Showing posts with label Muffin Tin Monday Swap. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Muffin Tin Monday Swap. Show all posts

How To Use An Egg Mold




Many of you that have participated in the recent swap have received egg molds as part of your swap packages, so I thought I would do a little photo tutorial on how to use an egg mold. Egg Molds are often used in Japanese bento box meals and they are pretty hard to find here in the U.S., unless you have access to a japanese market ( which I do :), but you can also find egg molds easily online).

While still warm, peel off the shell
Place egg in one half of the mold
place the other half of the mold on top and snap it closed



Place in the fridge for 15 minutes (or a bowl of ice water, if you want to speed up the cooling process). You can also add food coloring in the bowl of water as it cools, just like dying easter eggs, to give in a special pop!


Ta-da! You will notice that it doesn't come out exactly like it's shape.


I cut mine while still in the mold, so I am sure of where the half point is.


You can use food markers ( I like Wilton brand) to draw on a happy face.


Although, he kind of looks like he's crying (or has a really bad eye infection).

Happy Molding!

*Disclosure, I have not been able to verify whether or not these egg molds contain  bpa, pvc or pthalates...

Muffin Tin Swap 2010 - The Link Up!




It's time for the fabulous round up of muffin tin goodies from all of the swap participants from around the world! If you are participating in the swap and have not received your package yet, give it a few more days and then email me. For those of you that have received your swap package and want to blog about it and share, this is where you come to link up!

Here's how:
  • snap a photo of all the goodies you got
  • include the photo in a blog post
  • click on the "add your link" button to add the URL of the blog post (not your whole blog)

For those of you not participating in the swap, this is a great opportunity to get a look and all of the accessories, muffin tins, cups, food picks, etc. that are out there.

We received our package today!!! Muffin Tin Girl was so excited. I almost didn't get a photo of her opening it. Our partner was Faith and her family. Faith is new to MTM, it has been so nice to connect with and treat her to some goodies.


Look! The flower silicone muffin tin has been a long desired item. So excited to use it on monday!


In our swap package:
  • Wilton Silicone Muffin Tin (although it's not made out of tin :) )
  • Princess paper muffin cups with crown picks
  • All star paper cups with penant picks
  • mini flower shaped ice cube mold
  • Sesame Street Zoe paper cups
  • Wall-E paper cups (not pictured, because Muffin Tin Boy tore into them right away-see below)

What did you get? Share, share, share!



Muffin Tin Monday Swap 2010


I am so excited to announce the return of the Muffin Tin Monday Swap!

**THE SWAP IS NOW CLOSED, check back soon for the Post with all the participants swap packages!

Here are some of the fine details:

~The deadline to enter is June 18th. This is also the deadline to cancel.
~Anyone who committed to sending a package last time and did not send it, will not be able to participate this time around.

~To participate, you must send me (via email at vistamommy(at)yahoo(dot)com):

  • Your name
  • Your address 
  • Names (optional) and ages of your kids that will be enjoying the swap package, and 
  • brief Muffin Tin Meal "wish list". 
  • Your preferred shipping method (How packages can arrive the best. USPS, Fed Ex, UPS, etc.) 

You may also include the button above (linking back to either Muffin Tin Mom or this direct post. ) in your sidebar is you wish, but it is not required. If you are unsure of how to do this, email me.

~ You will receive an email by June 21st with your partner participant's info.

~You will then purchase Muffin Tin Meal accessories between $10-$20 + shipping for your partner. No more than that. I chose this amount because of the price of muffin tins. You do what you can afford. We all understand these hard economic times. Below I will give some suggestions for you to make it more cost effective. However, if you think you will not be able to afford it, then please to not sign up to participate...And that's okay, this is purely optional...If you think it might be more fun to just go buy yourself some new MTM supplies, then do that!

~You will have until Friday, July 9th to purchase/create your Muffin Tin Monday swap package and send it out! Special grace and consideration should be given to those who live/ship internationally. Package contents will include anything Muffin Tin Meal related: Muffin Tins, paper muffin/cupcake cups, shaped cookie cutters, party picks, etc.

~On a date yet to be determined, I will be doing a MTM Swap Feature where we can all link up and see each other's swap packages.

~This swap IS open to international participants. Please indicate if you would or would not be willing to ship internationally. You don't have to be willing to participate.

~You also do not need to have a blog to participate, just send me an email and I will connect you with another participant!

Sound like fun? Then shoot me an email!

Here are some ideas/ways to make your package more budget-friendly.
~Sometimes less is more. Think quality for less,
~Even before you know who your partner is, be scouring thrift stores and garage sales for muffin tins that are clean &a in good condition. They can be 12 or 6 cup (or whatever).
~Tooth picks cost about $1 and you can add super cute tags with a little paper and glue to the ends.
~Disposable muffin tins and cookie cutters also can be found at the dollar store.
~Michael's and Joann's both sell cookie & cake decorating supplies and both accept each other's 40% off coupons! I purchased my flower silicone muffin cups there for 40% off (of $9.99) at Michael's.
~Party Supply stores carry cute food picks and forks and much more.
~bento box supplies are also a great way to go-"google" bento box supplies to see what's out there-they have rice and egg molds, colorful paper muffin cups, and much more!

Oh, and if you leave a comment in this post, that is not considered entry to the swap, but it sure would be nice.

*portions of this post were reprinted from my swap post last year

Muffin Tin Monday

It's Muffin Tin Monday! That weekly blog link up that is all about silly smiles and happy tummies. I mentioned last week that the themes are on hiatus for the summer. But that doesn't mean you can't do one. I have seen some of you get super creative with your MTM's.

The Muffin Tin Meals Facebook Page already has over 400 members. Wow. This has become a great way to interact with all of you Muffin Tin Mamas. I share exclusive MTM ideas, photos, and more. Come on over!

One of the things I love the most about blogging has been the opportunity to meet some of the friends I have made online. And this past weekend I was so excited to meet Jamie of Momma's Playground. I love her blog, especially her family movie nights she plans. She is so creative. And to my delight, Jamie brought with her a gift on Saturday. Look!



  • red/blue foil fun picks
  • flowers and dots paper cups and picks
  • red,white and blue paper cups and flag picks 
  • noah's ark mini cookie cutters

Oh my goodness! I love them all!

Jamie's gracious and generous gift has inspired me to do another Muffin Tin Monday Swap! That's right, I'm bringing it back. I have consulted a few friends on "best swap practices" to make sure everyone gets their package in a timely manner. It will be open to international mamas and there will be a full post on it tomorrow, so check back then if you are interested.

Here's what we did with what Jamie gave us!


It's a little blurry...Muffin Tin Girl was literally standing next to me with her fingertips on the plate, jumping up and down, begging me to eat it. I also turned the cups inside out so we could see the pretty pattern. MT Girl said she prefers it the other way and will just turn her head to look at it. Ha! Thank you so much Jamie for helping make our muffin tin meal extra special this week!

Can't wait to see what you have made! Remember to click the blue inlinkz button and provide the link to your individual blog post. Happy Monday everyone!