-The Movie, 23-Shark Week, 25-Christmas in July... Whew...
 
Barbie and Ken are on their summer vacation and this year the resort has a shark tank petting zoo! Baby sharks swimming around, and yep, folks could try to pet them. Barbie says she thinks baby sharks are still cute:@) 

But cute or not...
Ken was kinda like... Ah, no.
One thing I read said they feel like sandpaper,
another said going from head to tail they are smooth.
Wouldn't know, I'm on Team Ken...
You go Barbie😉
Details:
Background is a calendar page.
Pool and sand from Dollar Tree.
Icee = Mini Brands.

And the sharks...
Click for Previous Posts:

🦈Enjoy Shark Week and
Happy Christmas In July🎅

Saturday, April 8, 2023

Last Minute Easter: Canned Biscuit Bunnies, Barbie Bunny Ears & What's Your Easter Bunny Name?

If I had planned this post, I would have had string licorice for whiskers and other candies on hand, but this was literally an a-ha moment, throw it together kinda thing... I also would have added some spring sprinkles to the solid white iced one. Yep, planning is a good thing folks:@) But what this ~does~ show is, these little Easter Bunny Biscuits can be whipped up in no time to add to the kid's Easter fun! Simply shape, pinch the dough so it holds together, and bake per package instructions. Let cool for about 10 minutes so the icing doesn't melt and run off, decorate as desired. I used M&M's and a pink jelly bean.

And speaking of last minute and super easy...
These Bunny Ears for Barbie were one of my first Barbie crafts,
and after almost 10 years, still one of the cutest!

And just for fun...
What's your Easter Bunny name?
I'm sure the kids will get a giggle from this:

🌷Lively Wiggle Nose wishes everyone
a Wonderful Easter Weekend🐰

Saturday, February 25, 2023

Homemade Artisan Bread & Cat Ear Hat for Barbie Free Pattern

Winter is a great time to try something new, or revisit a recipe or technique we haven't made in a while. Anyone remember the Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day craze? I loved it and had dough in the refrigerator from the first time I saw the recipe. Since I generally would only make it for Sunday dinner, I scaled the recipe down to mix a 1 lb batch of dough. Whether you make a full or smaller batch, I do highly recommend giving it a try folks, it is tasty fun:@) My post gives tips for how I've made it, as well as a link to the original version.

These Two Pointed Hats for Barbie and Ken are super cute and you can whip a few up in no time. As with most things, what makes them special are the little touches, pom-poms, tassels or some baker string for ties. Use any fabric or recycled material that catches your eye, I've used a recycled sweatshirt and some team logo pajama material:@) Felt would work too.

Had to make an Eagles hat😎

The pattern:

✂What I did:
  1. Cut 2.
  2. Right sides together sew up one side, across top, down the other side. Leave the bottom opening unfinished.
  3. Snip points off of 'ears' above seam.
  4. Turn right side out, poke points with knitting needle, etc. to make them stand up.
  5. Finish hat with embellishments and sewing trim as desired. I used hot glue for my pom-poms and ties.
❄Make something just for fun and have a happy day:@)

Wednesday, February 15, 2023

Banana Nut Waffles -Bisquick Recipe

These Banana Nut Waffles are very good, and perfect with maple syrup. It's a Bisquick recipe that's pretty fail-proof. And while they call for adding minced nuts into the batter, I opted to toast them and sprinkle larger chopped nuts on top. Good stuff folks:@) I'm still working on getting 'the feel' for exactly how much batter I need to use per waffle... Getting close though! 

You know you want some:@)

Banana Nut Waffles-from Betty Crocker
2 C Bisquick
1 C mashed ripe banana
1 C milk
1/4 C finely chopped walnuts or pecans-I toasted and sprinkled mine on top instead
2 Tblsp vegetable oil
1 egg
  1. Heat waffle iron, grease/spray it if that's what you do. My plates are still pretty new and non-stick.
  2. Stir ingredients, pour onto waffle maker.
  3. Close lid and cook until steaming stops, or per waffle maker instructions.
  4. Serve with syrup, sliced bananas, powered sugar, etc.
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Wednesday, January 11, 2023

Healthier Oatmeal and Banana Waffles -A One Ripe Banana Recipe

I'll be the first to admit that I love kitchen toys, and have owned... Most of them. But one thing I've always looked at but passed on was a mini-waffle maker. You know the ones, they make one individual waffle at a time. Well, the holiday designs were $5 the day after Christmas at Walmart, so I grabbed the snowman figuring it would be good all winter, and then I can use the side with squares for the rest of the year. The first thing I made were these Oatmeal and Banana Waffles. I liked that I could use up one ripe banana, I'm always looking for more ways to use oatmeal, and that the batter didn't call for any additional sugar. For my pictures I dusted them with powdered sugar, but would definitely serve them with a sweeter syrup. Now, I'm not a waffle expert folks, but I will say upfront, these will not be crispy. Kinda more like ~really cute~ pancakes... I'm ok with that:@)

The recipe below will make approximately 3 of these 5" size waffles.
It's easily increased.

I can already see that the amount of batter per waffle is more of a "feel"
rather than a measurement.
I'll address that in a later post,
after I've played with the waffle iron a little more.
I'm impressed with the non-stick coating on the iron, it worked well:@)

Oatmeal and Banana Waffles-from somewhere down the rabbit hole of Pinterest...
1/2 C oatmeal-I used old fashioned oats
1 banana
1 egg
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/2 tsp vanilla
  1. Add all to blender, mix until smooth.
  2. Pour onto preheated waffle iron.
  3. Cook until baked through, per your waffle iron instructions.
  4. Serve with syrup, powdered sugar, fresh fruit, whipped cream, etc...
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Monday, January 9, 2023

Soft Pretzel Nuggets & Cocktail Weiner Appetizers

Why would you take the time to assemble your own Soft Pretzel and Cocktail Sausage or Weiner Appys? Because it costs about 1/4-1/3 as much as buying pre-packaged frozen:@) And the flavor combinations and serving options are endless. Here I've made salted pretzels, everything pretzels, and cheese covered weenies. They can be served with assorted mustards, ketchup, hot sauce, ranch dressing or heated Velveeta wiz... The playoffs are coming up folks, don't hesitate to whip up some substantial two bite appetizers for your next party.
I found a small bag of soft pretzel nuggets in the frozen foods section of Dollar Tree.

Soft Pretzel & Cocktail Weiner or Sausage Appetizers
Make as many as you'd like:
  1. Thaw pretzels for approximately 25-30 minutes.
  2. While pretzels thaw, place cocktail weenies on counter so they can come to room temperature.
  3. Slice each pretzel lengthwise.
  4. Dampen outside of pretzels, sprinkle with pretzel salt or everything seasoning if desired.
  5. Gently open each pretzel, place sausage on each one.
  6. Sprinkle with extra seeds if desired.
  7. Cover with cheese if desired.
  8. Bake at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes.
  9. Serve with condiments or melted cheese sauce.
Enjoy a munchie and have a happy day:@)

Saturday, December 31, 2022

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:

The most popular reader recipe from 2022:
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!!!

Monday, September 19, 2022

Jiffy Mix Cinnamon Apple Cornbread

This Cinnamon Apple Cornbread using Jiffy Mix couldn't be easier folks! And it's great as either a coffee cake for breakfast or as bread with dinner. Especially if you're serving pork as we're getting closer to Oktoberfest... I made mine in an 8" round pan, you can use an 8" square pan but the cake may be a little thinner, and you could also make muffins. Since I served it for breakfast, I added a little extra sprinkle of coarse sanding sugar on top. Slathering it with butter would be pretty darn good too:@) 
Best eaten the day it's made.

Jiffy Mix Cinnamon Apple Cornbread-adapted from Jiffy Mix
One box Jiffy Corn Muffin Mix
1 egg
1/3 C milk-I used half and half
1 apple, peeled, cored and small diced
1 - 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon-you know your crowd...
sanding sugar-optional
granola-optional
  1. Mix egg and milk well, stir in Jiffy Mix.
  2. Stir in apple.
  3. Pour batter into sprayed 8" pan or paper lined muffin tin.
  4. Sprinkle top with sanding sugar or granola if desired.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees 15-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Wednesday, June 1, 2022

Cinnamon Roll Butterflies from Canned Biscuits

I thought these Cinnamon Roll Butterflies from Pillsbury were so cute I just had to whip some up to share the idea:@) Super simple, canned cinnamon rolls and maraschino cherries. This is a fun sleepover project, or would be great for a lazy Sunday morning breakfast. Whenever you serve them, may I suggest we get the kids involved... It's a great beginner kitchen project, even the youngest child can help if you use a pizza cutter instead of a knife to cut the biscuits. Or have them add some sprinkles after they are iced. Have the time to add a little something extra? You could tint the icing a couple different colors, that would be pretty too.

Pillsbury used the cherry stems for antenna...
My cherries didn't have stems?
S'up with that Walmart???

So I just thinly sliced some lime rind/peel,
crisis averted:@)

Cinnamon Roll Butterflies-from Pillsbury
  1. Cut maraschino cherries in half (one cherry per butterfly). Drain cut side down on paper towel. Save the stems if you have them.
  2. Separate rolls, cut in half. Place icing back in fridge.
  3. Place rolls on baking sheet, curved sides together. Press where they meet a little so they stick together. Also, make sure all of the dough is touching in the 'wings'.
  4. Bake per instructions.
  5. Cool ~at least~ 10 minutes. 
  6. Cut small hole in icing bag, pipe on wings. You can click to see how Pillsbury did it, I flooded the main part of the wings and added sprinkles.
  7. Add cherries to center of butterfly to create body. Poke hole with toothpick to add stems, or whatever you're using, as antenna.
  8. Serve and enjoy!
Make something just for fun and have a happy day:@)

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Wednesday, March 9, 2022

St. Patrick's Day Recipes & Crafts Through the Years

Well folks it's official, Happier Than A Pig In Mud is 12 years old. Wow, I don't think I've ever held onto a hobby for that long before:@) I thought it might be fun to go back in time and see one thing I made from each year... So here you go! Links to the original post are below. I hope you find some inspiration and something to help make your St. Patrick's Day a little more fun this year! 



🍀Make something just for fun and have a happy day:@)

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Wednesday, January 12, 2022

One Ripe Banana Muffins -Small Batch -Use it up...

One of the things I'd like to focus on this year is finding ways to use up the leftovers, and odds and ends we might find in our fridge, cabinets, or on our counters. Primarily as small batch recipes. I've had a 'for one' label on the blog for years, but I'm adding a 'use it up' label, and creating a Pinterest board to help reduce food waste too. The first new recipe with this in mind, One Ripe Banana Muffins. They are surprisingly good and call for minimal ingredients. The banana simply gets mashed with a fork, and I mixed the batter with that fork too. Paper cupcake liners help make clean-up easy... This is a nice recipe to use up one ripe banana folks:@)
I have a countertop oven and six cavity cupcake pan.
This recipe will make five muffins as pictured,
or you could probably make four heartier sized muffins.
They freeze beautifully.

One Ripe Banana Muffins -from Cook Fast, Eat Well
One large banana
1/4 C sugar
1 egg
2 1/2 Tblsp butter, melted
1/2 C A/P flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
Pinch salt-optional -I used salted butter instead
Optional: Add nuts, chocolate chips, dried cranberries, etc-I sprinkled minced walnuts on top
  1. Mash banana in medium bowl.
  2. Stir in sugar, egg and butter.
  3. Add flour and baking powder, mix well.
  4. Pour into paper lined muffin tin. Plan on about 5 muffins.
  5. Top with nuts if desired. ~Or~ mix in chocolate chips or cranberries before filling liners.
  6. Bake at 350 degrees for 18-20 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.
  7. Cool and enjoy!
Let's use it up and have a happy day:@)

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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Classic Bisquick Beer Rolls

Seems we're dusting off a few old trusted and true recipes this week... I needed a ~fast, last minute~ bread or roll recipe for Sunday dinner and boy did I find a good one:@) These Classic Bisquick Beer Rolls couldn't be easier and only require four ingredients. They were soft and fluffy, and I loved the cheddar flavor. As a matter of fact, I'll be sprinkling a little extra cheese on top of each roll before baking the next time. And yes folks, there will be a next time!
Half batch made six nice size rolls.
Perfect with a hearty bowl of soup or chili:@)

Classic Bisquick Beer Rolls-from Betty Crocker
2 C Bisquick
1 C beer
2 Tblsp sugar
1 C shredded cheddar cheese
  1. Mix everything.
  2. Spoon into sprayed 12 muffin tin. 
  3. Bake at 400 degrees 15-18 minutes or until golden brown. 
  4. Let cool in pan for 5 minutes, serve warm with butter.
Enjoy an oldie but a goodie and have a happy day:@)

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