Dollar Tree Sightings... Winter Treats & Early Easter Barbie

It's been a while since I've shared some of the fun things I see on my Saturday rounds, so here we go... They are putting Easter items out, and in with the basket filler toys are these Nerf Collectible Games surprise balls $1.25. Nothing about the packaging says Easter, so they can be put away for any occasion. Basketball, football, hockey, soccer, golf, bowling, cornhole, and even pickleball! But as luck would have it, I picked up the ball with the -only- game that isn't truly Barbie size...

Baseball...

But today is the first preseason Phillies game, so that's kind of fun. If I get another one I'll update this post to show what it is.

They also have 2" Barbie figurines. What I like best about these is, it's not blind packaging, you can pick the figure(s) you'd like to buy.

And finally, even though Christmas is behind us, there is still a lot of winter left... They just got some of these Chocolate Stuffed Marshmallows with Peppermint. Good for hot chocolate, great to dip in melted chocolate and then sprinkles as a snack or party appy, and they are just all around yummy:@)

Grab it when you see it and

Have a Happy Weekend:@)

Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Marshmallow -Breakfast Danish

I wanted to try something new, yet easy, for breakfast... These Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Marshmallow made a nice Sunday breakfast pastry:@) I even assembled them on the parchment lined baking sheet making clean-up a snap. Simply smear the pumpkin mixture all over the roll, add a few mini marshmallows, roll up, sprinkle with some sugar and spice, and bake. Pour a strong cuppa and breakfast is served. Thinking holidays? Use colored sugar or switch out the sugar/spice topping for a glaze for a fancier presentation. This is a nice way to use up some leftover pumpkin puree.

Tip: I made these in my traditional oven. If you have access to a convection oven, I feel crescent rolls get even flakier in a convection oven.

Have a little pumpkin mixture leftover? Add to a coffee cup, pour in coffee, sweeten with some of the sugar/spice, whipped cream topping is always nice, and enjoy a cup of pumpkin spice coffee:@) Don't want the puree in your cup? Add pumpkin to the filter in the basket of a drip coffee maker.

Pumpkin Crescent Rolls with Marshmallow

For each 8 count tube of crescent rolls:

1/2 C pumpkin puree-may have a little left over

up to 1/4 C brown sugar-I used half

1 tsp pumpkin spice

24 mini marshmallows-more if desired

Cinnamon or pumpkin spice and sugar for tops

1. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix pumpkin, sugar and spice.
3. Unroll dough, spread pumpkin mixture all over dough.
4. Add three mini marshmallows to widest end and roll up into crescent shape.
5. Place on baking sheet and sprinkle top with sugar spice mixture.
6. Bake at temperature and time recommended on package.
7. Remove from oven and let sit on baking sheet for a couple minutes before serving.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

S'Mores Popcorn

I had some leftover graham crackers and ~always~ seem to have a sweet tooth, so I whipped up some S'Mores Popcorn. Good stuff folks:@) You can make this any way you'd like, what more chocolate? Add it. Love marshmallows? Load them up! Is it a holiday, birthday, or sports event? Toss in some color coordinated sprinkles. The key to this idea is working quickly so everything has a chance to stick to the melted chocolate. Then just let the chocolate firm back up and dry, and store in an air tight container. 

Tips for S'Mores Popcorn: 

1. Melt chocolate in a disposable icing bag in the microwave.
2. Add wax paper or parchment paper to the bottom of a cookie sheet for easy clean-up.
3. Use either air popped corn, microwave popcorn, or a store bought bag of already popped.
4. Make this in layers, add some popcorn to cookie sheet, (sprinkle with salt if using air popped corn).
5. Drizzle with melted chocolate, immediately sprinkle on broken bite size graham crackers and mini marshmallows.
6. Add another layer of popcorn and repeat.
7. Let chocolate set-up and store in airtight container.

Enjoy a Snack and Have a Happy Day:@)

S'mores Dip

We all love the ooey gooey s'mores we make over the campfire, but don't always have a fire available:@) This super simple S'mores Dip starts with melted chocolate chips, then I toasted the marshmallows under the broiler. Use your favorite chips, milk chocolate would be traditional, I had semi-sweet in the house. Is it a special occasion or holiday? Maybe add some birthday or seasonal sprinkles once out of the oven. And of course the dip gets served with graham crackers. We can always add pretzels, vanilla wafers, animal crackers, apple slices or celery if desired. The best part, make as much or as little as you'd like (this is my 5" mini pie dish). Good stuff folks...

One Note: This is a treat that has to be watched carefully though... There's always a chance the marshmallows puff up and expand, we don't want them hitting the broiler element. Tailgating? I'd make them in a foil pan at home, then just reheat on the grill until the chocolate re-melts.

S'mores Dip

Chocolate chips

Mini marshmallows

Sprinkles-optional

Graham crackers or other dippers

1. Place chips in baking dish. 11-ish oz bag will fit in anywhere from a 9" pie plate to a 1 1/2 quart baking dish.
2. Melt chips in microwave or oven, stir until smooth. I used the microwave at 20 second increments.
3. Cover chocolate with marshmallows.
4. Place under 400 degree pre-heated broiler. Watch carefully, remove from oven when marshmallows are toasted and brown.
5. Serve with dippers.

Enjoy a snack and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Apple and Marshmallow Salad

I love it when I see something a little different and realize I already have everything on-hand to make it:@) That was the case with this Apple and Marshmallow Salad. This is cool and creamy, and what I like best is, it calls for mayonnaise, so no need to run to the store for pudding or Cool Whip. I also feel that the mayo tames the sweetness a bit, and makes it a little more of a side dish as opposed to a dessert. But, you can honestly call it either/or, or both. One son would eat it with dinner, one after dinner. Good stuff folks, and easily cut in half for a smaller batch. My apple was a little sad so I peeled it, the pretty red would add some nice color.

Other sweet apple salads:

Snickers Apple Salad ~ Fruit Salad w/Pudding

I've added a Marshmallow Love Pinterest Board...

All Pig In Mud Pinterest Boards here.

Apple and Marshmallow Salad-from Taste of Home

3 C apple, 1/2" diced-peeled or not, your call

2 Tblsp fresh lemon juice

1 C celery, sliced

1 C miniature marshmallows

2/3 C mayonnaise-original calls for fat free, I used regular

1/2 C pecans or walnuts, toasted is best

1. Mix apples and lemon juice in large bowl.
2. Mix in everything else except nuts, store covered in refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. Mix in nuts and serve.

Eat well and Have a Happy Day:@)

Baseball Marshmallows -Take me out to the ball game...

I was curious to see how these Baseball Marshmallows would turn out, and I think they're kinda cute. In a perfect world, I would have had a red food writer marker, but I didn't. So I added a couple drops of red food coloring to a small bowl and painted the laces on with a paint brush. Once they dry they can be added to a serving bowl, or mixed in with some peanuts, and maybe even some Cracker Jack:@) This is just a neat little idea to add some fun to your ballgame, whether tailgating or enjoying it at home. Or maybe a little something extra for a baseball theme'd birthday party...

*The food writer pens would be best though. I also suggest Googling a baseball, the laces are in more of a V shape... I used the Chocolate Stuffed Marshmallows from Dollar Tree.

⚾Make something just for fun, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Easy Football Party Treats-Super Bowl! Candy, Cookies, Brownies, Marshmallows, etc...

If you've been around Pig In Mud for a while you know I love football theme'd foods and party ideas. And I'm especially fond of ~easy~ snacks for any occasion... So I thought we'd do a quick round-up of the easiest ways to bring a little fun to your Super Bowl Party. I'll start off with a no-brainer, purchased team color candy. And to help keep us on budget this year, both teams just happen to be red and yellow/gold:@)

My Dollar Tree Candy:

I like to cut these in half, 

making them bite size.

Does your store have Easter candy yet? Party City may also have some of these foil wrapped sports balls. Perfect little treats to add to charcuterie boards or serving bowls. 

These sprinkles are in the cake decorating section of Walmart. For some reason the red looks maroon and pink in this pic, they are a true red. The sprinkles can decorate baked goods, or you can dip pretzels, marshmallows, or purchased cookies, into melted chocolate, or candy melts, and then into the sprinkles.

Candy Coated Marshmallows with Sprinkles

or colored sugar.

A few more snack ideas:

Football Cupcake Decoration using store bought Icing ~ Football Spritz Cookies ~ Football Shaped Peanut Butter Dip ~ Football Shaped Large Brownie

So there we have just a few ideas to help make the party festive. I really don't have a team to root for this year, so I'll be watching for the E-Trade babies commercial and hoping I win a quarter in my office block pool:@) 

🏈Happy Super Bowl Weekend Everyone,

Have a Great Day:@)

Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies (or Candy) -No Bake, Fast, Easy and Good!

Sometimes I find a recipe that's been around forever and has many different names and variations. That sounds like the case with these Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies. But no matter what you call them, (No-Bake Num-Nums here:@), if you're looking for an easy sweet treat that comes together quickly, ~and~ that the kids can help make... Don't hesitate to give these a try folks. Do I consider them cookies or candy? I probably lean more towards candy, but they are a great addition to the cookie tray or charcuterie board. Why not mix things up and make half white chocolate, half milk chocolate. Or how about using chunky peanut butter, or they even suggest different cereals. I'd like to add some pretzels, anything goes...

And my best tip: To absolutely ensure ease of melting and a fun experience, make them with candy melts. They work great and there are some good quality brands at the stores these days:@) Recipe is easily cut in half. Sprinkles are optional, and of course, change up the color for any holiday, occasion, or sporting event🏈🏈🏈

 I was truly surprised by how much I liked these little treats!

Nutty Rice Krispie Cookies-from Taste of Home

1 package white chocolate chips or candy melts (10-12 oz)

1/4 C peanut butter

1 C mini marshmallows

1 C rice krispy cereal

1 C salted peanuts

Optional-Sprinkles or M&M's for decoration

1. In large bowl, melt chips in microwave.
2. Stir in peanut butter.
3. Stir in everything else.
4. Drop by spoonful onto wax paper lined baking sheets. Top with sprinkles or M&M's if desired.
5. Allow to firm up. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Dollar Tree Holiday Ideas: Stuffed Marshmallows, Gift Basket Fillers & Barbie...

I thought I'd share some Christmas items and gift ideas from Dollar Tree... These Decorated Stuffed Marshmallows were made using store bought chocolate stuffed marshmallows, they also had cookie stuffed marshmallows. I used Christmas sprinkles, but this works for any occasion, and of course they can be made in team colors too:@) There were 12 marshmallows in my bag, I simply microwaved some candy melts, dipped the marshmallow in the chocolate, then rolled them in sprinkles.

The marshmallows I bought:

Are you putting together a gift basket, or looking for foodie stocking stuffers? I think we're all familiar with Harry & David, I love that DT has a pack of four K-Cups in their hazelnut, praline and cinnamon flavor. There are also bags of ground coffee, and espresso beans are quite the treat... These even come in a dark chocolate variety. These beans would be a nice inexpensive option for cake or cupcake decorating too. 

Speaking of cakes,

or maybe Icing Filled Spritz Cookies...

Gathering items for a charcuterie gift, or need something fun for your own tray? They have tapenades (and more here), olives, pickles, and some flavored mustards:

And I'll leave you with something for the little ones... If your girl has Barbie there's a chance she has the smaller 6" Chelsea doll too. DT has four different outfits that do fit Chelsea, and they come with shoes and accessories. That's $5 that will keep the kids busy for a while folks:@)

All four fashions:

Not Mattel quality, but still super cute!

🎄Grab it when you see it, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies (from mix) with Marshmallow Fluff

I was watching QVC and one of the presenters was retiring. She was a baker by trade and on her last day shared a tip that caught my eye... She said if you add one extra cup of A/P flour to a standard store bought cake mix, portion out dough and bake cookies, you end up with soft whoopie pies! I immediately added that to my list of things to try:@) And since we're well into the season... Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Fluff. You-are-welcome. Good stuff folks!

The fluff is looser than I thought.

So these need to be placed in the fridge,

and will be a gooey mess😃

But in the best way possible...

Using the same size cookie scoop,

one 7 oz jar of Fluff will fill about 12-14 cookies.

Another filling option is icing.

Dollar Tree had small jars of orange:

Actually, you can find

cake mix, spice, and fluff,

all at Dollar Tree too.

Pumpkin Spice Whoopie Pies with Marshmallow Fluff

*Makes approximately 20 cookies

One box spice cake mix-can use yellow or white, add extra pumpkin spice

All ingredients called for on box

1 C A/P flour

1/2 tsp pumpkin spice

7 oz jar marshmallow fluff 

1. Mix everything except fluff.
2. Line baking sheets with parchment paper.
3. Using a cookie scoop (mine makes around 3" cookies), drop batter onto parchment.
4. Bake at 350 for 8-10 minutes or until cookies are set.
5. Remove cookies to cooling rack. You will find a lot of crumbs on the bottom of the cookies. After they cool, gently rub cookie bottoms on cooling rack, this will clean the crumbs off.
6. Use clean cookie scoop to fill with fluff. Gently add second cookie on top. 
7. *This is a gooey oozy cookie folks, best placed in the fridge, in covered container, when you make them.

Enjoy a cookie and have a happy day:@)

Fruity Marshmallow Rice Krispy Treats & Barbie Tunic from Ribbon

I saw a bag of pastel colored fruit flavored mini marshmallows at Dollar Tree and was curious to see how they'd taste in these Fruity Rice Krispie Treats. Turns out, pretty darn good:@) I made a half batch and just opted to add a few to the top so everyone would know these aren't the standard krispy treats. If you happen upon a bag and want to try something a little different, stir up a batch folks, the kids will love them!

Recipe easily cut in half.

Had to make some all pink too:@)

The marshmallows:

This one shoulder tunic top for Barbie couldn't be easier and can be made in any color or design. Here I've used a green buffalo check because, well, it's what I had on hand, Barbie says buffalo check is still very much on trend:@) The top comes together in a minute and is another addition to my no-hem label of ideas. It's intended to be worn over leggins or very skinny jeans. The side ties can be anything you have on hand, thin ribbon, yarn, or even just held in place with a doll belt you already have. I used yarn. I'm calling this a no-sew project because all we really need to do is poke the yarn through the side of the ribbon. Using a 2 1/2" wired ribbon helps give the sides a seam and some structure. 

The side view:

The top takes less than 10" of ribbon.

You'll get at least 10 tops from one 2.5 yard roll,

making this a great birthday party or sleepover craft.

And the back:

✂What I did:

1. Cut bottom of ribbon with pinking shears if you have them. Or you can fold bottom of ribbon over and glue to inside so it doesn't fray. Or wired ribbon can be folded and run your nail over the crease to help it stay in place.
2. Hold ribbon to front of doll, make it as long as you'd like for the front of the tunic.
3. Pinch and twist the ribbon at the shoulder and drape down the doll's back. Cut ribbon, leave a little extra to fold up and glue if you don't have pinking shears.
4. Run piece of yarn through each side at the waist. Use either a large sewing needle, or poke/cut ~very small~ hole to push yarn through. I poked a small crochet hook through the ribbon and used the hook to pull the yarn back through the hole. Cut a long enough piece of yarn to tie each side into a little bow.
5. Wa-la, one tunic top for Barbie! Now you can head to Dollar Tree because your girl will want a few more in different colors and for each holiday😎 

Every once in a while we like to channel our inner Jennifer Lopez (diamond mesh halter top here)... We all know she works very hard for her toned body, and isn't afraid to show it off. So I thought we'd make a dressier version, a mini dress with lots of gold bling😉 Oh I don't know, maybe a dress fit for a Big Movie premier???

Ooh la-la...

Very fancy indeed😉

Because I wanted the gold to show on each side I didn't twist this one at the shoulder. I tied it together with some yarn and made sure to show the tinsel trim.

We have another no-hem tunic top here:

Fruity Marshmallow Rice Krispy Treats
4 Tblsp butter
10 oz mini marshmallows
1 tsp vanilla
6 C rice krispy cereal

1. In large pan, melt butter and marshmallows over low heat, stirring often.
2. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla.
3. Stir in cereal, coat well with melted marshmallows. 
4. Press into a parchment lined 9x5 loaf pan. Flatten top by pressing it down with another piece of parchment.
5. Add more marshmallows or sprinkles to top if desired.
6. Allow to cool and set for an hour. Cut into pieces and serve.

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

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dipped Marshmallows

I love these Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dipped Marshmallows for several reasons... The chocolate gets melted in the microwave, so kids can make them. They are a tasty no-bake dessert that comes together quickly. We all know chocolate and peanut butter go together really well, and... The addition of sprinkles just makes it feel like a party:@) I've used red, white and blue here, multi-colored would be perfect for birthdays, and holiday colors are ~usually~ available. Speaking of availability, I couldn't find RW&B sprinkles? Anywhere??? Ended up buying a summer holiday funfetti icing and used those sprinkles. 

Great treat for a Phillies baseball game too.

As a point of reference,

3 Tblsp chocolate chips and

1 Tblsp peanut butter,

makes approximately 10-12 regular size marshmallows.

Barbie party?

And we had to make some pink,

just for fun:@)

Leftover mixture?

Drizzle some between two Ritz type crackers:@)

Another variation,

I've shared Team Colored Candy Coated Marshmallows in the past:

Chocolate & Peanut Butter Dipped Marshmallows

Ratio = 3 parts chocolate chips to 1 part peanut butter

1. Add chocolate and peanut butter to microwave safe dish. Heat on high at 20 second increments, stirring between each until smooth.
2. Add skewer or food pick to marshmallow, dip in mixture, dip in sprinkles if desired. Place each on wax or parchment paper, or silicone mat.
3. Allow chocolate to set. You may need to place in refrigerator for a bit, I left mine out at room temperature.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Amish Yum-Yum Jello Fluff Salad

These Jello and Cool Whip, Ambrosia, or Jello Fluff Salads have been around, well, since the beginning of Jello... I wanted to try this Amish Yum-Yum Salad because it just sounds fun:@) Add it as an easy side dish, or to the dessert bar, for any holiday meal and I'm sure the kids will all love it. Use any flavor of Jello (although orange, strawberry and lemon seem the most common), and you can even mix up the fruit as desired. There really aren't rules folks, I see some only use 8 oz Cool Whip for a more pronounced Jello flavor, some add maraschino cherries, etc. You know your crowd...

The Jello dissolves more as it sits in the fridge,

I took this pic shortly after mixing everything.

Amish Yum-Yum Jello Fluff Salad-from Taste of Home

16 oz Cool Whip, thawed-that's the big one folks

Four serving size Jello

20 oz crushed pineapple, drained-I even pressed some of the liquid out of mine

11 oz mandarin oranges, drained

2 C mini marshmallows

1/2 C chopped pecans or pistachios-optional

1. Set aside 1 C Cool Whip to garnish top if desired.
2. Add Cool Whip to large bowl, sprinkle with Jello. Stir to mix until combined.
3. Fold in fruit, marshmallows and nuts.
4. Add dollop of Cool Whip to top for garnish (and maybe some seasonal sprinkles for pizzazz:@)
5. Best eaten the day it's made.

🌷Let's add to those special occasion side dishes and

Happy Holiday Planning:@)

Jello Rice Krispy Treats

I was getting ready for Sunday dinner and wanted to have a little something sweet on-hand... I love the unexpected fruity flavor of these Jello Rice Krispy Treats. Since I'm always cutting recipes in half or less, I happened to have some lime Jello open, so that's the flavor I used. Also thought the slight hint of green worked well for spring:@) Sprinkles are totally optional, but are always an easy way to make things more festive, and holiday choices are everywhere. 

One note: I'm always saying 'you know your crowd'... 

I purposely cut back on the Jello, 

I just wanted a hint of flavor, not a big punch of flavor. 

I made a half batch and used sugar free Jello,

I'll list what I did below.

You can click the link to Kraft to see the microwave version.

Jello Rice Krispy Treats-adapted from Kraft

2 Tblsp butter

1 tsp sugar free Jello, flavor of choice, can add more

5 oz mini marshmallows

1 tsp vanilla

3 C rice krispy/krispie cereal

1. In non-stick skillet, over low heat, melt butter, add Jello and stir until mostly dissolved.
2. Add marshmallows, melt over low heat stirring constantly, still incorporating the Jello.
3. When marshmallows have melted stir in vanilla.
4. Remove from heat and gently fold in cereal.
5. Pour into parchment or wax paper lined bread pan. Pat top down to create a solid cookie.
6. Top with sprinkles if desired, gently pat sprinkles down so they stick.
7. Allow to cool.
8. Cut into squares, store in airtight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day🐰

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Peanut-ty Rice Krispie Treats

These Nutty Rice Krispie Treats are a creamier sweet version of the classic. What makes them different than original krispie treats is, melted white chocolate holds them together, while the marshmallows get folded in at the end. They also call for peanut butter and peanuts. The peanuts help balance out the sweet a bit, but make no mistake, these are a rich snack folks. My best tip... Make them ~small~. People can always go back for seconds and there will be more to go around:@) 

As written, the recipe seems more like candy to me. 

There's plenty of chocolate to add additional cereal and/or peanuts. 

More cereal would make them a little more like cookies.

Variations of this idea have been around for ages, 

my simple addition, add some holiday sprinkles, or colored M&M's to the top. 

Here we're ready for St. Patrick's Day and Easter:@)

Nutty Rice Krispie Treats-from Taste of Home

10-12 oz bag white chocolate chips

1/4 C peanut butter, either creamy or chunky

1 C miniature marshmallows

1 C salted roasted peanuts

1 C rice krispie cereal

decorations for top if desired

1. Either, melt chips in large bowl in microwave, then stir in peanut butter ~or~ add chips and peanut butter to non-stick skillet on stove and melt over very low heat. I used the skillet.
2. Gently fold in everything else until well mixed.
3. Drop by spoonful onto wax paper or silicone mat.
4. Add sprinkles, colored sugar, candy, coconut, etc. to top if using.
5. Allow to cool and firm up.
6. Store in airtight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

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