Mud Pies and other Recipes

A couple of years ago, a small friend came to our house to play, bringing with her the most enchanting recipe book for dolls by Marjorie Winslow. I fell head over heels in love with it and managed, with some difficulty, to track a copy down (it was out of print).

Imagine my delight yesterday, when I went into a bookshop and saw on the table, a newly published re-print.

I cannot tell you what an excited squeak I let out - if you have smallish people at home (up to around 10 I'd guess) you simply must find a copy to look at.  And I'd bet a portion of fried water, you'll find a way to squeeze a copy into somebody's Christmas stocking. 

And, though I'm sure it is poor etiquette to re-publish one's old blog material, here's my post about the book from a couple of years back.

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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?

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See what I mean? You've got to know someone who needs a copy.

Clearly you can take a bookseller out of the bookshop but the impulse to share wonderful books remains. And in a very spooky throwback, though I was in an independent bookshop far from home, the delivery guy, Andy, was the same one who used to deliver stock to my former bookshop - how very spooky is that? Just like old times.

Comments

[dottycookie]

Yes, I do know someone who needs a copy. Me.

[Petit Filoux]

Sounds quite funny! No little people to give this to unfortunately, but I'll make sure I remember it, it's very sweet

[carolyn]

I used to read this truely delightful book to my dollys under the shade of a bottle brush tree in our back yard. I still have our original copy and enjoyed sharing it with my daughter when she was young.

[simone]

I wish I'd had this book when I was small. I wish I had it now! Isn't it great that all the ingredients are things that are easy to come by? I am fancying the Pencil Sharpener Pudding!

[Katherine]

I remember reading your original post about this back when you first wrote it! So glad you mentioned it's in print again. I'm going to pick one up...for my own stocking. Well, maybe I'll get a couple copies, and share with some kids I know.

[Sue]

How has this book escaped me? Unfortunately my daughter is a wee bit too old to appreciate it. But I am not.

[little pink room]

Thanks for the tip! I think I do know a little girl that would love it...and her mummy too. A x

[French Knots]

Oh I've had this on my Amazon wish list for ages....I'll buy one for me but pretend it's for the children!

[Sasha]

I love this! I want this book! I am partially in charge of an outdoor rainy weather fundraising event tomorrow that involves (among other things) decorating mud-cupcakes like this: http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/beyond-mud-pies-mud-cupcakes-675150/
Now I'm off to collect some pretty little leaves and tiny stones and petals!

[Jonella]

Thank you so much for reminding me of this book. It was an absolute favorite of min >20 years ago. I immediately clicked over to my favorite bookstore's webpage and ordered a copy for my niece. S

[Florence]

Oh, I can think of three different people who would love that- thank you so much for the recommendation, Ali. It looks wonderful. X

[Lisa]

Oh I want one!
Lisa x

[Naturally Carol]

I remember making "mayonnaise" with water and geranium petals with my best friend Kerry over the fence. At our local primary school fair there was always a saucer competition. This was a saucer of damp sand in which you stuck leaves,flowers, moss,shells, little pebbles or anything natural to make a pattern. The best got an award.

[wonderwoman]

what a brilliant book - wish i'd had it when mine were little!

xx

[Adriana]

Oh I wonder if it'll show up in my stocking this year. Do you think I'm too old to cook for my dolls?

I must say I like the old cover better. Thanks for the suggestion!

I didn't know you owned a bookshop! Super cool :-)

[Ramona]

I know just the person.

[Lynn]

I saw that book in a specialty book catalog years ago, got excited, then forgot about it. Thank you for the reminder!

[Simply h]

Oh that's my neices christmas present sorted, it looks right up her street - and another one for my two I think!

[The Coffee Lady]

That looks fantastic. I shall also be checking it out in time for Christmas.

[kirsten]

my kids are always cooking up 'messes' like this! what fun to have actual recipes!

[Julie]

thanks so much for this: it's ordered and now on it's way for my little girl who turns 4 next week. she spends hours making tea for us all ... and though she can't read yet, it'll be fun sharing this with her.

[Modern Dilemma]

Gosh I remember you talking about that book before, was it really a couple of years ago? Good lord, where does the time go? My 7 year old boy and his partner in crime, the 2 year old, will both love this so I'm off to Amazon right now....
MD x

[Bev]

How fabulous is that book!? The little Hors d'oeuvre's they made are so pretty!

[Nichola]

What a magical book. Thank you for sharing this: perfect timing for Christmas!

[joanna]

yup i know someone who needs a copy, well two people actually. Myself and Martha

[Mike]

I want to get my mom mud pies and other recipes for Christmas. I just hope they fit in the Christmas stockings.