On "Mud Pies and Other Recipes": A Book Review

Another month of trying to get a book review for a Dumas book posted and once again deciding to go with something happier...

Title: Mud Pies and Other Recipes
Author: Marjorie Winslow
Genre: Children's, Cookbook

About the Book...
A collection of recipes for dolls with contents including Appetizers, Soups, Salads and Sandwiches; Main Dishes; Pasteries and Desserts; Beverages; and Suggested Menus. First published in 1961.

What I Think...
This is one of the nicest cookbooks for imaginary dishes I've ever come across! It's written as seriously as any real cookbook, never taking on a tone of being overly cutesy or talking down to the reader. Most of the dishes are very simplistic and perfect for the beginner doll chef allowing them to explore what might be available to them in their yard and around the house. I feel like Winslow presents the reader with an opportunity to use their imagination to build on the recipes as well, which in my opinion is always a plus when it comes to children's books. 

The illustrations by Eric Blegvad, whom I adore, are perfectly suited to the content and, from a contemporary perspective, add to the nostalgic charm of the book. 

And, for some reason, I am tickled pink that most of these are recipes that humans would avoid eating!

To Sum it All Up...
An utterly delightful trip into the imaginary world of cooking and happy days of holding parties for toys!

On a Miniature Eeyore to Join Piglet

I had intended to have Winnie-the-Pooh be the next Hundred Acre Woods' character to go with Piglet, but, having been in a distressed state of mind for the past few weeks, trying to make a selection between three different shades of mustard felt was proving challenging. So, I went with the simplistic gray Eeyore.

Eeyore was faster to make than Piglet. Or would have been, had I not been so tired and started by accidentally sewing the forehead/nose piece along the back rather than under and around the nose. The larger pieces did make him easier, though.

Oddly enough, his tail was the biggest issue for me. The book's instructions were to use a button for the nail in his tail, but I really wanted to go with something that looked like a nail. I don't use a lot of metal in my sewing and the only vintage rivets I had were too puffy, so I ended up using a tiny scrapbooking brad! 

"Eeyore frisked about the forest, waving his tail so happily..." 

To get it in, I poked a hole in the felt with a darning needle and then scraped up my fingers trying to get the prongs flat through the multiple layers of felt, which was not exactly fun, but it's on there and not about to come off!

One must, of course, celebrate Eeyore's birthday with a red balloon!

And to conclude, a sneak preview of whooo's next...

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