Gooseberry Patch

Pure Comfort...

When you're looking for pure comfort food, few dishes compare to chicken & noodles...this casserole appears in our book Comfort Foods and it's sure to hit the spot.

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Mary Beth Updike of Ottowa, Illinois sent us this recipe created by her mom. She says that nothing turns a day around quicker than coming home to this dish.

2 T. margarine
2 T. all-purpose flour
1 t. chicken bouillon granules
1 c. boiling water
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1-1/2 c. cooked chicken, diced
8-oz. pkg. wide egg noodles, cooked
1 c. potato chips, crushed

Melt margarine in a large saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour. Dissolve bouillon in boiling water; add to pan. Stir in soup and chicken; heat through. Add noodles; pour into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with crushed chips. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for 15 minutes. Serves 4.

Our Country Living Fair Scrapbook

Our whirlwind weekend at the Country Living Fair is behind us and boy, was it fun. We really enjoyed talking with everyone, signing books and of course, doing a little treasure hunting! Here are some of our favorite things from the fair...

Happy jack-'o-lanterns in lots of colors...love the purple!

We love imagining all the grandmas and moms who've used these pins.

Sweet Annie smells so good, doesn't it?

See another shot of the pumpkin tower here!

An amazing selection of cheery oilcloth at Modern June!

 

This little green piano was so dear.

So many smiling faces this weekend!
(See yourself here? Leave us a comment with your name!)

 

 

Some of our neighbors at the fair...

Decadent and delectable...Sundae's Best Hot Fudge Sauce!

Say hi to Melissa at La Crema Coffee Company!

 

Cooke Tavern Soups was simmering yummy-smelling soup all day!

Thanks again to everyone who stopped by and, if you want to see even more photos, check out the entire album on our Page on Facebook!

Fun at the Fair!

We had such a great time at the Country Living Fair yesterday and we still have two fun-filled days ahead of us. We hope you'll enjoy these photos...click to see them bigger!

Can't find us at the fair? Look for the polka-dot aprons!

We met so many friendly folks at today's book signing...

...our pens were flying!

13 titles to choose from!

Hope to see you today or Sunday if you're in the area!

Click here to view more photos on our Page on Facebook!

A Sweet Link for You!

Warning: this week's Link We Love could lead to spending more time blog-reading than you planned. Maybe it's just us, but we absolutely got LOST looking at all of Jessie's photos, projects, ideas and just plain ol' inspiration!

If you're not already acquainted, let us introduce you to...

Sweet Jessie!

We were drawn in by this post about turning scraps into tiny pennants and cupcake flags...

...but then, there were the printable goodies, the tutorials, the vintage embroidery transfers (like this one, this one and this one) and that doesn't even begin to cover the goodness!

There's a step-by-step project for making a clever inspiration board from some fabric, an embroidery hoop, cork and some well-placed glue...

 

...and her easy instructions for making a sweet scalloped garland like this one!

It's no wonder this work-at-home momma has been tapped to contribute to these awesome crafty books! If all these links don't convince you to visit ASAP, maybe her shop full of cuteness will do the trick.

Thanks, Jessie, for such a bright and playful place to visit...and stay awhile. Your love for what you do (besides the dishes) really shows!

Spend some time with Sweet Jessie...we know you'll enjoy it!

Special Cookbook Pricing!

We're gearing up for the Country Living Fair this weekend,
but even if you can't make it, you can still get the
special pricing we'll be offering there!

Some of our newest titles will be available at these prices but hurry, they'll only be on sale for a limited time!

Click here to view the entire collection!

Catch Us On TV tomorrow!

If you're in the central Ohio area, tune into tomorrow's Good Day Columbus on Fox 28. The show runs from 7am to 9am and we're loosely scheduled to be on around 8:30am. We'll be sharing this recipe from our new book, Homemade Harvest, and giving you three fun ways to make it for gameday or your fall celebrations!

Pumpkin Cheese Ball

Carey Neblett of Pleasant View, Tennessee, shared this recipe with us.
She writes, "I made this at my very first Halloween party…it looks just
like a real pumpkin!"

2  8-oz. pkgs. extra sharp
    Cheddar cheese
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened
8-oz. container chive and onion
    cream cheese, softened
2 t. paprika
1/2 t. cayenne pepper
1 stalk broccoli, top removed
assorted crackers

Combine all ingredients except broccoli and crackers. Shape mixture to resemble a pumpkin. Trim broccoli stalk, if needed, and press lightly into the top of the pumpkin for a stem. Use a knife to make vertical lines down the sides of the cheese ball. Serve with crackers. Serves 10 to 15.

Can't watch it live? Check our Page on Facebook for a link to the video tomorrow afternoon...we'll post it there as soon as it's available!

New Contest Starts Today!

Does a homemade harvest mean decorating your front porch with plump orange pumpkins, or making an autumn wreath from acorns and fall leaves?

Whether you love to bake loaves of apple bread or fill your pantry with homemade preserves, we want to know what a homemade harvest means to you!

It's easy to enter our contest...just create a short video of what a homemade harvest means to you.

Follow this link to upload your video through our contest page on Facebook. We'll pick 3 finalists, then everyone can vote to choose the winner!

It's the season of homecoming and homemade goodness so share your autumn inspiration with us...you could win!

Upload your video between now and midnight EST, Monday, Sept. 27th, 2010. Voting begins on Tuesday, Sept. 28th and ends on Thursday, Sept. 30th, 2010. The winner will be announced on Friday, Oct. 1, 2010.

It's Gonna Be a GOODE Time!

Ever wondered what it would be like to make every recipe in a book, just like in Julie & Julia?

Cris of Goodeness Gracious wondered just that and starting in just a few days, she's diving in with both feet...AND she's taking on the challenge with one of OUR books!

Her idea is to pick a favorite Gooseberry Patch cookbook and then cook (and blog!) her way all the way through it...that's every recipe, folks.

Exciting stuff! 

First, though...she needs YOUR help. Click over to Goodeness Gracious and VOTE for one of the three books she's considering.

It'll be a tough choice between 5 Ingredients or Less, What's For Dinner? and Mom's Favorite Recipes but try to pick just one. Next week, she'll reveal which book is the winner and get started!

Thanks for choosing Gooseberry Patch cookbooks to take along
on your adventure, Cris...we're looking forward to the fun!

Time's Almost Up!

Our Secret Ingredient recipe contest ends at
midnight EST on Sunday!

Have you shared your best apple recipes yet?

Click here for all the details!

Just Try and Resist the Cuteness!

When we found this week's Link We Love, it was all we could do to wait until Friday to share it. It's from a blog called ...from glitter to gumdrops written by a super-creative kitchen whiz and crafty gal, Christy Robbins. 

Even though Christy is a self-proclaimed cupcake-a-holic, her idea that we're sharing today is a different kind of sweet treat...

Mini Caramel Apples!

Made using a melon baller, some good old Granny Smith apples and some pretzels, it's one of the cutest ideas we've seen in a long time. Click here for complete instructions!

Plus, it fits right in with our Secret Ingredient recipe contest!

Check out all the other great recipes from her week of apples...homemade applesauce, toffee apple dip, apple-cinnamon muffins and another take on caramel apples using, you guessed it, cupcakes!

Great blog, Christy! We haven't even scratched the surface of ...from glitter to gumdrops and we're SO looking forward to finding more goodies.

Let us know what YOU find over there to inspire you or tempt your sweet tooth!

How about these?

We'll Be on QVC Tomorrow!

Want to see some of the yummy recipes from Autumn with Family & Friends in action?

Don't miss tomorrow's show, Just Desserts with Jill! She'll be sharing recipes from this book and it's sure to get you into the autumn spirit.

Friday, September 17th (that's TOMORROW!)
between 5pm and 6pm EST

Since this title is temporarily out of stock on our site, this is a great opportunity to get your copy in time for this fall! If you plan on ordering this book, make sure to do it soon after the show starts...they usually sell out pretty quickly.

QVC will also be taking on-air phone calls during the segment...call in and share what you love most about Gooseberry Patch cookbooks!

Secret Ingredient: Apples!

We're having a new Secret Ingredient recipe contest
and it starts today!

How does it work?

Just send us your tried & true recipes made with our favorite
fall fruit...apples!



Do you have the very best recipe for apple turnovers? Send it in!

Do you add apples to cookies, salads or casseroles? Share it!

Have a scrumptious idea for adding apples to ANY recipe? We want it!

We'll pick one winner from every recipe submitted with apples as an ingredient, between now and midnight EST on Sunday, the 19th...the winner gets a FREE Gooseberry Patch cookbook!

Which cookbook could you win?
It's a SECRET!

You can enter as often as you like, so get started!We'll announce the winning recipe and the secret-prize cookbook here on Monday, September 20th.

Good luck!

IMPORTANT NOTE: All recipes must be submitted on our website before midnight EST, Sunday, September 19, 2010. In order to be entered in our contest, please put "apples" in the Special Code field of your recipe. Thanks!

Contest Coming Soon!

Just in case you missed the hint in the September edition of Feather Your Nest, there's a video contest coming soon! It starts next week so keep an eye out for all the details...you could win our new book Homemade Harvest for you and 5 friends!

To put you in the Autumn mood, here's a recipe from Kristin Pittis of Dennison, Ohio. Passed down from her grandma, it's a simple drop cookie we know you'll enjoy.

Grandma Ila’s Pumpkin Cookies

1 c. shortening
1 c. sugar
1 c. canned pumpkin
1 egg, beaten
2 t. vanilla extract, divided
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
1 t. baking powder
1 t. cinnamon
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. powdered sugar


Blend together shortening, sugar, pumpkin and egg; stir in one teaspoon vanilla. Combine remaining ingredients except cream cheese, butter and powdered sugar. Gradually beat flour mixture into pumpkin mixture. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes; cool completely. Blend together cream cheese and butter; stir in remaining vanilla. Gradually add powdered sugar until fluffy. Spread cookies with frosting. Makes 2 to 3 dozen.

Sneak Peek at Our New Book!

In honor of Grandparents' Day (it's today!) we thought we'd share a sneak peek at our new book, Sunday Dinner at Grandma's! Coming soon to a retailer near you, it'll be filled with Grandma's handed-down recipes and plus lots of old-fashioned ways to have fun with family & friends.

Arlene Coury of San Antonio, Texas shared the recipe below. Thanks so much, Arlene, and congrats on being selected for the book!

Sunday Chicken Casserole

My grandmother would prepare this special dish for holidays and when company was coming. It is the best chicken casserole I have ever tasted...we always made sure we got a helping before it disappeared!

3 to 4 chicken breasts
6-oz. pkg. herb-flavored 
   stuffing mix
1/2 c. margarine, melted
10-3/4 oz. can cream of 
   chicken soup
16-oz. container sour cream
1/4 c. dill pickle, chopped
1 white onion, chopped

In a large stockpot over medium heat, cover chicken with water. Cook until chicken juices run clear, 20 to 25 minutes. Drain chicken, reserving 1-3/4 cups broth. Let chicken cool. Cut into bite-size pieces, discarding skin and bones; set aside. Toss stuffing mix with melted margarine until moistened. Spread half of stuffing mixture in a lightly greased 11"x8" baking pan; place chicken on top. Blend reserved broth, soup and sour cream until smooth; fold in pickle and onion. Pour over chicken; cover with remaining stuffing mix. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 30 minutes, until bubbly. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serves 6.

Sounds so good, doesn't it...what's YOUR favorite Sunday dinner?

Today and Every Day...

Something Every Kitchen Needs!

This week's Link We Love comes from a newly discovered blog,
Little Big Girl Studio!

Vanessa is the voice behind this crafty blog and she's come a long way from "dabbling in sewing back in high school." Take a look at the project we're featuring today...

With a spot for everything you need in the kitchen, you could use this organizer for so much more than menus. Fill yours with coupons, grocery lists, school schedules, recipe cards, cards to send...need we go on?

There are even magnets on the back so it can live on your fridge, right where you need it!

Ready to make your own? Vanessa gives complete instructions and shows you how to make one with her step-by-step photos.

Wouldn't it make a thoughtful housewarming or bridal shower gift? Love it.

Thanks for such an inspiring idea, Vanessa. We can't wait to see what you come up with next!

Spend some time clicking around LBG Studio and visit her shop on Etsy for even more goodies...find her on Facebook too!

Chapter Two is Here!

With YOUR help, we made it to 40,000 fans
on Facebook yesterday...thank you!

As promised, here's the second chapter of our FREE Circle of Friends downloadable cookbook! Full of chocolate-chippy goodness, this chapter is sure to be a favorite.

Feel free to share on your blog and pass it on to friends too! Just click the share button on the window below and then copy & paste the code.

25 Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes by Gooseberry Patch

The more fans we get, the quicker you'll get the next chapter of this FREE cookbook...it'll be our 25 best meatloaf recipes!

Enjoy the recipes!

P.S. Haven't joined in the fun on Facebook yet? Click here to get started!

25 Free Recipes...Coming Soon!

Ready for the next chapter of our FREE downloadable cookbook?

Here's a sneak peek at the cover...

We're less than 100 away from our goal of 40,000 Fans on Facebook so mouse-over that Share button and spread the word!

Not a fan yet? Click here and join the fun!

Want the first chapter? Click here for the best of Mac & Cheese!

Great for After-School Snacking!

Kids coming home from school famished? Whip up this fun after-school treat from our book, Almost Homemade, and let them enjoy without spoiling their dinner!

Mini Snacking Pizzas

Kathleen White of Auburn, California originally shared this recipe with us. She writes, "This is a great snack to keep on hand…both kids and adults love it. After spreading cheese mixture on bread, arrange slices on baking sheets and freeze uncovered, then store in plastic freezer bags. Bake frozen mini pizzas for 15 to 20 minutes." Great tip, Kathleen...thanks again for this yummy recipe!

16-oz. pkg. shredded sharp
    Cheddar cheese
16-oz. pkg. shredded
    mozzarella cheese
4-oz. can mushrooms,
    drained and chopped
2-oz. jar green olives with pimentos,
    drained and chopped
8-oz. can tomato sauce
1/2 c. oil
1 t. dried oregano
Worcestershire sauce to taste
garlic powder and cayenne
    pepper to taste
2  16-oz. loaves sliced party rye

Combine all ingredients except bread. Spread one tablespoon of mixture onto each slice of bread. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets; bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, until heated through and cheese melts. Makes about 4 dozen.

did you know that Kathleen received a FREE copy of this book because her recipes was featured? YOU could get a free cookbook too...share a recipe with us today!

The Countdown is On!

We're thrilled to be part of this year's Country Living Fair, coming up in just a few weeks! We hope you can join us for a weekend of shopping, live music, delicious food and so much more.

Check out our Events tab on our Page on Facebook
for all the details...see you there!