Halloween Char-BOO-terie Board

Can you believe it's already October this week? This is just a silly post to remind everyone to pick up whatever you see early, things sell out fast and retail is ~swiftly~ moving right into the Christmas season. My Char-BOO-terie Board was inspired by the fun mini green cheese balls UTZ put out this year. Then I saw the Ghost Peeps, yep... I spent a weekend grabbing whatever I saw that might work for a Halloween charcuterie. Mostly single serving Walmart or Dollar Tree size packs of goodies because I wanted to make a smaller board. I like that the arm almost splits the board into sweet and savory sides...

The fun green cheese balls...

Boopie glass adds a little height to the tray:

Ham, cheese, and Ritz cheese mini crackers to dip in that Aldi Pumpkin Maple Spread:@)

May we serve you?

Skeleton hand adds a little texture:

My best tip: Never pour directly onto your tray/board. Always place things, that way crumbs don't end up all over the board. It will look neater. Trust me...

As the lights go down and it begins to get dark out...

The ghosts are coming to life...

Spooky stories anyone?

My Pinterest Boards:

Halloween Food here

Charcuterie for All Seasons here

All of them here

• Walmart: Utz green cheese balls, mini Halloween pretzels, pepper jack cheese, ham steak, and Reese's pieces. The funky food picks came from there many years ago.
• Dollar Tree: Skeleton hand serving utensil, Mini Ritz cheese crackers, ghost Peeps.
• Aldi: Pumpkin Maple Spread. The little ghost dish was a part of a tiered tray decorating set. It's cute but I was disappointed to see that it isn't food safe.
• Pumpkin tea light is from an outlet store. I just wanted to share the idea that a little light does help bring the board to life:@) Any tea light will work, I initially bought silver glittered ones at Dollar Tree but then saw the pumpkins.

🎃Stock up now folks, and

Have a Happy Day:@)

Jelly Belly Candy Corn & Candy Corn through the years...

When I was a kid, my two favorite candies were jelly beans and candy corn... My co-worker found Jelly Belly Candy Corn! And it's good stuff folks, kind of like a higher end candy corn:@) And I like the size too, just a little smaller than traditional candy corn, making it great for decorating treats.

And then I was curious, what else have we done with Candy Corn here at PIM through the years? Plenty:@) Click for recipes and ideas...

Candy Corn Cake ~ Sugar Cookies

No-Bake Sweet and Salty Fall Snack Mix

and Candy Corn Deviled Eggs

Barbie Candy Corn Dress Free Pattern

$ Store Candy Corn Container Recycled Tea Light:

End of Season-use it up: 

Candy Corn Fondue and 

Turkey Toes Thanksgiving Place Settings

📌My Candy for All Seasons Pinterest Board here.

📌Halloween Food Pinterest Board here.

Make something just for fun and

Have a Sweet Weekend:@)

Dollar Tree Snack Alert! Pop Daddy Smoked Gouda Pretzels

Popping in quickly to mention I just got back from Dollar Tree (picked up some nautical items and faux succulent decorations:@) and found a new to me flavored pretzel... If you're a fan of smoky flavor, you will ♥ these Pop Daddy Smoked Gouda Pretzel Sticks. Wow, that first bite is amazing! I also love the 3oz size bags, I find the intense flavor of these pretzels is best when freshly opened and enjoyed. 

Grab 'em when you see 'em,

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:@)

Hot Dog Love♥Stuffed Jalapeno Pigs in a Blanket, Deviled Dogs & Amish Sweet Heat Mustard

Sometimes I think hot dogs are a little underrated... Just sayin'... So I thought we'd put together a round-up of a few fun ideas for the last couple weeks of football:@) Let's start with Stuffed Jalapeno Pigs in a Blanket. Talk about elevating a snack! These take a little work, but are worth every second. Maybe make half with 'penos, half the good old fashioned way with just the roll and weenie.

These Deviled Hot Dog Bites are a retro 1952 recipe from Franks, and the perky taste will wake the crowd up at half time for sure:@)

And the last recipe is for a condiment, we all ~loved~ this Amish Sweet Mustard Spread for hotdogs or pretzels. Heck, it's so good you'll want to smear it on everything! Don't hesitate to try it folks, I think you'll like it:@)

Looking for more party food ideas?

My ♥Pinterest Boards here.

🏈Enjoy the party prep, and

Have a Great Weekend:@)

Holiday Stock Up-Charcuterie Tray Dollar Tree/Walmart Alert!

I wanted to share a few items that might help make holiday entertaining (or football parties) a little easier, or add more variety to our trays. All of these Charcuterie Board additions can be found at Dollar Tree or Walmart...

Look at that gorgeous color! And I'm using my Dollar Tree Eagles plate too:@) The silver appy forks and spoons are in the wedding section. 3oz bags of Mini Thin Pretzels in assorted flavors are the perfect bite size. Charcuterie trays can be large and elaborate for a crowd, or nibbles for two. As a point of reference, the bottom of my plate is only about 4.5x8". 

These olive tapenades are DT also and I ~love~ the square jars! They are small enough to add directly to the serving board or platter. The jars are so cute, I actually took the time to remove the label and wash the jar before I opened it. They had both green olives with red peppers, and a green and black olive combination. Place a small appetizer spoon or fork in the jar for serving so folks can add a dollop to their cheese and crackers.

How about some sliced dates as a slightly sweet addition to cheese and meats. Or do you have a holiday fruitcake or fruitcake cookies (really good) in your future? Yep, Dollar Tree has 3oz packages of whole dates-perfect. And they do still have the dried Ocean Spray Cranberries too.

The dates:

Walmart had a whole end display of these candies and confections. There are several coconut variations and peanut varieties. The vibrant red, white and green combination stopped me in my tracks... Each one is about the size of a super chunky candy bar. This is a rich candy, I like each color cut into four pieces adding 12 colorful holiday cubes to your party tray:@)

The candy:

All easy, inexpensive additions to make our charcuterie trays pop this entertaining season!

You can find my Pinterest Charcuterie Board here.

All of my Pinterest Boards here.

🏈🦃🎅Happy Party Planning,

Have a Great Day:@)

Dollar Tree Alert! Pop Daddy Flavored Pretzels & Scrollwork Metal Pumpkins

I saw a new (to me) specialty name brand snack at Dollar Tree, Pop Daddy Pretzels, and picked up a bag of garlic and parmesan to try. Immediately hooked! I have to say folks, these are truly some exceptional, highly flavored pretzels and I agree with every word on the label:@) The DT bags are 3 oz, and so far I've seen the Garlic Parmesan, Peppercorn Ranch and Cinnamon Sugar. Looks like there may be a Dill Pickle, Yellow Mustard, and the one I'm on the lookout for... Hot Sauce-yep. A quick Google shows some other flavors as well. As we truly enter into the heart of entertainment season, this is a nice easy snack to serve, and one I'm sure will be well received by your guests. 

Garlic Parm, Cinnamon, Ranch:

No affiliation or kickback, just wanted to share a snack I'm enjoying.

If you watch QVC you probably saw a very nice set of scrollwork pumpkins back in August. I saw something ~similar~ at Dollar Tree, and quite honestly, was impressed by how they looked. These metal pumpkins are about 10" wide by 9" tall, and skinny enough to fit on a shelf or mantle (maybe 2" depth). There is also a creamy white colored one. They have a small light on the inside and are $5. 

I ♥ these pumpkins:@) 

The only thing I'd like a little different, wish the light was on a timer, but that's not a biggie. They've been out for a few weeks, and are selling fast, but I wanted to share...

Grab it when you see it, and

Have a Happy Weekend:@)

St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Fluffernutter Pretzels -No Bake, No Melt

Whether short on time, or don't feel like fussing with the oven or tempering chocolate... These No Bake, No Melt, St. Patrick's Day Shamrock Fluffernutter Pretzels come together in minutes, and will disappear as quickly as a Leprechaun:@) And since I love options, we have several with this treat... We can use store bought chocolate or white chocolate covered Flipz Pretzels, or plain pretzels. The fluffer part is a cut marshmallow with the sticky side dipped in green sugar. Then it gets glued to the pretzel with a little peanut butter, and wa-la, we have one festive treat! I've used both mini and regular size marshmallows. Super easy for celebrating St. Patty's Day.

Tip: Add the peanut butter to a disposable icing bag,

it's less messy and makes the project come together in no time.

(I did just dab it on the back of the marshmallows with a knife this time.)

Mini marshmallows get cut in half,

regular marshmallows get cut into thirds.

The stems are small thin snips of marshmallow.

Actually... Gold sugar on the bigger circles would resemble coins.

I like that idea better:@)

What I used to cut the marshmallows:

Things don't need to be complicated to be fun folks...

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

Microwave Velveeta Cream Cheese Dip for Pretzels & Eagles Stamped Spoon

One of the things we love here in Philadelphia is soft pretzels! My boss even buys them for the office once or twice a month. If you don't have pretzel shops in your area, there are several frozen varieties at the stores, I used Super Pretzel brand nuggets today. Here's a super simple quick Velveeta Cream Cheese Dip that gets melted in the microwave, and only calls for two ingredients. My version starts with an envelope of soft Velveeta from Dollar Tree. And of course it can be enjoyed with hard pretzels, or even vegetable dippers too:@) 

Oooey, gooey, melty goodness...

Serving a bigger crowd?

Increase the recipe and use your Little Dipper Crock pot.

Heating for 2-3 hours should do it:@)

I wanted to treat myself to a little something-something to commemorate the Eagles being in the Super Bowl this year. So I ordered a custom stamped spoon from ETSY Shop Prose and Polish. The players were saying "it's a Philly thing" talking about attitudes and expectations. So that's what I had stamped on my spoon, good for ~all~ sporting events, and quite honestly, any occasion. Don't hesitate to reach out to Kimberly for gifts folks, she's a very responsive shop owner. And sometimes a one of a kind personalized gift is the best kind! Even if we're treating ourselves:@)

Velveeta Cream Cheese Dip

4 oz envelope Velveeta cheese

1 1/2 oz cream cheese, softened

1. Place Velveeta and cream cheese in microwave safe bowl or zip top bag. Heat for 10-15 second increments, checking often, until softened and mixable.
2. Stir bowl or squish bag until cheese is incorporated. If using a bag, squeeze mixture into serving bowl.
3. Reheat a bit if necessary to thin dip.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

🏈GO BIRDS!!!

You Melt My Heart Rolo Pretzels with Toasted Marshmallow

These You Melt My Heart Rolo Pretzels with Toasted Marshmallow make a super cute, sweet gooey Valentine's Day treat:@) They add a marshmallow layer to the traditional Rolo Pretzel snacks we're all familiar with. The best part, you can make as many, or as few, as you'd like. I added the use it up label because my boss put a bunch of leftover Christmas candy on the counter at work... I picked the Rolo's out. As for the hearts, I had some large Wilton heart shaped sprinkle cookie decorations, I'd aim for even larger for the best presentation.

Rolo Pretzels with Toasted Marshmallow-variation from Hershey's

1. Two mini pretzels for as many treats as you'd like to make.
2. One unwrapped Rolo for each treat.
3. Either 1/4 regular size marshmallow or 2-3 mini marshmallows per treat. I used the regular size.
4. Large heart sprinkles or red M&M's for each one.
5. Place pretzels on parchment paper lined baking sheet.
6. Top half of the pretzels with Rolo's, the other half with marshmallow.
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 4 minutes.
8. Remove from oven, place Rolo pretzel on top of marshmallow, gently press down.
9. Top each Rolo with heart or M&M.
10. Allow to cool and set completely.
11. Store in air tight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

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:@)

Rolo Pretzels & Happy Christmas Week!!!

Popping in today with an oldie but a goodie, these Rolo Pretzels come together fairly quickly and can be gussied up a bit to make a festive gift or addition to your cookie tray:@) You can use any smaller 'mini' size pretzel shape, two pretzels and one Rolo per treat. The beauty of this is, you can make as many, or as few, as you'd like. Then I just melted some white chocolate chips and drizzled the pretzels. Add the sprinkles while the chocolate (or Candy Melts) is still wet, and then allow to harden for a few hours before storing. 

A tip: 

The best tool for this project is parchment paper... 

Place it on your baking sheet, then add the pretzels and candy. 

The bottoms can get a bit sticky from the melted caramel.

Rolo Pretzels

1. Add parchment paper to baking tray.
2. Lay out as many pretzels as you'd like to make.
3. Add an unwrapped Rolo to the center of each pretzel.
4. Bake at 350 degrees 4-5 minutes.
5. Remove from oven and top each candy with another pretzel and press down gently. Allow to cool for a while.
6. Optional: Melt chocolate and drizzle over each pretzel, add sprinkles if desired.
7. Allow to thoroughly cool and for candy to firm back up, store in air tight container on counter.

Enjoy a Christmas treat and, 

We Wish You A Very Happy Christmas Week🎅

Halloween: No-Bake Snack Mix, Graveyard Bean Dip & Crinkle Cookies

I thought we'd share a few ideas for Halloween snacks from the archives... If you're looking for an easy party snack this No-Bake Fall Snack Mix is a great idea:@) Everything is pre-made and purchased at the store, you simply mix and serve! And the best part, it can be tailored to whatever your crew likes. 

And I love this simple Graveyard Bean Dip.

It's basically a seven layer dip,

we just spooky it up a little with the presentation.

How about some fun Halloween Crinkle Cookies:

Bloodshot Eyeballs and Orange and Green Variegated

My Halloween Food Pinterest Board can be found HERE.

~Make something just for fun and 

Have a Happy Halloween Season:@)

Dill & Ranch Pretzel Sticks

These Dill & Ranch Pretzel Sticks are a super simple, nice savory snack. Perfect for everything from March Madness basketball to drinks on the deck this spring. Only four ingredients, and I even mix everything right on the baking sheet, keeping clean-up to a minimum. The key is to mix everything really well. You'll notice not all of the seasoning sticks to the pretzels, but if you mix it well the pretzels will be flavored nicely:@)

Dill & Ranch Pretzel Sticks

16 oz bag pretzel sticks

1/4 C butter, melted

3 Tblsp dry ranch dressing

1 tsp dry dill weed

1. Mix everything well (I use my hands and like to do it right on the baking sheet).
2. Spread pretzels into single layer on baking sheet. 
3. Bake at 200 degrees for 15 minutes. Stir, and bake for another 15 minutes.
4. Cool completely and store in air tight container.

Eat well and have a happy day:@)

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks

These Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks are a nice treat for when you'd like something a tad less sweet than chocolate covered pretzels, yet not as zingy as pretzels with mustard. They're also a little different, something that doesn't show up at every party:@) It's another idea that might just become your signature dish for get togethers... Four ingredients, less than 30 minutes and you have a great snack! I really like these folks, I've even been adding them to my Chex Mixes for one more flavor variation. And the recipe is easily scaled back to half or a quarter for smaller crowds or to use up some leftover pretzels.

Two more party pretzel flavors:

Buffalo Wing Sauce and Lemon Pepper

Cinnamon Sugar Pretzel Sticks-adapted from Yellow Bliss Road

1 lb bag pretzel sticks

1/4 C butter

up to 1/2 C sugar-I used 1/4 C

up to 2 tsp cinnamon-I used 1 1/2 tsp, I suggest bumping up the flavor and will use 2 next time

1. Melt butter, mix in sugar and cinnamon.
2. Lay pretzels on baking sheet, pour cinnamon mixture over them, use hands to coat pretzels very well.
3. Bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes, stir, bake for 15 minutes more.
4. Cool completely and store in airtight container.

Enjoy a snack and have a happy day:@)

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