Is it shameful to be constantly tapping my children for blog fodder? Thankfully, someone in the household still has time to be creative. It isn't me, that's for sure. But I would miss the act of blogging sorely, so you'll have to indulge me. And today, it is worth it. Because there was something very special happening in the garden.
Mark's friend Chloe came to play after school, bringing with her this gem of a book. And what marvels it contains. 
No supermarket is as well-stocked as a forest, a sand dune, or your own backyard, and everyone knows that dolls dote on mud, when properly prepared. Invite everyone, for Pencil Sharpener Pudding, Dandelion Souffle, Wood Chip Dip, and, of course, Mud Pies.
I knew as soon as I saw it, that we needed a copy. It is utterly charming and funny for the way in which all the recipes are presented so seriously.
FRIED WATER
Melt one ice cube in a skillet by placing it in the sun. When melted,
add 1 cup water and sauté slowly until water is transparent. Serve
small portions, because this dish is rich as well as mouth-watering.
Unfortunately, it is out of print and has proved a bit tricky to track down. But for something so enchanting, it was worth the effort.
Hors d'oeuvre anyone?
Oh, yes, please! That's brilliant and adorable, and what an amazing use for those colored baking cups!
Posted by: Michelle | 28 April 2008 at 22:54
cute it may be, however; I draw the line at cooking for dolls.
Posted by: Deborah Bourque | 28 April 2008 at 23:19
Love the book! What a great title!
Posted by: Di | 28 April 2008 at 23:23
Pssst - I'm whispering so Alice doesn't hear, but I am seriously coveting your cake cases.
Love the last picture!
Posted by: dottycookie | 28 April 2008 at 23:25
Yikes - it is a long time since I have wanted a book as badly as I want this one. Pencil Sharpener Pudding?...I must know the recipe!...please put me out of my misery.
Oh...and I think it is permissible for the Mud Pie Fairy to use coloured cupcake cases...especially if it results in unforgettable photographs.
Posted by: Alice C | 28 April 2008 at 23:44
Love it!
Posted by: Liane | 29 April 2008 at 00:06
Wow, that is a must-have for all the kiddies.
Posted by: Sara Strong | 29 April 2008 at 00:15
oh, that book looks fantastic - i know a little girl who needs it! :^)
Posted by: Lori | 29 April 2008 at 01:42
How fun is that! Darling Photos.
Posted by: stavroulla Ploutis | 29 April 2008 at 07:39
It is indeed a fun book. I have it, too, I'm not sure why since I haven't any small children. I think I'll take it with us at Thanksgiving and make mud pies and other delicacies with our grandchildren.
Posted by: June | 29 April 2008 at 08:28
What a fantastic book! Looks like they had a lot of fun!
Posted by: Helen | 29 April 2008 at 08:58
This just looks like a fun book!
Posted by: seemownay | 29 April 2008 at 09:08
Agh we have that book. It's dog eared, been soaked through and very much loved.
I think every household should have one.
Posted by: Simmy | 29 April 2008 at 10:58
What a fantastic book, I'm going to have to start hunting for a copy too!
Kimx
Posted by: Kim | 29 April 2008 at 11:29
enchanting!
Posted by: tracey petersen | 29 April 2008 at 11:30
Oooh that is the perfect book for my Lucinda who spends hours in the bathroom making potions and hours in the garden making 'wombat stew'! It's her birthday in a couple of weeks and I'm gonna try and track it down!
Posted by: Louise | 29 April 2008 at 11:37
another cook book I don't have, must get it asap!
Posted by: driftwood | 29 April 2008 at 12:07
I love it, I love it!
Julia x
Posted by: julia | 29 April 2008 at 12:35
I can see hours of fun emerging - may be the perfect birthday present for either of my 2. I'm adding it to my Amazon wish list straight away!
Cathy X
Posted by: pinkgreen | 29 April 2008 at 12:47
how sweet!!!
Totally fab.
Posted by: monica | 29 April 2008 at 12:55
yup need that immediately for me or the children dont mind which
Posted by: Joanna | 29 April 2008 at 14:15
makes me want to have children!!!!
love the shoes in the previous post - if i had not just ordered a pair of the Birkenstock clogs .......
t x
Posted by: tracy x | 29 April 2008 at 14:56
I adore.
oooo the possibilities
we only ever make grass and earth soup with the odd stone biscuit.
I'm getting ambitious
Posted by: Alix | 29 April 2008 at 15:12
When I was little I was ALWAYS cooking with dirt and sticks and grass. That's a wonderful book...
Posted by: blackbird | 29 April 2008 at 17:57
Oh I want that book and I want it NOW!!!!!
How absolutely fantastic!
Lucy x
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 29 April 2008 at 19:04
Oh, how cool! I love children's books like that. Methinks you've created a stampede of people searching for used copies!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | 29 April 2008 at 19:18
why is this book out of print? and why are you taunting me with it?!! I know my mum would love this (and my daughter too I imagine). Off to hunt down a copy...
Posted by: commonplaceiris | 30 April 2008 at 06:17
What a fabulous book! And what a shame it's out of print
Posted by: Dragonfly | 30 April 2008 at 15:23
That book is fantastic! I am going to have to keep an eye out for it!
Posted by: Gemma | 30 April 2008 at 20:06
oh! i love it!
Posted by: Zelia | 01 May 2008 at 09:17
Beautiful cover...for the child in each of us.
Posted by: Maureen | 01 May 2008 at 17:28
What a brilliant book - kind of has a swallows and amazons feel to it. The horses doovers look fab!
Posted by: julie | 01 May 2008 at 18:56
That book is delightful. I remember as a child going to my granparetns, and my sister and I would make "mud pies". The best thing was - our grandmother used to eat them (just a little when we said she had to try it). Bless her she must have eaten so much dirt over the years, but we did occasionally steal gooseberries and plums from the bottom of the garden as "garnish". How funny I became a chef
Take Care
Clare x
Posted by: Clare | 01 May 2008 at 23:12
Thanks for sharing that treasure!!!
I so want that book.
Looks like your little gang is enjoying it!! How cute.
Posted by: Gina | 05 May 2008 at 13:46
lovely post - did you know that the book has been reprinted because of demand from grown up mums wanting to share with their daughters. Amazon have it, and its on my wishlist! :)
Posted by: RosieB | 05 September 2008 at 22:57