Gooseberry Patch

A New Store Spotlight!

Store receipts from all over the country have been filling up our mailbox (and inbox!) from your December & January cookbook shopping...thanks to everyone who's sent them in!

It might sound silly, but we really enjoy seeing where you're finding our cookbooks...it's the next best thing to being able to shop with you! The winner of the December/January drawing for the $50 Gift Certificate will announced in February's edition of Feather Your Nest and it'll be arriving in your inbox tomorrow! As part of the celebration, we're shining a spotlight on the store where the winner purchased her book. Keep reading to hear about a store that may not first come to mind when you think of cookbooks...

If you're ever in Pacific, Missouri, be sure to stop
in at the local Orscheln Farm & Home Store!

We asked store manager, Tim Good, to share a little bit about the store...

We're located in Pacific, Missouri which is a small town about 30 minutes west of St. Louis, just down the road from Six Flags theme park.

We are a farm and home store with a very loyal customer base. We handle a lot of different merchandise including pet supplies, bird seed and feeders, equine/rabbit/livestock feeds and medications, fencing, farm implements and equipment, tractor supplies, automotive supplies (including a tire shop), hardware, paint, hand tools, power tools, electrical, plumbing, hunting, gun safes, lawn and garden, wood cutting, heating/cooling, boots, clothing, food items, books/magazines, and much more.

We offer the best customer service out of any retail setting I have every experienced and we are always looking to expand our customer base by “wowing” our customers with great service.

How long have you been carrying Gooseberry Patch cookbooks & calendars?

We have been carrying the gooseberry patch books and calendars since the store opened, between 4 and 5 years ago.

Which title is your customers' favorite/best seller lately?

Don’t seem to have one super popular item, but all of the Gooseberry Patch items sell fairly well. They definitely have a loyal following...we seem to sell multiple items to the same customers.

Anything else you'd like to let our readers know about your store?

We offer a lot more types of products and services than most people realize. We encourage people to check us out...and if we don’t have what a customer is looking for, we can often times special order just about anything.

 

Thanks to Tim and Orscheln Farm & Home for
offering Gooseberry Patch goodies to your customers.
Keep up the good work!

 

Orscheln Farm & Home
2246 West Osage Street
Pacific, MO 63069
Phone: 636-257-5277

Store Hours:
Monday-Saturday 8am to 8pm
Sundays 10am to 6pm

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Want to WIN a Lunch Makeover?

This contest is now over...click here to see who won!

 In this month's edition of Feather Your Nest, we'll be starting
a new giveaway - 10 cookbooks! - and all you have to do
is tell us about or, better yet, show us your LUNCH!

We find ourselves having the same things over and over for lunch, don't you? And, we can all use some help shaking it up from time to time! Our newest cookbook, 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches, is PACKED with inspiration for any meal of the day, but soups, salads and sandwiches have always been lunchtime staples. So tell us...

If so, post a comment on this post, share a photo or video on Facebook
or post about your lunch on your own blog and share a link here on our blog.

All entries should show or tell us WHAT you’re having for lunch (don’t be shy!)
and tell us WHY it could use a makeover. It’s that simple!

We'll enter everyone who fesses up to needing a makeover
before midnight EST on Tuesday, February 7th, 2012.

10 lucky winners will win a FREE copy of our new
cookbook, 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches!

 

This contest is now over...click here to see who won!

 

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Menu of the Week: Soup, Salad & Sandwiches!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches, a new book in our 101 Photo Series of cookbooks and guaranteed to deliver for brunches, lunches and dinner! Plus, each recipe includes a color photo so you'll know just what to expect when you're finished!

With recipes focused on soups, salads and sandwiches (what a surprise, right?) there's also a chapter in the back of homemade toppers, dressings, garnishes and crackers...they'll take any recipe to the next level and make you a kitchen hero!

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from the book. Follow us on Twitter and get a recipe EVERY DAY this week or click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from   101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches!

 

Beef Stew & Biscuits
Jocelyn Medina of Phoenixville, Pennsylvania shared this recipe with us. It's a tried & true one-pot meal that's perfect for Sunday dinner, or anytime!

1 lb. ground beef
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1/4 t. dried basil
1/8 t. pepper
3-1/2 c. frozen or canned mixed vegetables
2 8-oz. cans tomato sauce
1 c. sharp Cheddar cheese, cubed
12-oz. tube refrigerated biscuits

In a skillet, brown beef and onion; drain. Add seasonings, mixed vegetables and tomato sauce; mix well. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes. Fold in cheese cubes; pour into an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish. Arrange biscuits on top. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 25 minutes, or until biscuits are golden. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Hot & Sweet Coleslaw
This recipe was shared by Karen Christiansen of Glenview, Illinois. She writes, My husband, who doesn’t care for salads with a lot of mayonnaise, enjoys this slaw along with pulled pork sandwiches.

8 c. green cabbage, shredded
1 c. red cabbage, shredded
4 carrots, peeled and shredded
1 yellow onion, grated
1/2 c. low-fat mayonnaise
2 T. mustard
2 t. cider vinegar
1/4 c. sugar
1 t. pepper
1/4 t. cayenne pepper
Optional: salt and additional pepper to taste

In a large bowl, toss together vegetables. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, mustard, vinegar, sugar and peppers. Toss mayonnaise mixture with cabbage mixture; season with salt and
additional pepper, if desired. Cover and refrigerate overnight before serving. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

 

Chicken Tacos
Katherine Jaworowski of Devine, Texas sent us this recipe. She writes, "I made up this recipe and know it’s a real winner because it’s the one dish I never have leftovers from!"

2 T. olive oil
1 onion, chopped
2 T. garlic, minced
2 to 3 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
10-oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles
4-oz. can diced green chiles
1/8 to 1/4 t. hot pepper sauce
1 T. dried cilantro
salt and pepper to taste
12-oz. pkg. 6-inch corn tortillas
Garnish: shredded Cheddar cheese

Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté onion and garlic until tender. Add chicken and cook through. Stir in remaining ingredients except tortillas and cheese; reduce heat. Stirring often, simmer 8 to 10 minutes, until most of the liquid is cooked out. Spoon into tortillas and garnish with cheese. Serves 6 to 8.

 

Refrigerator Pickles
These super-simple pickles were shared with us by Kay Barg of Sandy, Utah. It's a great recipe for first-time pickle makers.

3 c. cucumbers, peeled and sliced
1 onion, thinly sliced
3/4 c. sugar
2/3 c. white vinegar
1/2 t. celery seed
1/2 t. mustard seed
1/4 t. salt

Mix cucumbers and onion in a glass or plastic bowl; set aside. Stir remaining ingredients together in a microwave-safe container. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, stirring after 2 minutes. Pour over cucumber mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving to blend flavors. Keep refrigerated. Makes one quart.

 

 

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Want to learn more about 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches
or add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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New for Your Collection!

If you're a member of our Circle of Friends email club, you've already seen our two newest titles in our handy, take-along, purse-size cookbook series, Our Favorite Recipes. If not, today might be your first look...two sample recipes plus a video tour below!

 

This first recipe is from Our Favorite Game-Day Recipes and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser for the big game coming up!

Cranberry Cocktail Sausages

16-oz. can whole-berry cranberry sauce
1/3 c. seedless raspberry jam
1 t. cornstarch
1/2 t. hot pepper sauce
2 14-oz. pkgs. mini smoked sausages
Optional: sliced green onion

Mix together all ingredients except green onion in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; stir frequently until simmering. Reduce heat to low. Cook, uncovered, for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sausages are heated through. Place in a serving dish and sprinkle with green onion, if desired. Serves 6 to 10.

 

If you've ever wanted a treat (or a meal!) that satisfies without leaving leftovers for days, Our Favorite Recipes for One or Two is just what you've been hoping for. The dessert below would be delicious for sharing with your sweetie!

Mocha Mousse
 

1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3 T. powdered sugar
3 T. brewed coffee
3 egg yolks
1-1/4 c. whipping cream, whipped

Melt chocolate over hot water in a double boiler. Add sugar and coffee; stir in egg yolks, one at a time. Stir until mixture thickens; remove from heat and let cool. Add whipped cream to chocolate mixture, blending well. Spoon into 2 serving dishes; cover and refrigerate one hour. Serves 2.

 

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Free eBook Alert!

Our eBook, Quick & Easy Family Dinners,
is FREE this week only!

Just in case you missed the link on our Page on Facebook, click the book below to visit our landing page. Choose your eReader and you'll be able to download it in seconds!

Don't have an eReader? That's okay...you can still get a copy!
Download one of the free reading apps from Amazon
or Barnes & Noble and it's like having an eBook reader
right in your computer!

 

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Be sure to tell your friends about this great deal!

Rounding Up Skillet Meals!

What's better than a meal that cooks all in ONE skillet? Less dishes to wash, plus delicious flavor to boot! We love these simplified recipes that come together in a flash and we know you have some good ones to share. So, tell us...

What are YOUR favorite recipe for SKILLET MEALS?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

 

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Here's a recipe to inspire you from our cookbook,
Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets...enjoy!

Quick Skillet Spaghetti
This recipe was shared by Lisa Parrish of Trinity, North Carolina. She writes, "My husband requests this recipe for dinner weekly! It’s so easy because you don’t even have to boil water for the spaghetti. Try it
with half sausage and half ground turkey too."

1 lb. sweet Italian ground
    pork sausage
1 clove garlic, pressed
7-oz. pkg. spaghetti, uncooked
    and broken into 1-inch lengths
2 14-oz. cans diced Italian tomatoes
15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 t. dried basil
3 T. shredded Italian-blend cheese

In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain; stir in garlic and broken spaghetti. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and stir until well blended. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until spaghetti is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer to melt cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

 

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and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

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Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

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Simplify Your Family's Mealtime!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, Slow-Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets, a collection of family-favorite recipes cooked in these easy ways! Divided into three big sections, each includes recipes that take Just 5 Ingredients, Easy Family Meals and One-Dish Dinners...mealtime has never been easier!

With recipes focused on mains, sides, soups and sandwiches, it's sure to have something to tempt your tummy at any time of year. Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from the book...follow us on Twitter and get a recipe EVERY DAY this week or click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from Slow-Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets!

 

John's Spinach & Red Pepper Chicken
From the 5-Ingredient recipe chapter of the Casseroles section, this recipe was originally shared by Michelle Johnson of Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania. She writes, "My brother-in-law's cousin John shared this recipe with me...it's a keeper! I like to prepare this casserole in the morning, pop it in the fridge and bake it when I come home from work."

6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
12-oz. jar roasted red peppers, drained
10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
8-oz. pkg. shredded Italian cheese blend
8-oz. bottle Italian salad dressing
cooked rice or pasta

Place chicken breasts between 2 pieces of wax paper and pound to flatten. Lay chicken in a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan. Arrange peppers on top of chicken; layer with spinach and cheese. Pour dressing over top. Cover and refrigerate for one to 8 hours. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Serve over cooked rice or pasta. Makes 6 servings

 

Mom's Mini Reubens
Cheryl Breeden of North Platte, Nebraska writes that this was always her mom's favorite recipe during football season. She continues, "It's so yummy, easy and fun for guests to fix their own mini sandwiches...even if our team lost, dinner was always a winner!" Thanks for sharing it, Cheryl...we love it any time of year!

2 16-oz. pkgs. shredded Swiss cheese
8-oz. bottle Thousand Island salad dressing
32-oz. pkg. refrigerated sauerkraut, drained and chopped
1/4 to 1/2 lb. deli corned beef, chopped
Optional: 1 t. caraway seed
1 to 2 loaves party rye
Garnish: dill pickle slices

Put all ingredients except party rye and pickles in a slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for about 4 hours, or until mixture is hot and cheese is melted. Stir to blend well. To serve, arrange party rye slices and pickles on separate plates around slow cooker. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

 

Country Fried Pork Chops
Gladys Pilch of Sylva, North Carolina, writes about her recipe, "These pork chops are so easy to fix, no wonder they're a favorite of mine! I serve them over buttered egg noodles, followed by hot cinnamon applesauce and cookies for dessert." Sounds yummy to us...thanks for sharing, Gladys!

4 pork chops
4-oz. can sliced mushrooms, drained
1/2 to 1 T. shortening
10-3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup
1/2 c. water
1/4 t. dried thyme
6 pearl onions
1 c. carrots, peeled and sliced

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown pork chops and mushrooms in shortening. Drain; stir in soup, water and thyme. Add onions and carrots. Cover and cook over low heat for 45 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally. Serves 4.

 

Hearty Pierogie Casserole
This comforting casserole was shared with us by Sheryl Maksymowski of Grand Rapids, Michigan. She writes, "I have been making this casserole for nearly 25 years and my family's faces still light up every time I make it. It really sticks to your ribs and is so very easy!"

2 to 3 16.9-oz. pkgs. frozen favorite-flavor pierogies
1-1/2 to 2 lbs. smoked pork sausage, sliced into bite-size pieces
26-oz. can cream of mushroom soup
3-1/4 c. milk
2 to 3 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil; add pierogies and sausage. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, until pierogies float; drain. Arrange mixture in a 13"x9" glass baking pan that has been sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Blend soup and milk; pour over top. Top with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes, or until soup is bubbly and cheese is lightly golden. Let stand for about 5 minutes before serving. Makes 8 servings.

 

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Want to learn more about Slow-Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets
or add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

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Last Day for this Sale!

Special Savings,Just for YOU!

 Best-Ever Casseroles
Only $6.75!



Limited time only. Limited quantities.

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Want to see a little more of what's inside this cookbook?
Click here for a sneak peek and a sample recipe!

 

Were YOU Published in a Recent Cookbook?

 

Were YOU published in one of our cookbooks?
 

Our cookbooks simply wouldn't BE if it wasn't for generous cooks all across the country who continue to share recipes with us. As another way to say thanks, we're excited to share the latest Cookbook Badges with you today.

You can use them on your blog, post them to Facebook
or share them any way you like!  

 

 If clicking through the images and then saving doesn't work for you OR if you need more help, here's how to get your badges...

PC users: Right click on the image and select "Save image as" to download your own copy of the button or badge.

Mac users: Control+click on the image and select “Save Image" to download your own copy of the button or badge.

Were you published in a previous title?
Pick up selected other badges here!

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Have a friend who was also published? Share these badges!

Warm Up with Our Round Up!

Getting out of bed can be pretty tough on these chilly winter mornings, but when you entice your family to the table with piping hot cinnamon rolls, fresh-baked blueberry muffins or a savory egg bake, you can make it that much easier!

This week, we're rounding up all of YOUR best breakfast & brunch recipes for winter mornings and we'd love to have you join in the fun! So, tell us...

 

What are YOUR favorite WINTER BREAKFAST recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

 

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Here's a recipe from our cookbook, Comfort Foods, that will definitely bring 'em all to the table...we love the shredded hashbrown crust!

Savory Breakfast Pie
Shared by Sharon Tillman of Hampton, Virginia, who assures us "Nothing says 'Rise and shine!' on a lazy weekend morning like the heavenly aroma of this pie in the oven." Thanks, Sharon! 

3 eggs, beaten
1/2 c. milk
1/2 t. salt
pepper to taste
5 T. butter, melted
3 c. frozen shredded
    hashbrowns, thawed
1 c. cooked ham,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. onion,
    finely chopped
1/2 c. green pepper,
    chopped
1/4 c. diced pimento,
    drained
1 c. shredded sharp
    Cheddar cheese

Whisk together eggs, milk, salt and pepper; set aside. Drizzle butter over a 9" pie plate; pat hashbrowns into bottom and up sides to form a crust. Bake at 425 degrees for 25 minutes, or until golden; cool. Sprinkle crust with ham, onion, green pepper, pimento and cheese; top with egg mixture. Reduce heat to 375 degrees; bake for an additional 35 to 40 minutes, until eggs are set. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

 

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Link up your favorite WINTER BREAKFAST recipes below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

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Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

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Comfort Foods All Week Long!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, Comfort Foods, a title that's filled with stick-to-your-ribs recipes that'll remind you of big family suppers at Mom's or Grandma's house.

With recipes for every meal of the day from breakfast to dessert, it's one of our favorite collections. We've picked a sampling of recipes that sum up the best of the book...follow us on Twitter and get a recipe EVERY DAY this week or click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from Comfort Foods!

 

Sunday Beef & Noodles
Peggy Donnally of Toledo, Ohio shared this recipe with us. She writes, "Noodles and potatoes...my idea of heaven on a plate!"

2-lb. beef chuck roast
4 c. beef broth
1 c. onion, chopped
2 t. onion powder
1 t. garlic powder
1 T. dried parsley
salt and pepper to taste
16-oz. pkg. extra wide egg noodles, cooked
mashed potatoes

Place roast in a slow cooker. Combine broth, onion and seasonings; pour over roast. Cover and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours. Remove roast; slice and return to slow cooker. Add noodles to slow cooker; heat through. Serve over mashed potatoes. Serves 6 to 8.

 

Polly's Mashed Potatoes
This recipe was shared with us by Holly Hansen from Joliet, Montana. She writes, "This recipe is requested every time we have a potluck at our church. It is made by a sweet lady, Polly, who's an excellent cook...all the kids absolutely love these potatoes! Polly owned a restaurant for 14 years while raising 8 children and is a sweet grandma who reminds everyone of their own grandmas."

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. butter, softened
1-oz. pkg. buttermilk ranch salad dressing mix
5 lbs. potatoes, peeled, cubed and cooked
Optional: 2 to 3 T. milk

In a very large bowl, mix together cream cheese, butter and dressing mix with an electric mixer on medium speed. Add potatoes; beat until creamy and fluffy. If potatoes seem too dry, add milk a little at a time. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

 

Gram Walker's Smothered Chicken
Dawn Raskiewicz of Alliance, Nebraska shared her grandmother's recipe with us. She writes, "Grandma always prepared this chicken recipe when we went to her house...it's been passed down to my mom and me. I have so many special memories of eating this meal with my family."

3 to 4 lbs. chicken
1 c. all-purpose flour
salt and pepper to taste
1/2 c. margarine
2.1-oz. env. chicken noodle soup mix
10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
12-oz. can evaporated milk
1 t. poultry seasoning
dried parsley to taste

Dredge chicken pieces in flour; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Melt margarine in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken until golden on both sides; transfer to a greased 13”x9” baking pan. Sprinkle with soup mix; pour mushroom soup over top. Combine evaporated milk, seasoning and parsley in a small saucepan over medium heat; heat through without boiling. Pour over chicken. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, or until juices run clear. Serves 4.

 

Warm Apple Cake & Caramel Sauce
Shared by longtime Gooseberry Patch family member, Stacie Mickley, this dessert is amazing when served warm out of the oven and drizzled with the homemade sauce below...try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream too!

1 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1 t. baking soda
1 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. salt
1 egg, beaten
2 c. apples, cored, peeled, and shredded
1/4 c. chopped walnuts

Combine flour, sugar, baking soda, cinnamon and salt in a large bowl; set aside. Mix together egg and apples; add to flour mixture. Stir in walnuts. Spread in a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until a toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Serve warm, drizzled with Caramel Sauce. Makes 9 servings.

Caramel Sauce:

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 T. all-purpose flour
1/8 t. salt
1 c. water
1 T. butter
1/4 t. vanilla extract

Combine brown sugar, flour and salt in a small saucepan. Gradually add water; stir until smooth. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture comes to a boil. Cook for one to 2 minutes, until thickened. Remove from heat; stir in butter and vanilla.

 

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Want to learn more about Comfort Foods or
add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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Updated with our Latest Books!

With a new batch of cookbooks released this month -
SEE ALL 5 BELOW! - we couldn't resist sharing an
updated edition of our Cookbook Collectors' Checklist.

We've even added a few more out-of-print titles for
the most passionate collectors...happy hunting!

 

Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Collectors Checklist

 

Wondering which cookbooks are our newest?
Click the covers or titles below to read all about them!

Rush-Hour Recipes

 

Fresh from the Farmstand

 

101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches

 

Our Favorite Game-Day Recipes

 

Our Favorite Recipes for One or Two

 

Have some of these new books already?
We'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

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Full-Size Book for Less than a Buck!

Since it's not quite FREE, we're calling this week's goodie
a Link We Love...but it is NEARLY free and we want
to make sure YOU get yours!

Earlier this week, we announced that our full-size cookbook,
Dinners on a Dime, would be available as a 99-cent eBook
for a limited time only!

Just in case you missed the link on our Page on Facebook
or in Wednesday's Recipe Round-Up, click the book below!

We don't want to sound like a broken record (remember those?)
but we DO want to make sure as many of you get
the incredible savings...go download yours before it's too late!

Don't have an eReader? That's okay...you can still get a copy!
Download one of the free reading apps from Amazon
or Barnes & Noble and it's like having an eBook reader
right in your computer!

 

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Be sure to tell your friends about this great deal!

Special Savings + Recipe Round-Up!

In case you haven't heard, the eBook version of our FULL-SIZE cookbook, Dinners on a Dime, is on sale for just 99 cents!

It'll only last for a limited time so click over
to our landing page to get yours today!

As always, even if you don't have an eBook reader, you can still enjoy this special deal! Download one of the free reading apps from Amazon or Barnes & Noble and it's like having an eBook reader right in your computer!

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Now, back to our regularly scheduled Recipe Round-Up...
this week, it's inspired by this great deal!

Seems like more and more families are enjoying dinner at home and we can't help but be pleased to hear it. There's just no substitution for a homecooked meal and the tradition of sitting down to eat together is one the kids will treasure as they grow up and raise their own families. Even when it's just the two of you, enjoying a meal together is a warm way to end the day, isn't it?

While we love providing kitchen inspiration, we also know that every family wants to get the most for their grocery dollar. We kept that idea in mind while creating Dinners on a Dime and today, we're hoping to round up some of your best meals. Tell us...

What are YOUR favorite INEXPENSIVE recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

 

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Here's a recipe that definitely delivers flavor and it's easy on the grocery budget too! You'll find it in our cookbook, Dinners on a Dime.

(Did we mention that you can download
the eBook for 99 cents? Just checking.)

Italian Mini Meatloaves
This budget-friendly recipe was shared with us by Cari Simons of Lawrence, Kansas. She writes, "This recipe was shared with me by a friend. It really makes a pound of ground beef go a long way! On a chilly evening, served with creamy mashed potatoes and veggies, it is our ultimate comfort food."

1 lb. ground beef
16-oz. pkg. stuffing mix
1 c. water
1 t. Italian seasoning
1 c. tomato-basil pasta sauce
3/4 c. shredded mozzarella cheese

Mix beef, stuffing mix, water and seasoning together until well blended. Spray a muffin tin with non-stick vegetable spray. Press mixture evenly into 12 muffin cups. Make a small well in the center of each; spoon some sauce into each well. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes, until cooked through. Sprinkle with cheese and bake for 5 to 7 more minutes, until cheese is melted. Makes 6 servings.

 

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and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

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Make Any Meal a Special Occasion!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from 101 Easy Entertaining Recipes, a cookbook that's bound to become your go-to for parties and get-togethers, if it's not already!

While there are plenty of dishes perfect for sharing with friends, you'll also find dozens that need no occasion at all. We've picked some of our favorite recipes from this book and, as in all book in our 101 series, each has a color photo to go along with it.

 

Working Moms’ Cheese Ball
Shared by Vickie Garlitz of Edmond, Oklahoma, this has become one of our favorites to take along to potlucks and church suppers. She writes, "This is easy, quick and tastes great! Use whatever flavor of cream cheese you have in the fridge...dill, garlic, onion & chive are all tasty."

2  8-oz. containers flavored
    spreadable cream cheese
1/2 to 1 c. mixed shredded
    cheese
Optional: hot pepper sauce
    to taste
1/2 to 3/4 c. finely chopped
    pecans
Garnish: whole pecans,
    assorted crackers and
    cut-up vegetables

Blend cream cheese and shredded cheese in a medium bowl; add pepper sauce, if desired. Form into a ball and roll in chopped pecans. Wrap in plastic wrap; refrigerate for one hour before serving. Garnish with whole pecans; surround with crackers and vegetables to serve. Makes 3 to 4 cups. 

 

Cheese Straws
Cindy McKinnon of El Dorado, Arkansas sent us this recipe, along with this note, "This is my Aunt Sister’s famous signature recipe. She passed away several years ago, yet she is still remembered as being an awesome cook." If you don't have a cookie press, just pat into crackers...so tasty served alongside soup or salad!

16-oz. pkg. shredded sharp
    Cheddar cheese,
    at room temperature
1-1/4 c. margarine, softened
3 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. cayenne pepper
1 t. salt

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl. Mix well, using your hands. Spoon dough into a cookie press with a star tip. Press dough in strips onto ungreased baking sheets; cut strips 3 inches long. Bake at 350 degrees for 12 to 15 minutes, or until orange on bottom and around edges. Cool on wire racks; store in an airtight container. Makes 3 to 4 dozen. 

 

Chicken Ranch Quesadillas
This recipe was shared by Gretchen Brown of Forest Grove, Oregon. For family dinners, it's easy to serve everyone their own and to make it an easy-to-handle party snack, slice each quesadilla into 8 mini wedges.

1/2 c. ranch dip
8  8-inch flour tortillas
1 c. shredded Cheddar
    cheese
1 c. shredded Monterey
    Jack cheese
10-oz. can chicken,
    drained
1/3 c. bacon bits
Optional: salsa

Spread 2 tablespoons dip on each of 4 tortillas. Top each with one-quarter of the cheeses, chicken and bacon bits. Top with remaining tortillas. Place each tortilla stack in a lightly greased non-stick skillet or griddle over medium-high heat until lightly golden; turn carefully and cook until cheese is melted. Let stand for 2 minutes; slice into wedges. Serve with salsa, if desired. Serves 4. 

 

Yummy Ham Sandwiches
Beth Cavanaugh of Westerville, Ohio shared this recipe with us. it's a nothing-to-it recipe that’s always welcome at mealtime or any carry-in dinner or potluck.

6-lb. bone-in ham
8-oz. jar mustard
16-oz. pkg. brown sugar
24 dinner rolls, split

Place ham in a large slow cooker; cover with water. Cover and cook on low setting for 8 to 10 hours, until ham is very tender. Drain; let cool. Shred ham and return to slow cooker; stir in mustard and brown sugar. Cover and cook on low setting just until heated through. Serve on rolls. Makes 24 mini sandwiches.

 

 

 

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Want to learn more about 101 Easy Entertaining Recipes?

It was featured as Cookbook of the Week (bonus recipe!)
or you can view it on our site.

Click below to add it to your collection...it's half price all this week!

 

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Video Tour of Rush-Hour Recipes!

Ever wanted to take a peek inside
a cookbook before you buy it?

Let Vickie & Jo Ann show you around
our latest title, Rush-Hour Recipes
in our video below!

 

 

 

Want to get three sample recipes from this book, sure to inspire your next kitchen adventures? Click over to our Menu of the Week, all from Rush-Hour Recipes!

 

 

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January's Desktop Wallpaper!

 

Ready to update your desktop with something pretty?
January's wallpaper is here!

 

Click above to view larger!

To save it as your desktop wallpaper or background, just click on the image above and then, when the window pops up, right-click or control-click on that image and then save it...easy!

You can also download it in a few different sizes from our website.

Click here to visit our download page!

If you're downloading from our website, you can follow these instructions to install Gooseberry Patch Desktop Wallpaper on your computer:

PC users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Right click on the image and select "Set as background." Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

Mac users: Click on the image size you want for your desktop and wait for the image to load. Control Click on the image and select “Save Image” and save to your desktop or wherever you would like the file to be kept. From your System Preferences click on “Desktop & Screen Saver” and navigate to choose your wallpaper file. Now you can enjoy your new Gooseberry Patch wallpaper!

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Put Your Slow Cooker to Work!

Is there anything better than coming home after a blustery day and having your home filled with the delicious smell of dinner, ready to eat?

We love to put our slow cookers to work at this time of year (sometimes even more than one at a time!) and we never seem to run out of new recipes to try. Today, we're rounding up your best, so tell us...

What are YOUR favorite SLOW COOKER recipe?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

 

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Here's a 4-ingredient slow-cooker recipe that's done in just
a few hours...find it in our brand new book, Rush-Hour Recipes!

Tortellini Broccoli Alfredo
This recipe was shared by Theresa Wehmeyer from Rosebud, Missouri. She writes, "This is a really satisfying meal for our family...you don't even have to thaw the broccoli or the tortellini!"

2  16-oz. jars Alfredo
    sauce
1/2 c. water
20-oz. pkg. frozen
    cheese-filled tortellini
16-oz. pkg. frozen
    broccoli flowerets

In a bowl, stir together sauce and water. Layer ingredients in a slow cooker as follows: 1/3 of the sauce, all of the frozen tortellini, 1/3 of the sauce and all of the frozen broccoli. Pour remaining sauce over the broccoli. Cover and cook on high setting for 3 hours, until heated through. Makes 8 servings.

 

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Link up your favorite SLOW-COOKER recipe below
and, if you're joining this hop, link back
here by using the handy button below.

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

Be our guest...just click here to get the code.

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Menu of the Week Starts TODAY!

Today, we're excited to share the first post in
a brand new blog series...Menu of the Week!

 

In case you missed our sneak peek last week, here's how it'll work. Each Monday, we'll select a sampling of recipes from a featured cookbook and share them with you.

Sometimes they'll work together, but other times (like this week) they'll be dishes picked to inspire you all week long!

 

This week's featured cookbook is one that's arriving in stores this week, Rush-Hour Recipes. The selected recipes below all have one thing in common: they'll all simplify your family's mealtime!

Mini Chicken Pot Pies
This recipe appears in the 5-Ingredient Favorites chapter of Rush-Hour Recipes and it makes a speedy meal on a busy night, thanks to one of our favorite timesavers, refrigerated biscuits! Big thanks to Amy Hunt of Traphill, North Carolina for sharing this recipe with us.

7-1/2 oz. tube refrigerated biscuits
1 c. cooked chicken, diced
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
2/3 c. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Spray 8 to 10 muffin cups with non-stick vegetable spray. Place a biscuit in each muffin cup; press down and 1/4 of the way up the sides. In a bowl, combine remaining ingredients; stir until well blended. Spoon chicken mixture into biscuit cups, filling about 3/4 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes, until biscuites are golden. Makes 4 to 5 servings, 2 pot pies each.

 

Deep Dish Skillet Pizza
You'll find this recipe in the One-Dish Dinners chapter and it's one of Vickie's favorites already. It starts with the easiest crust -- frozen bread dough! -- and it was shared with us by Linda Kilgore of Kittanning, Pennsylvania. She writes that it's actually her husband's recipe. He whipped it together for dinner one night and now it's the only one her family wants to eat...it really is delicious!

1 loaf frozen bread dough, thawed
1 to 2  15-oz. jars pizza sauce
1/2 lb. ground pork sausage, browned and drained
5-oz. pkg. sliced pepperoni
1/2 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 c. green pepper, sliced
Italian seasoning to taste
1 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese

Generously grease a large cast-iron skillet. Press thawed dough into the bottom and up the sides of skillet. Spread desired amount of pizza sauce over dough. Add favorite toppings, ending with cheese on top. Bake at 425 degres for 30 minutes. Carefully remove skillet from oven. Let stand several minutes; pizza will finish baking in the skillet. Cut into wedges to serve. Serves 4.

 

Best-Ever Shredded Beef Tacos
This week's last recipe comes from the chapter called Slow Cookers to the Rescue and it was shared with us by Kathy Lowe of Orem, Utah. She writes, "Two for one! The first night, I make tacos with this recipe. The second night, I add barbecue sauce to the remaining beef and make babecue beef sandwiches. Delicious made with boneless pork or chicken too!" For extra time-saving, you could mix up the seasoning blend the night before and then just pour over your roast in the morning.

3 to 5-lb. beef chuck roast
1 c. water
1/2 red onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, chopped
1 T. cayenne pepper
2 t. ground cumin
2 t. dried oregano
1 t. pepper
1/4 c. oil
taco shells or tortillas
Garnish: favorite toppings

Place roast in a slow cooker; add water and set aside. In a blender, combine onion, garlic, spices and oil. Process until well mixed and pour over roast. Cover and cook on high settng for 6 to 7 hours, until roast is tender. Break roast apart with a fork. Reduce setting to low; cover and cook an additional hour. To serve, spoon into taco shells or tortillas; garnish as desired. Serves 6 to 10.

 

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Want to learn more about Rush-Hour Recipes or
add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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Happy New Year!

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