Not-So Impossible Quiche, No Bisquick

I've made my share of Bisquick Impossible Pies over the years, and if I happen to have the baking mix in the house, I'll use it. But do you know what I ~always~ have in the house? Flour and baking powder:@) So I thought I'd share my quick Not-So Impossible Quiche, it's easy to switch up the meat and veggies for what your crew likes, or to use up leftovers. And my absolute favorite thing about this is, once it's cooled, you can wrap it and it freezes beautifully. 

Talk about a portable breakfast... I pop a frozen one into my bag, and simply reheat it in the microwave at the office. Easy, convenient, and a protein packed whole foods start to the day. Doesn't get much better than that folks.

Not-So Impossible Quiche

4 eggs

1 C milk

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/2 C A/P flour, can sub half whole wheat flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

Few grinds of black pepper

1 Tblsp butter, most of the time I leave this out

*Lots of:
Ham, sausage, cheese, spinach (half of a 10 oz pack squeezed dry), cooked broccoli, cooked potatoes, peppers, onion

1. Spray 9" pie plate.
2. Add meat, veggies, and cheese to pie plate.
3. In blender, mix eggs, milk, onion powder, salt and pepper, flour and baking powder.
4. Mix on high for a couple minutes, scraping down the sides at least once.
5. Pour mixture into pie plate.
6. Bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes.
7. Allow to cool on rack for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Ham & Pineapple Dinner

This Ham and Pineapple Dinner is an easy meal that comes together quickly, pretty much in the time it takes to cook rice or maybe even noodles. This is another one of those mild recipes that should appeal to most, and would be a good choice for those that are just learning to cook. I chose to add red pepper and toss in some peas and cooked carrots to make it more of a complete meal, you could serve broccoli or a salad on the side as well. Tuck this one away for a weeknight meal folks, maybe not company fare, but it will certainly get the crew fed on a Monday night:@) It's a great use for leftover freezer ham too.

Ham & Pineapple Dinner-from here

2 Tblsp butter

2 1/2 C cooked, cubed ham

2 green onion, chopped-I used regular onion

1 C pineapple chunks, drained

1 1/3 C pineapple juice

4 tsp cider vinegar

2 Tblsp brown sugar

2 tsp yellow mustard

2 Tblsp cornstarch

1. Melt butter in skillet, add ham, onion and pineapple, cook for 5 minutes.
2. In bowl stir together pineapple juice, vinegar, brown sugar, mustard and cornstarch.
3. Pour into skillet, stir, heat and thicken sauce about 5 minutes.
4. Serve over starch of choice.

Eat Well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Ham & Peach Kabobs, Lemonade Cucumber Salad & French Beret for Barbie

Peaches are abundant right now and these Ham and Peach Shish-Kabobs make a fun and very tasty meal. I also like that folks don't generally think of ham for the grill. But I promise you, it's seriously a match made in heaven:@) 

How's your garden doing (or neighbor's, or farmers market), got cukes? This Fresh Lemonade Cucumber Salad was truly different, and very refreshing. Every lemon lover will approve:@)

Google tells me that the two months most traveled to France are July and August... Let's send our Barbie off for vacation in style with this Felt Beret free pattern here. I think she'd like it:@)

Have a great weekend:@)

Sauerkraut Breakfast Hash & Sauerkraut Tip...

This is different folks, and one of the best breakfasts I've had in a while:@) Even though I forgot to top it with the cheese... It's also a nice way to use up some leftovers. Sauerkraut Breakfast Hash is a hearty way to start the morning and loaded with vegetables. Very similar to a Farmer's Omelet, only with the addition of kraut, and it's a scramble instead. It does call for draining the kraut, I pressed mine against a mesh colander. And since I used a fresh potato I did take the time to rinse the shreds under cold water and squeeze that dry. I'm sure you could use frozen hash browns without a problem if desired. Even though sauerkraut and eggs might sound a little odd... Don't hesitate to give it a try, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised!

As someone that lives alone, it's hard to use a whole can or jar of sauerkraut... My tip: Sauerkraut freezes well. I'll portion the extra out into single serving baggies, then put the bags inside a Lock and Lock so the fridge doesn't smell like kraut. Works great!

I've also been finding these glass jars of sauerkraut at Dollar Tree recently. They are nice because it lasts longer in the fridge stored in the glass jar.

Sauerkraut Breakfast Hash-from Frank's Kraut

2 C potatoes, shredded

1 small onion, sliced

2 bell peppers, any color, sliced

1 C ham, sliced

1 C sauerkraut, drained

4 eggs, beaten

1/2 C cheese, swiss or any flavor

1. If using fresh potatoes, rinse until water runs clear, then squeeze dry.
2. Brown potatoes in butter.
3. Once they begin to brown, add sauerkraut, onion, pepper and ham. 
4. Cook until potatoes are brown and vegetables are softened.
5. Pour in eggs and scramble with everything else.
6. Top with cheese.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Pierogi Quesadillas

These Pierogi Quesadillas are great for everything from breakfast to dinner, to a fun game day snack:@) It's also a good way to use up some leftover ham and mashed potatoes. I found the recipe on Taste of Home, but honestly, just wing it and simply layer what you have on-hand. To make it extra special, add sour cream, applesauce or sauerkraut on the side. Best tip: Heat mashed potatoes in microwave to be able to easily spread on tortillas. Or whip up some instant potatoes, anything goes... Super easy and very filling, don't hesitate to give it a try folks.

Good stuff:@)

Other flavor combos: Buffalo Chicken and Cheddar & Pumpkin and Cheddar

Pierogi Quesadillas

Can be made with all leftovers:

Tortillas

Mashed potatoes

Ham, diced

Cheddar cheese, shredded

Butter

Sour cream, applesauce, sauerkraut, etc, for serving

1. Place pat of butter in pan, use low heat to melt and spread around.
2. Place tortilla in pan and top with mashed potatoes, ham and cheese.
3. Place second tortilla on top. Press down as cheese melts.
4. Carefully flip quesadilla to lightly brown and crisp the other side.
5. Remove to board or platter, cut into serving size with a pizza cutter or knife.
6. Serve with dippers or sides as desired.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

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:@)

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:

Buffalo Chicken Mini Muffins 

and Pepperoni Pizza Puffs

And I've even made a fun Zucchini version:

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:@)

Old Fashioned Ham Salad -Dip or Sandwich Spread -Retro Recipe

Still have a little leftover ham in the freezer to use up? This Old Fashioned Ham Salad is the kind of thing my G-Mom-B would make. She had a hand cranked meat grinder and wasn't afraid to use it:@) Today we would use a food processor or knife. Grandmom would definitely use this as a sandwich spread, in my world it's more of a dip... The only thing I left out was the hard boiled egg. In my view, that would only be added if she was low on meat, or needed to stretch it to feed more people. Also, I seriously doubt Grandmom ever had Dijon mustard... She'd just use yellow. This is a very tasty recipe that will most likely appeal to anyone that doesn't mind "crunchy things" in their salads. Recipe easily scaled down.

And of course, this is ~your~ salad...

Want to add onion? Great.

Want to add dill weed? Great.

Anything goes...

Don't hesitate to give it a try folks, 

I called this lunch one fine Saturday afternoon:@)

Old Fashioned Ham Salad-from Retro Recipes

1 lb fully cooked ham, chunky grind or small dice

1 rib celery, rough chopped

2 hard boiled eggs, peeled and chopped

1 Tblsp sweet pickles, chopped

1 Tblsp sweet pickle relish, or to taste

3/4 C mayonnaise

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1/2 tsp black pepper

Bread, crackers, bagel chips, and/or celery and bell peppers for dipping

~~Mix everything through black pepper, serve as desired.

Let's repurpose those leftovers and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Quick Ham and Canned Great Northern Bean Soup

This Quick Ham and Canned Great Northern Bean Soup is a nice hearty way to use up some leftover ham from the freezer. And perfect for the cold snowy weather a lot of us are dealing with right now... My thoughts: If you have bacon fat, sub that for the butter:@) I like the chili powder and think it's supposed to help with the smoky flavor, but think I'd cut back the next time. This will be a thinner broth based soup. I also might add a little fresh spinach once my Aerogarden starts producing, and my seeds have sprouted:@) Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, I think you'll be pleased with this nice easy soup.

Recipe easily cut in half.

Quick Ham and Bean Soup-adapted from Taste of Home

2 large carrots, cleaned and chopped

2 large stalks celery, chopped

1/2 C chopped onion

2 Tblsp butter

1 small clove garlic, about 1/2 tsp minced

Four 15 oz cans Great Northern Beans, drained and rinsed

4 C chicken broth

2 C ham, cubed

1 tsp chili powder-I'll start with 1/2 tsp next time

1/4 tsp pepper

1 small bay leaf

1. Saute carrot, celery and onion in butter for about 5 minutes. 
2. Add garlic and stir until veggies are soft, about 2-3 more minutes. 
3. Add everything else, bring to boil and heat through.
4. Remove bay leaf before serving.

Enjoy an easy meal and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Snow! Soup Recipes-Fast or Long Simmer & Barbie Crochet Hooded Scarf Free Pattern

We’re anticipating our first snow of the year on Sunday, maybe not much here north of Philly, but talking about it sure puts a buzz in the air... I thought I'd share a couple of my all time favorite soup recipes, one that's a quicker meal and one in case you saved the ham bone from Christmas and want to smell something hearty simmering on the stove for a couple hours. Sound good? Great:@) And you can always find more ideas on my Soup and Stew Pinterest Board here.

Hamburger and Vegetable Soup

Quick and hearty.

Ham, Navy Bean and Tomato Soup

Dried beans and a ham bone.

And 10 years ago I created a simple little Hooded Scarf for Barbie that crochets up in no time, and is a great beginner project for the kids too. Maybe whip up a few in different colors, and let's keep Barbie feeling toasty this winter:@)

❄Stay warm and Have a Happy Weekend:@)

Hawaiian Pizza Dip -Oven or Little Dipper Crock Pot

Can you feel the excitement of playoff football in the near future??? Big games call for great snacks and this Hawaiian Pizza Dip is a winner! Mix, do a little layering and bake (or add to your Little Dipper Crock Pot) and you'll have a hearty munchie that's ~almost~ as substantial as lunch... It's also a nice way to use up some leftover ham. I whipped this up as an appy for Sunday dinner and it was a big hit, my favorite dipper was the bagel chips, you can even find them at Dollar Tree. Don't hesitate to give this a try folks, it's good stuff:@)

Recipe is easily cut in half or even less, 

just guesstimate, it doesn't need to be exact.

Hawaiian Pizza Dip-from Three Boys and a Dog

8 oz cream cheese, softened

2 C shredded mozzarella cheese-divided

1/4 C parmesan

14 oz jar pizza sauce

1/4 C diced onion-I forgot this

1 tsp garlic powder

8 oz ham, chopped

8 oz crushed pineapple, drained well

1 tsp Italian seasoning

1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes-optional

Dippers: Crackers, Frito Scoops, French bread, Melba toast, bagel chips, etc.

1. Mix cream cheese, 1C mozzarella, parmesan, pizza sauce, onion, and garlic powder. 
2. Pour into sprayed baking dish. I used a shallow 23 oz Corelle dish for half of the recipe. I'm guessing a 1 quart to 1 1/2 quart would be fine for the whole recipe. Or even a pie dish.
3. Sprinkle on top, ham, pineapple, the other 1C of mozzarella, top with the Italian Seasoning and pepper flakes if using. I just added a few shakes of the pepper flakes.
4. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 minutes or until top is lightly browned. 
5. Alternately: Mix everything, add to Little Dipper Crock Pot, place paper towels under lid, plug in for about 2 1/2-3 hours.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Popeye's Potato (Flake) Soup

Let's face it folks, there really isn't much to see in a picture of creamy spinach soup... But, I will say this Popeye's Potato Soup is very good, and I ~love~ that it calls for dry potato flakes to not only add flavor, but to help thicken the soup as well. Add in some ham and cheese... Oh yea:@) I kinda think of this as a pantry meal, usually have spinach and ham in the freezer, and always have dry potato flakes and cheese. Now, is this diet food? Ah, no. But it is a hearty, stick to the ribs meal that's just perfect for cooler weather. Don't hesitate to give this a try, it's super easy (almost foolproof) and makes about 7 cups.

I don't know where the recipe came from, but I'm guessing by the name brands it's from Pillsbury. I saw this clip on Pinterest and saved it right away:@) 

My only suggestion: The onion won't cook much with the recipe as written... I'd add it while melting the butter, or might even substitute onion powder going forward. Recipe easily cut in half and best eaten when made.

Popeye's Potato Soup

9 oz frozen chopped spinach, thawed, drained well

1/4 C butter

1/4 C A/P flour

5 1/2 C milk

2/3 C dry potato flakes

2 Tblsp finely chopped onion

1 C shredded cheddar cheese

1 C diced, fully cooked ham

S&P to taste

1. Add butter and onion to large saucepan. Over medium heat, melt butter and cook onion for a minute or two. 
2. Add flour, cook until incorporated.
3. Add milk, potato flakes, stir. Cook until slightly thickened.
4. Add spinach, cheese and ham, cook stirring constantly until cheese is melted.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

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:@)

Stuffed Hot Cherry Pepper Ham & Cheese Appetizer & Barbie No-Sew Swing Top

Ok folks, this one is truly for hot pepper lovers only... Ma says my G-Pop-D would pick cherry peppers right from the plant and pop them into his mouth like M&M's:@) While I can't quite do that, I did clean these little beauties very well (a melon baller works great), and made some very tasty Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers with Ham & Cheese. This is a fantastic appy, and a very substantial snack. Oh and, can you feel it??? Football season is right around the corner, this would be a great football munchie... I considered it a light lunch, and have to say, I may be planting cherry peppers every year going forward!

Use your favorite Italian Salad Dressing...

Oh Momma!

And we made Barbie a super simple Swing Top with Ribbon Tie. This is a no-sew project that can be made using any cotton fabric, and I've provided a free pattern. The Phillies are a little hot right now and we're looking forward to play-off baseball:@)

✂What I did:

1. Cut one from pattern using cotton fabric or fat quarter, can be found at Dollar Tree, Walmart and many stores. (My logo fabric is old and from my stash.)
2. Fold sides over 1/4", crease with fingernail. Glue down, I used Aleene's Tacky Glue.
3. Fold bottom over 1/4", crease with fingernail and glue down.
4. Center 18" of 1/4" wide ribbon over top of fabric and glue on.
5. Embellish as desired with bling, glitter, etc.
6. Dress doll and make another one in a different color!

The pattern:

The top:

Easy-peasy:@)

Stuffed Hot Cherry Peppers with Ham & Cheese

As many as you'd like:

1. Cut top off of pepper, scoop out seeds and membranes.
2. Wrap ham around a cube of cheddar cheese. Stuff into pepper.
3. Pour Italian dressing over ham/cheese.
4. Serve with food picks.

Have a Happy Day:@)

Ham and Cabbage Salad

The temperature soared to a humid 94 degrees on Saturday, and in case you're wondering... Um, no, that's not normal for May 21st in Philly. Keeping cool and hydrated was priority number one. So, whether you want a nice cold salad and are out of lettuce, or are looking for more recipes that use cabbage, this Ham and Cabbage Salad made a nice easy meal:@) Honestly folks, it really doesn't even require a recipe, make it family size, or just a bowl for lunch (like I did here). Simply add a squirt of lemon and mix to your desired consistency with mayonnaise. The ham adds a salty component, cucumber cold and wet, corn sweetness, and the cabbage is filling. It's a nice combination.

This is a good ~use it up~ recipe if you happen to have some ham in the freezer.

I used cabbage I already had in the fridge,

a nice young head with some green leaves would be prettiest if possible.

And yes, please do replant those scallions!

Either in water on the windowsill like I did here,

or right in the garden:

It's just good thrifty fun:@)

Ham and Cabbage Salad-from Taste of Home

Small head of cabbage, approx 1 lb, sliced like coleslaw

4 small cucumbers

15 oz can sweet corn, drained well-I used frozen corn, cooked in microwave and cooled

8 oz ham, diced

1/3 C scallion, sliced, use white part too-save a little for garnish if serving company:@)

3/4 C mayonnaise

1 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

S&P to taste

~Mix everything well, serve chilled.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:

A Morning Cup of Joe

Leftover Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole with Ham & Peas

Whether you happen to have half a bag of frozen hash browns in the freezer, or would like to make a smaller casserole, this Leftover Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole is a nice meal, with many options. I had some ham and peas in the freezer, so that's what I added. But any cooked meat would work. Like bell peppers? Toss some in. Use any cheese you have on-hand, but cheddar is a natural. I was very pleased with this meal, don't hesitate to give it a try:@)

While I wrote this up as a leftovers meal, 

and obviously opted for easy clean-up...

It's good enough to maybe sub some asparagus for the peas, use a pretty baking dish,

 and make it for your Easter or Mother's Day Brunch:@)

Good stuff folks!

Leftover Frozen Hash Brown Potatoes Au Gratin Casserole-Adapted from Ore-Ida

Approx 14-16 oz frozen hash browns, thawed if possible-I used the cubed ones

1 1/2 Tblsp butter

1/2 C onion, diced-can add celery, bell pepper, etc

1 Tblsp A/P flour

1 C milk or Half and Half

S&P

Up to 1 C meat, cubed-I used less

1/2 C frozen peas

1 C cheese, shredded-I used less, and used up cheddar and mozzarella

1. Cook onion in butter for about 5 minutes.
2. Add flour, stir well for a minute or so.
3. Add milk, bring to boil, reduce heat and cook for a minute or so until thickened.
4. Add S&P to taste.
5. Fold in potatoes, meat and peas.
6. Pour into sprayed baking dish, mine was about 8x8".
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through.
8. Optional: Place under broiler for a couple minutes to brown the top. I did do this.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:

Creative Muster

Wonderful Wednesday

A Morning Cup of Joe

Handmade Monday

Top Three Posts of 2021

It's always fun, and a bit surprising, to look back over the year's posts to see which were the most popular... I love that this year's group has quite literally, a little bit of everything! I say that because I'll add Butterball Cookies as an honorable mention, #3 was pretty close. My focus or direction for 2022? I'll simply say I'm going to try to eat a tad healthier and do some more walking. My biggest foodie goal? I'd like to learn how to make homemade frozen chicken nuggets. Bite size, whole breast meat, lightly breaded and ready to go from freezer to air fryer whenever buffalo chicken sounds good (which is often:@) 

As for my top three...

#3 Orange Marmalade Meatballs -Littler Dipper Crock Pot or Larger Slow Cooker

My co-worker says she thinks of Pig In Mud as an appy blog.

Looks like other folks do too:@)

#2 Zucchini and/or Summer Squash Relish -Canning Recipe

It always tickles me when a canning recipe makes the list!

#1 -How to Make Dry Vegetable Soup Mix in the Instant Pot Pressure Cooker

Yes folks, we do ♥ our Instant Pots:@)

Scrolling through, I was thinking back and have to say,

my personal favorite from this year?

Without a doubt, these Sugar Cookies with Jello Frosting are well worth making again!

As 2021 comes to an end I'd like to say thank you!

Thank you for taking the time to stop by my little corner of the blogging world.

Your visits are what keeps me looking for new recipes and ideas to try, and to share.

I wish you a very ~healthy~ and Happy New Year:@)

I'm Joining:

Creatively Crafty

A Morning Cup of Joe

Handmade Monday

Creative Muster

Wonderful Wednesday

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:@)

I'm Joining:

Full Plate Thursday

A Morning Cup of Joe

Weekend Potluck

Handmade Monday

Pineapple Basil Salsa for Grilled Meat & Leftover Salsa Rice

I was grilling a couple ham steaks and wanted to serve something a little summery as a condiment to go with them. This Pineapple Basil Salsa was perfect. Why basil instead of cilantro or parsley? Because it grew very well in the planter with tomatoes this year:@) This was super simple using canned pineapple, I just had to cut up a few vegetables and squeeze a lime. Wa-la, dinner was served. Now, you know your crowd, not jalapeno fans? Use all sweet peppers. Fire lovers? Use all hot peppers. This is a nice fresh tasting side dish, perfect with grilled ham, chicken or pork. It's probably pretty good as a dip with tortilla chips too.

Salsa Rice:

I'd guess one 20 oz can of pineapple made about 3 C of salsa.

I had 1/2 C salsa leftover.

Cooked 1/2 C long grain rice with 3/4 C water in my 3 quart ♥ Instant Pot.

Then mixed it with the salsa. 

A very nice way to use up leftover salsa folks, any flavor of salsa (Pico de Gallo Rice here).

Pineapple Basil Salsa

20 oz can crushed pineapple in juice, drained (a mesh strainer is best)

1/2 C peppers, any combination-I used 2 jalapenos and some red bell pepper for color

1/2 C diced sweet onion

juice from one lime

1-2 tsp sugar

2 Tblsp fresh basil, minced ~or~ fresh cilantro ~or~ fresh parsley

pinch salt and some freshly ground black pepper

~Mix everything and serve.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

I'm Joining:

Creative Muster

Wonderful Wednesday

Party in Your PJ's

Full Plate Thursday

Craftastic Monday

Saturday ReView: Grilled Easter Dinner, Barbie Plastic Egg Bunny Ears & New Garden Gnome

By Easter in Philly, we are all ready for some nicer weather and to start grilling out again. I've changed our Easter ham from being made in the oven, to thick ham steaks on the grill... Boy this makes a nice meal folks! Add some potato salad, deviled eggs (of course:@), a nice glaze for the ham, and dinner is served.

I love quick little seasonal crafts and this bunny ears hat for Chelsea, Kelly or Tommy (Barbie kid dolls with soft hair) is made with the smallest plastic Easter eggs and half of a pipe cleaner. No sewing, no glue, and done in about two minutes-gotta love that:@) I think kids would get a kick out of these easy hats for Easter!

✂What I did:

My eggs were from Dollar Tree and are ~about~ 1 3/4" long.

1. Cut egg in half, use the round end.
2. There will be two holes, or indents, make them both holes.
3. Bump chenille: Cut two bumps long, push points from inside egg, up through the holes.
4. Scrunch excess wire inside of egg so the ears are as long as you'd like, bend ears as desired.
5. Fuzzy pipe cleaners: Cut in half, using one half, push points from inside egg, up through the holes.
6. Bend each side in half and bring back down through holes.
7. Scrunch excess wire inside of egg so the ears are as long as you'd like, bend ears as desired.
8. Push egg onto doll's head-done😎 

And I'll leave you with...

I stopped by the garden center and they had some of these fun cement Rodeo Gnomes-

He's riding a pig!!!

Ha, had to get one, he just makes me smile:@)

🐰Happy Easter Weekend Everyone-enjoy:@)