Gooseberry Patch

A Menu Full of Handed-Down Recipes

Community gatherings, small town suppers and church potlucks...the food is legendary. Tried & true recipes that have been handed-down from generation to generation, often closely guarded secrets, are the recipes we look forward to the most!

These treasured recipes were the inspiration for our book, Church Suppers and this week, we're sharing 6 recipes for our latest Menu of the Week.

You'll love mixing & matching all week long...follow us on Twitter and get an additional recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from Church Suppers!

 

Grandma Kansas' Cinnamon Rolls
Thanks to Diana Pike of Mount Vernon, Ohio, who shared this family recipe with us. She writes, "This recipe was given to my husband by his grandmother who lived in Kansas. She made these every time the family got together. Family and church members have enjoyed these rich gooey treats for 4 generations!"

2 loaves frozen bread dough, thawed
1 c. butter, softened and divided
1-1/2 c. sugar, divided
1/4 c. cinnamon, divided
1-1/2 c. brown sugar, packed and divided
2 12-oz. cans evaporated milk

Place each dough loaf in a large greased bowl; let rise until double in bulk. Punch each down. Roll out each loaf into a 12"x20" rectangle on a well floured surface. Spread half the butter on each rectangle; sprinkle each with half the sugar. Sprinkle half each of the cinnamon and brown sugar over sugar. Roll up each rectangle jelly-roll style, starting at the long end. Slice each roll into 12 slices. Arrange rolls in 2 greased 13"x9" baking pans. Cover with plastic wrap; let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes, until double in bulk. Pour one can evaporated milk over each pan of rolls. Bake at 400 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden; ingredients may bubble over pan sides as rolls are baking. Remove from oven; let stand for 5 minutes. Invert each pan onto a baking sheet; serve warm. Makes 2 dozen.

 

Mom’s Veggie Pizza
Beckie Kreml of Peebles, Ohio shared this handed-down recipe with us. She writes, "My mom used to make this for church dinners and showers. Now I make it for our fellowship Sunday after evening service. It’s easy to make and there are never leftovers!"

2 8-oz. tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1-oz. pkg. ranch salad dressing mix
4 c. favorite vegetables, finely chopped,
    such as broccoli, carrots, tomatoes,
    peppers and onions
8-oz. pkg. shredded Cheddar cheese

Unroll crescent rolls and press onto an ungreased 15"x10" jelly-roll pan. Bake according to package directions; cool. Combine cream cheese and ranch dressing mix; spread over crust. Top with vegetables and sprinkle with cheese; refrigerate until ready to serve. Makes about 16 servings.

 

Buffa’s Family Secret Cheese Ball
Pamela Riley of Dedham, Massachusetts shared this recipe with us. She writes, "My mom gave me this recipe many years ago and it has become my specialty. At family gatherings, the first question my relatives ask me is, 'Did you bring your famous cheese ball?'"

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
5-oz. jar blue cheese spread
8-oz. container refrigerated
    sharp pasteurized cheese spread
1/2 c. butter
1/8 to 1/4 t. hot pepper sauce
1 c. chopped walnuts

Combine first 4 ingredients; mix well. Add hot pepper sauce to taste; mix again. Cover and refrigerate overnight. Shape mixture into a ball; roll in nuts. Refrigerate until ready to serve. Serves 12.

 

Carrie’s Gone-in-a-Flash Chili
Carrie Lassiter of Rancho Cucamonga, California shared her winning chili recipe with us. She writes, "I entered this chili in our church’s Chili Cook-Off and it was gone before the judging began! If I want it a bit thicker, I just add a can of refried beans."

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
1 clove garlic, minced
2 to 3 t. chili powder
14-oz. can kidney beans,
    drained and rinsed
14-oz. can pinto beans,
    drained and rinsed
14-oz. can stewed tomatoes
15-oz. can tomato sauce
16-oz. jar salsa
3 T. Worcestershire sauce

Brown ground beef in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion, garlic and chili powder. Cook until onion is translucent and chili powder is fragrant; drain. Add remaining ingredients; mix thoroughly.
Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, or until heated through. Makes 6 servings.


Cherry-Glazed Baked Ham
This recipe was shared by Jennifer Oglesby of Brownsville, Indiana. She writes, "This recipe is for a great baked ham that I love to take to church socials. It’s so good, I never come home with leftovers!"

12 to 15-lb. fully-cooked
    bone-in ham
1 t. allspice
2-ltr. bottle cola
3/4 c. cherry jelly
1/4 c. orange juice

Place ham fat-side up in a shallow roasting pan. With a knife, score a diamond pattern into top of ham. Sprinkle with allspice; rub into ham. Pour cola into pan. Bake at 325 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes, basting with pan juices every 15 minutes. Combine jelly and orange juice in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until melted. Brush ham with jelly glaze. Bake for an additional 15 to 30 minutes,
basting with pan juices every 15 minutes, until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of ham registers 140 degrees. Remove ham from oven; let stand 30 minutes before carving. Serves 15 to 20.

 

Ms. Mabel’s Butterscotch Squares
Shared by Connie Wright of Madison, Tennessee, this recipe's story goes way back. Connie writes, "Over 20 years ago, I used to go to meetings at a historic church in Nashville. This is where I met Ms. Mabel, who I think was one of the best cooks I’ve ever met. She had little tricks for adding a special touch to everything she made…her way of sending love to each person who graced her table. This recipe is one my 29-year-old daughter continues to request for Sunday dinners."

1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. self-rising flour
3.4-oz. pkg. instant butterscotch
    pudding mix
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
16-oz. container frozen whipped topping,
    thawed and divided

Combine melted butter and flour in a small bowl. With lightly floured fingertips, pat into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, until golden; cool completely. Prepare
pudding according to package directions; refrigerate until set, about 10 minutes. With an electric mixer on low speed, beat together cream cheese, powdered sugar and one cup whipped topping until smooth.
Spread over cooled crust. Spread pudding mixture over cream cheese mixture; top with remaining topping. Cover with aluminum foil; refrigerate overnight. Serves 12 to 16.

 

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Want to learn more about Church Suppers or
add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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A Menu in Minutes!

Family schedules are busier than ever so what better time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of one of our most treasured cookbooks, Meals in Minutes?

That's just what we're doing in this week's Menu of the Week! Filled with recipes that are ready in an hour or less, they all come from our new cookbook, Meals in Minutes, 10th Anniversary Edition. 

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from the cookbook that you can mix and match all week long...follow us on Twitter and get an additional recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from Meals in Minutes, 10th Anniversary Edition!

 

Stir-Fried Sesame Vegetables
Jill Ross of our Gooseberry Patch family shared this recipe with us. She writes, "This dish is a delicious and easy way to use the bounty from your garden. It’s simple to substitute the veggies for whatever is in season!"

1-1/2 c. vegetable broth
3/4 c. long-grain rice, uncooked
1 T. margarine
2 T. peanut oil
1/2 lb. asparagus, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 red pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 yellow onion, sliced
2 c. sliced mushrooms
2 t. fresh ginger, minced
1 t. garlic, minced
3 T. soy sauce
1 T. sesame oil
1 T. sesame seed, toasted

In a saucepan, combine broth, rice and margarine. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low and simmer, covered, for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, heat peanut oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add vegetables, ginger and garlic; stir-fry for 4 to 5 minutes, or until crisp-tender. Stir in soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat; stir in sesame oil and sesame seed. Serve over rice. Serves 4.

 

Quick & Easy Veggie Soup
Valerie Pierce of Peach Bottom, Pennsylvania shared her recipe with us. This recipe is perfect if unexpected company drops in...just add some more veggies for plenty of hearty soup!

1 lb. ground beef
1 onion, diced
4 carrots, peeled and chopped
4 potatoes, peeled and chopped
1 c. pearled barley, uncooked
6 beef bouillon cubes
6 c. water
28-oz. can tomato purée
1 t. dried thyme

In a skillet over medium heat, brown beef and onion until beef is no longer pink; drain. Transfer beef mixture and remaining ingredients to a large stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; simmer until vegetables are tender, about 45 minutes. Stir occasionally; add water while simmering to thin consistency, as desired. Makes 6 to 8 servings.

 

Chicken Tetrazzini
Cindy Edgar of Fishers, Indiana sent us this easy recipe...it works with leftover turkey too!

12-oz. pkg. fettuccine pasta
1 c. sliced mushrooms
1/2 c. onion, chopped
7 T. butter, divided
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
2 c. half-and-half
1/4 c. chicken broth
2 c. cooked chicken, chopped
1/3 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 c. bread crumbs

Prepare pasta according to package; drain. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté mushrooms and onion in one tablespoon butter until golden; remove from skillet. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in same skillet; whisk in flour, salt and pepper, stirring until smooth and bubbly. Add half-and-half; boil for one minute. Remove from heat; mix in broth, chicken, fettuccine and mushroom mixture. Spoon into a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese; set aside. Melt remaining butter and toss with bread crumbs; spread over casserole. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes. Serves 6.

 

Muffin-Tin Pizza Loaves
Shelley Turner of Boise, Idaho shared this delicious recipe with us. She writes, "It's a delicious twist on meatloaf that your whole family will love!"

1 egg, beaten
1/2 c. pizza sauce
1/4 c. seasoned dry bread crumbs
1/2 t. Italian seasoning
1-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1-1/2 c. shredded mozzarella cheese
Optional: additional pizza sauce, warmed

In a large bowl, combine egg, pizza sauce, bread crumbs and Italian seasoning. Crumble beef over mixture and mix well. Divide among 12 greased muffin cups; press onto the bottom and up the sides. Fill centers with cheese. Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes, or until meat is no longer pink. Serve immediately with pizza sauce, if desired. Makes 12 servings.

 

Butterscotch Brownies
Alice Flood of Dallas, Texas shared this favorite recipe with us. She writes, "The brown sugar gives the brownies an extra-rich butterscotch flavor."

1/4 c. butter
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1 egg, beaten
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chopped nuts

Melt butter in a small saucepan over low heat; remove from heat. Stir in brown sugar until dissolved; set aside to cool to room temperature. Blend in egg; add flour, baking powder and salt, mixing well. Stir in vanilla and nuts; spread in a greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 minutes; cool. Makes 9.

 

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Want to learn more about Meals in Minutes, 10th Anniversary Edition or add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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St. Patrick's Day Winners!

ST. PATRICK'S DAY WINNERS!

In this week's Recipe Round-Up, we asked you to vote for your favorite links shared. Here are the recipes that received the most Likes as of Friday afternoon!

Grasshopper Cake from The Country Cook

 

Creamed Cucumbers ALSO from The Country Cook

 

Corned Beef & Cabbage from SusieQTPies Scraps of Life

 

Lucky St. Patrick's Day Brownies
ALSO from SusieQTPies Scraps of Life

 

Spanokopita Pie from Angie's BIG Love of Food

 

Thanks to EVERYONE who linked up this week and all of you
who voted. Come visit us next Wednesday for another
Recipe Round-Up...join in with a link to YOUR blog
and you could be featured too!

 

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Share these winning recipes with a friend!

Want to Eat More Veggies This Week?

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our brand new cookbook, Fresh from the Farmstand! We love shopping the market and finding produce that's sold by the folks who grew it.

These early morning trips were the inspiration for this cookbook, and while we can't always have tomatoes at their July-perfection, we can always be inspired. Whether you shop at the farmers' market, in your backyard garden or at the grocery store, Fresh from the Farmstand is a great cookbook to have on hand when you want to enjoy the freshest of the season.

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from each chapter that you can mix and match all week long...follow us on Twitter and get an additional recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from Fresh from the Farmstand !

 

Hearty Beef, Barley & Kale Soup
Jane Hebert of Smithfield, Rhode Island shared this recipe with us. She writes, "This is my friend Josephine’s most favorite soup...sure to become one of your favorites too!" We love finding new ways to use this hearty green. It adds so much color and flavor to this soup.

1 T. oil
1 lb. lean boneless beef, diced
2/3 to 1 c. onion, chopped
6 c. beef broth
2 c. carrots, peeled and diced
1/2 c. pearled barley, uncooked
1 t. dried thyme
Optional: 1/2 t. salt
1 lb. kale, trimmed and chopped
8-oz. pkg. sliced mushrooms

Heat oil in a large heavy soup pot over medium-high heat. Add beef and onion; cook until beef is  browned. Drain; add broth, carrots, barley, thyme and salt, if using. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for one hour, or until beef and barley are tender. Meanwhile, in a steamer basket over boiling water, steam kale for 5 minutes, until bright green; drain. Add kale and mushrooms to soup pot; return to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for another 5 to 10 minutes, until kale and mushrooms are tender. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Chicken-Broccoli Rotini Salad
This delicious salad was contributed by Debbie Cutelli of Saint Louis, Missouri. She says it's always popular at ladies’ luncheons and showers. We love the versatility of the recipe...toss in your favorite veggie and make it your own. Double the dressing recipe, if needed.

2-1/2 c. rotini pasta, uncooked
2 c. cooked chicken, cubed
1/2 c. Italian salad dressing
2 c. broccoli, cut into bite-size flowerets
1/2 c. red pepper, chopped

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and rinse with cold water. In a large bowl, mix pasta with chicken and Italian salad dressing. Cover and refrigerate for one hour. Add broccoli, red pepper and Parmesan Dressing; toss to mix. Cover and refrigerate until serving time. Makes about 6 servings.

Parmesan Dressing:

1 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 c. olive oil
2 T. lemon juice
1/8 t. dried basil

In a bowl, whisk all ingredients together.

 

Cherry Tomato Meatballs
Deborah Rice of Louisville, Kentucky sent us this recipe. We love the sweet surprise inside each one! Deborah writes, "When the cherry tomatoes come in, they really come in! We really enjoy them hidden inside our favorite meatballs. Use about 11 cups of your own homemade spaghetti sauce, if you prefer." 

3 lbs. lean ground beef
2 c. cracker meal or Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs
5 T. zesty Italian salad dressing mix
1-oz. pkg. onion soup mix
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 egg, beaten
2 T. milk
3 28-oz. jars spaghetti sauce
1 to 2 T. olive oil
1 lb. cherry tomatoes

Place beef in a large bowl; add cracker meal or bread crumbs, mixes and garlic. Mix into beef, using your fingers. Whisk egg and milk together; add to beef mixture and work through. In a large saucepan over medium-low heat, bring spaghetti sauce to a simmer. Heat oil in a separate large skillet over medium heat. While oil is heating, roll some of the beef mixture generously around each tomato. Add meatballs to skillet and brown on all sides. As each meatball browns, transfer it to spaghetti sauce. Continue rolling tomatoes in beef mixture and browning. Once all the meatballs have been added to sauce, simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. If there are leftover tomatoes, cut them in half and add to simmering sauce. If some of beef mixture is left over, form into meatballs, brown on all sides and add to sauce. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

 

Southwestern Smothered Potato Chips
This clever recipe combines flavors we love in a whole new way. Thanks to Andrea Durante of Hopedale, Massachusetts, who shared it with us. She writes, "I put this recipe together for a game-day party...it was quite a hit!"

6 potatoes, sliced lengthwise 1/8-inch thick
1/2 t. salt
2 T. olive oil
1/2 c. red onion, chopped
1 c. shredded Monterey Jack cheese
1 c. guacamole
1 c. salsa

Arrange potato slices in a single layer on a lightly greased baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt; drizzle with oil. Broil under low heat for about 10 minutes, until crisp but not burnt, checking often. Remove from oven. Sprinkle chips evenly with onion and cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 5 minutes, until cheese is melted. To serve, top with dollops of guacamole and salsa. Serves 4 to 6.

 

Carrot-Zucchini Bars
Suitable for breakfast or dessert, this recipe from Lee Mendoza of Oakwood, Ohio is perfect for when you're overrun with zucchini...you might even look forward to a bumper crop! Lee writes, "My grandmother used to make these bars with vegetables from her own garden and they were oh-so yummy. We kids loved to go to Grandma’s because she always made something good for us. I have made these many times for my children and my grandchildren."

1-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 t. baking powder
1/4 t. baking soda
1/2 t. ground ginger
2 eggs, lightly beaten
1-1/2 c. carrots, peeled and shredded
1 c. zucchini, peeled and shredded
1/2 c. raisins
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
1/2 c. oil
1/4 c. honey
1 t. vanilla extract

In a large bowl, combine flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda and ginger. In a separate large bowl, stir together remaining ingredients. Add carrot mixture to flour mixture; stir just until combined. Spread batter in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 minutes, until a toothpick inserted in center tests clean. Cool on a wire rack. Frost with Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Makes 3 dozen.

Citrus Cream Cheese Frosting:

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 c. powdered sugar
2 T. orange juice

Combine ingredients in a bowl. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until fluffy.

 

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add it to your cookbook collection? Click below!

 

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30 Minutes from Stove to Table!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, Fast-Fix Meals! With recipes that are ready in a jiffy, but still have the homestyle flavors you love, it's bound to become your new best friend in the kitchen.

The recipes our contributors shared with us for this cookbook cover every meal of the day so Fast-Fix Meals will always come in handy. The best part is that they all go from stove to table in 30 minutes or less!

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from each chapter that you can mix and match all week long...follow us on Twitter and get an additional recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from  Fast-Fix Meals !

 

Parmesan Zucchini Sticks
Marion Sundberg of Ramona, California share this recipe with us. She writes this serving suggestion, "Serve instead of French fries alongside cheeseburgers...kids will gobble them up!" We like serving them as an easy appetizer too!

1 egg
1/2 c. Italian-flavored dry bread crumbs
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 t. dried thyme
1/2 t. pepper
4 zucchini, quartered lengthwise
Garnish: ranch salad dressing

Whisk egg in a shallow bowl; set aside. Mix bread crumbs, cheese, thyme and pepper in a separate bowl. Dip zucchini into egg and then into crumb mixture. Place on a baking sheet sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray. Bake at 450 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until tender. Serve with ranch salad dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Serves 4. 

 

Cobb Salad Subs
This recipe from Jo Ann's kitchen combines the flavors of our favorite salad into a hearty sandwich...the avocado dressing really pulls it all together, but you could also use blue cheese dressing or your favorite!

1-1/3 c. cooked chicken, diced
2 roma tomatoes, diced
4 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
1/2 c. crumbled blue cheese
2 eggs, hard-boiled, peeled and diced
4 submarine buns, split and toasted
4 leaves lettuce

Combine all ingredients except buns and lettuce. Drizzle with Avocado Dressing and toss to coat. Spoon mixture over bottom halves of buns; add lettuce leaves and top halves of buns. Makes 4 sandwiches.

Avocado Dressing:

3 T. olive oil
1 T. white wine vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
1 avocado, pitted, peeled and diced

Combine all ingredients except avocado; whisk until well blended. Stir in avocado. 

 

Chicken Turnovers
This quick & comforting recipe was shared with us by Angela Bettencourt of Mukilteo, Washington. She writes, "This is one of the most requested recipes in our family of five hungry boys...a 13-year-old and four (yes, quadruplets!) 10-year-olds. It is definitely comfort food and we hope everyone who tries it will enjoy it! I double this recipe to feed my hungry crew." Thanks again for sharing it, Angela!

4 c. cooked chicken, cubed
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/2 c. milk
1 T. onion, minced
1 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
2  8-oz. tubes refrigerated crescent rolls
1 T. margarine, melted
3/4 c. grated Parmesan cheese
2  10-3/4 oz. cans cream of chicken soup
2/3 c. milk

Blend chicken, cream cheese, milk, onion, salt and pepper; set aside. Separate each tube of crescent rolls into 4 rectangles; press to seal perforations. Spoon 1/2 cup chicken mixture into center of each rectangle; pull up corners to form a triangle and press to seal. Place turnovers on an ungreased baking sheet. Brush tops with margarine; sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, or until golden. While turnovers are baking, combine soup and milk in a saucepan; heat until bubbly. Spoon soup mixture over turnovers. Serves 4 to 6. 

 

Aunt Joan’s Broccoli-Cheese Soup
Longtime contributor, Krysti Hilfiger of Covington, Pennsylvania shared this family recipe with us. She writes, "When I was young, I loved this soup so much that my aunt always had it bubbling on the stove when I came to stay. It’s still oh-so satisfying!"

1/2 c. water
10-oz. pkg. frozen chopped broccoli
1 T. onion, minced
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
1 c. milk
1 c. shredded Cheddar cheese
1/8 t. pepper

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, bring water to a boil. Add broccoli and onion. Cover and simmer for 5 minutes, or until broccoli is tender; do not drain. Stir in soup, milk, cheese and pepper. Cook and stir about 4 minutes, or until heated through. Serves 4.

 

Millionaire Brownies
Mary Nguyen of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma writes, "These are the very best brownies I had ever had...they’re a big hit with my family too!" We love the flavor and that they start with a mix! Thanks for sharing the recipe with us, Mary!

18-1/4 oz. pkg. chocolate fudge cake mix
1 c. evaporated milk, divided
3/4 c. butter, softened
14-oz. pkg. caramels, unwrapped
1-1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1-1/2 c. chopped pecans

Stir dry cake mix, 2/3 cup evaporated milk and butter until moistened. Spread half the mixture in the bottom of a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes; cool. Heat caramels and remaining evaporated milk in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly, until caramels are melted. Sprinkle brownies with chocolate chips; drizzle with caramel mixture. Top with pecans. Spread remaining batter over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes. Cool completely before cutting. Makes 2 dozen.

 

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Visit the Cookbook of the Week feature for Fast-Fix Meals and get an extra recipe for Kim's Peach Cobbler...take a peek inside the book as well.

Ready to add Fast-Fix Meals to your cookbook collection?
Click below!

 

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A Menu from Mom This Week!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, Mom's Very Best Recipes! Filled with all the homestyle comfort food we'd expect Mom to treat us to, it's become a customer favorite and a bestseller.

The recipes our contributors shared with us for this cookbook cover everything from Breakfast & Brunch to Dessert...there are 250 delicious dishes to try in all! There are plenty of soon-to-be family favorites, some that you'll want to try for special occasions and others that you'll love sharing at potlucks and parties.

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from each chapter...follow us on Twitter and get a recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from  Mom's Very Best Recipes !

 

Spiced Zucchini Bars
Erin Carnes of Gaines, Michigan shared this delicious recipe with us. She writes, "This is one of many recipes I got from my mother-in-law. These yummy bars are one of the first things I make when the zucchini is ready to pick in my garden. I love to eat them for breakfast! Double the frosting recipe if you like it extra-thick." We love the tip about the extra frosting and love that this recipe doubles for breakfast OR dessert. Enjoy!

2 c. all-purpose flour
2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
2 t. cinnamon
3 eggs, beaten
1 c. oil
2 c. sugar
1 t. vanilla extract
1 t. lemon juice
1 c. raisins
2 c. zucchini, grated
3/4 c. chopped nuts

Combine dry ingredients in a small bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs, oil, sugar, vanilla and lemon juice. Gradually add flour mixture to egg mixture. Fold in remaining ingredients; pour into a greased and floured 15"x10" jelly-roll pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 25 to 35 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool; frost with Cream Cheese Frosting. Cut into bars. Makes 3 dozen.

Cream Cheese Frosting:

1/2 c. butter, softened
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 t. vanilla extract
1 c. powdered sugar

Beat all ingredients until smooth.

 

Chicken Tortilla Soup
This recipe was sent to us by Amber Mayfield of Fort Walton Beach, Florida. It's a family favorite at her house...she writes, "My husband and daughter really like this soup...it’s so yummy and simple to make, I’m happy to prepare it for them!"

4 c. chicken broth
2 c. cooked chicken, diced
2 15-oz. cans diced tomatoes, drained
16-oz. can corn, drained
16-oz. can pinto or red beans, drained and rinsed
1-1/3 c. salsa
2 T. taco seasoning mix
Garnish: sour cream, shredded Mexican-blend cheese, corn or tortilla chips

Combine all ingredients except garnish in a stockpot over medium heat. Simmer, covered, for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Top individual portions with desired garnishes. Serves 6 to 8.

 

BLT Salad with Basil Dressing
Nancy Willis of Farmington Hills, Michigan sent this deliciously fresh recipe our way. She writes, "My daughter and I like to go to our local farmers’ market each Saturday morning. Together we buy fresh, ripe tomatoes, lettuce and basil for this salad, then go home and make it...enjoy!"

1 lb. romaine lettuce, torn
1 pt. cherry tomatoes, quartered
1/2 lb. bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled, 2 T. drippings reserved
1/2 c. mayonnaise
2 T. red wine vinegar
1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped

In a large salad bowl, combine lettuce, tomatoes and crumbled bacon; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together reserved drippings, mayonnaise, vinegar and basil. Drizzle dressing over salad and toss well. Top with Homemade Croutons and serve immediately. Makes 4 servings.

Homemade Croutons:

4 slices French bread, cubed
1 t. salt
1 t. pepper
1 T. olive oil

In a skillet over medium heat, toss bread cubes with salt and pepper. Drizzle with oil; toss and cook until golden.

 

Famous White Mac & Cheese
Shared by Shannon James of Georgetown, Kentucky, this recipe is a new twist on an old favorite! She writes, "When my four kids come running in from playing and see that my mac & cheese is in the oven, it puts a smile on everyone’s face.

16-oz. pkg. elbow macaroni, uncooked
2 T. butter
2 T. all-purpose flour
3 c. milk
1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, cubed
1/2 lb. Pepper Jack cheese, cubed

Cook macaroni as package directs; drain and set aside. Meanwhile, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour until combined; add milk and stir until mixture boils. Remove from heat. Add cheese and stir until melted. Combine hot mixture with cooked macaroni; place in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Makes 8 servings.

 

Kristin’s Perfect Pizza
Shared with us by Early Bird blogger, Kristin Stone of Davis, California, this recipe is one that we've enjoyed at potlucks here in the office! Kristin writes, "My mom used to make this homemade pizza when I was a child and I adored it. Now that I’m an adult, I’ve perfected the no-cook sauce even more. You could also use the dough to make two smaller pizzas or even bread sticks...have fun with it!"

3 c. bread flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. sugar
1 c. warm water
1 T. oil
1 T. quick-rising yeast
Garnish: favorite pizza toppings

In a bowl, combine flour, salt and sugar. Heat water until very warm, about 110 to 115 degrees. Add water to bowl along with oil and yeast. Knead by hand for 3 minutes; form into a ball. Cover and let rise until double in size, about an hour. Punch down dough; let rest for 4 minutes. On a floured surface, roll out dough about 1/4-inch thick. Place on an ungreased 16" round pizza pan. Let rise an additional 10 to 15 minutes. Spread Pizza Sauce over dough; add desired toppings. Place in a cold oven; turn to 500 degrees. Bake for 17 to 20 minutes, until golden. Serves 6.

Pizza Sauce:

8-oz. can tomato sauce
6-oz. can tomato paste
1-1/4 t. dried oregano
1-1/4 t. dried basil
1-1/4 t. garlic powder
1 t. salt

Stir together ingredients in a medium bowl.

Enjoy mixing and matching these recipes this week! If you have a family favorite recipe you'd like to share, click over to our website and you might just find yourself in a cookbook soon!

 

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Dessert on the Menu!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes!is perfect for this time of year! Not just for Valentine's Day tomorrow but for all year long...plus don't winter days deserve more dessert? We think so!

With a chapter for each treat in the title, our cookbook also includes a bonus chapter of extra-special recipes to add some fun to your celebrations!

As you may expect, this week's Menu of the Week isn't exactly a meal you could sit down and enjoy all at once, but we hope it'll inspire you to fix a new dessert or two this week!

Below, you'll find a sampling of recipes from each chapter...follow us on Twitter and get a recipe EVERY DAY this week too! Click over to our Online Recipe Box for LOTS more from 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes !

 

2-Kiss Cupcakes
This deliciously surprising recipe was shared by Athena Colegrove of Big Springs, Texas. Bake these for your family and you’ll be guaranteed not just kisses, but plenty of hugs, too!

3/4 c. butter, softened
1-2/3 c. sugar
3 eggs, beaten
1-1/2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
2/3 c. baking cocoa
1-1/4 t. baking soda
1/4 t. baking powder
1 t. salt
1-1/3 c. water
60 milk chocolate drops, divided

Beat butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla; set aside. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder and salt; add alternately with water to butter mixture. Fill paper-lined muffin cups half full. Place a chocolate drop in center of each. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Let cool. Frost with Chocolate Frosting. Top each with a chocolate drop. Makes 2-1/2 dozen.

Chocolate Frosting:

1/4 c. margarine, melted
1/2 c. baking cocoa
1/3 c. milk
1 t. vanilla extract
3-1/2 c. powdered sugar

Combine all ingredients; beat until smooth. 

 

The Ultimate Chip Cookies
Cindy Griffin of Bloomfield, Missouri shared this recipe with us. Bursting with flavor, these will be an
instant hit! 

2-1/2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
1 c. butter, softened
1 c. brown sugar, packed
1/2 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 T. vanilla extract
3/4 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
3/4 c. white chocolate chips
3/4 c. peanut butter chips
3/4 c. candy-coated chocolate
    mini-baking bits
1/2 c. chopped pecans

Combine flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a large bowl, beat together butter and sugars until light and fluffy; blend in eggs and vanilla. Mix flour mixture into butter mixture; fold in chips, baking bits and pecans. Drop by tablespoonfuls 2 inches apart onto ungreased baking sheets; bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely. Makes about 4 dozen.

 

Swirled Peanut Butter Cheesecake Bars
This is a rich and delicious dessert for all cheesecake lovers! Jen Stout of Blandon, Pennsylvania came up with this amazing flavor combination.

2 c. graham cracker crumbs
1/2 c. butter, melted
1-1/3 c. sugar
2 8-oz. pkgs. cream
    cheese, softened
1/4 c. all-purpose flour
12-oz. can evaporated milk
2 eggs, beaten
1 T. vanilla extract
6-oz. pkg. peanut butter &
    milk chocolate chips

Combine cracker crumbs, butter and 1/3 cup sugar. Press into the bottom of an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Beat cream cheese, remaining sugar and flour until smooth. Gradually beat in evaporated milk, eggs and vanilla. Reserve one cup cream cheese mixture; spread remaining mixture over crust. Microwave peanut butter & chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl on medium for one to 2 minutes; stir until smooth. Stir in reserved cream cheese mixture; pour over bars. Swirl mixtures with a spoon, pulling plain cream cheese mixture up to surface. Bake at 325 degrees for 40 to 45 minutes, until set. Cool on a wire rack; refrigerate until firm. Cut into bars. Makes 20.

 

Frosty the Cupcake
This recipe is from Jo Ann's kitchen and they're almost too cute to eat! Double this recipe for wintertime get-togethers and sledding parties.

8-1/2 oz. pkg. favorite-flavor
    cake mix
1/2 c. creamy peanut butter
24 round buttery crackers
2 6-oz. pkgs. white baking
    chocolate, coarsely chopped
1 c. mini semi-sweet
    chocolate chips
12 pieces candy corn, yellow
    ends removed
24 pieces red candy-coated
    chocolates
.68-oz. tube red decorating gel
16-oz. container white frosting
Garnish: blue candy sprinkles

Follow the package directions to prepare cake mix and bake in paper-lined muffin cups; let cool. Spread peanut butter over half the crackers; top with remaining crackers. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt white chocolate for one to 2 minutes; stir until smooth. Dip each sandwich in chocolate and let excess drip off; set on wax paper. Immediately place chocolate chips for eyes and mouth and candy corn for nose. Place a candy-coated chocolate on each side of the face and connect with a line of red decorating gel. Let set. Frost cupcakes with frosting and garnish with sprinkles. Top with a snowman sandwich. Makes one dozen.

 

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Rounding Up Valentine's Recipes!

With Valentine's Day coming up next week, we thought we'd devote this week's Recipe Round-Up to treats that you'll share with your sweeties. Could be a special breakfast treat to enjoy, a heart-shaped lunch, a romantic dinner for two or any recipe that shows you love them. So, tell us...

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

 

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Here's a recipe to inspire you from our cookbook, Church Suppers...enjoy!

Razz-Ma-Tazz Bars
This recipe was shared by Kimberly Hancock from Murrieta, California...the ribbon of raspberry makes them extra special!

1/2 c. butter
2 c. white chocolate
    chips, divided
2 eggs
1/2 c. sugar
1 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. almond extract
1/2 c. seedless
    raspberry jam
1/4 c. sliced almonds,
    toasted

Melt butter in a large microwave-safe bowl on high setting for one minute; stir. Add one cup chocolate chips; let stand without stirring. In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Add sugar; using an electric mixer on high speed, beat for 5 minutes. Stir in butter mixture. Add flour, salt and extract; mix at low speed until combined. Spread 2/3 of batter in a greased and sugared 9"x9" baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 15 to 17 minutes, until golden around edges; remove to a wire rack. Heat jam in a small microwave-safe bowl on high for 30 seconds; stir. Spread jam over warm crust. Stir remaining chocolate chips into remaining batter. Dollop batter by tablespoonfuls over jam; sprinkle with almonds. Bake for an additional 25 to 30 minutes, until edges are golden. Cool completely in pan on wire rack. Slice into bars. Makes 16.

We'd love to have you link up below, but even if you don't have a blog to link, tell us about your recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

 

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A Menu from the Farmhouse!

This week's Menu of the Week comes from our cookbook, Farmhouse Kitchen! Inspired by those old-fashioned kitchens and their made-from-scratch recipes, this book has been certified a national bestseller!

With recipes for every meal of the day, plus special occasions, it also includes a chapter called Farmhouse Pantry, with jellies, jams, pickles, preserves and so much more.

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  Farmhouse Kitchen!

Peach Cobbler Muffins
Shared by Bonnie Allard of Santa Rosa, California, these make a delicious breakfast or brunch treat. She writes, "My most requested muffins...I hope you all like them as much as my family & friends do! Everyone loves them so much, they disappear right away whenever I make them to share."

3 c. all-purpose flour
1 c. sugar
1-1/2 T. baking soda
1/2 t. salt
3/4 c. butter, diced
1-3/4 c. milk
16-oz. can peaches, drained and chopped

Mix flour, sugar, baking soda and salt in a large bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry knife or a fork. Add milk and peaches; stir just until moistened. Spoon batter into greased or paper-lined muffin cups,
filling 2/3 full. Spoon topping onto muffins. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until golden. Turn out and cool slightly on a wire rack; serve warm or cold. Makes 1-1/2 dozen.

Topping:
2 T. butter, diced
2 T. sugar
1/2 t. cinnamon

Mix together in a small bowl until crumbly.

 

Spicy Cheese Crispies
Molly Wilson of Box Elder, South Dakota sent us this recipe along with this note, "All the kids loved the regular mild-flavored cheese crispies and my uncle told Mama she should make some for the adults...so she did!"

1 c. margarine, softened
8-oz. pkg. shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. cayenne pepper
1/2 t. salt
2 c. crispy rice cereal
Optional: 1 c. pecan halves

In a large bowl, blend together margarine and cheese. Add flour, cayenne pepper and salt; stir in cereal. Shape into small balls and place on ungreased baking sheets. Flatten each ball with a fork. Top each with a pecan half, if desired. Bake at 300 degrees for 20 minutes. Cool; store tightly covered. Makes about 6 dozen.

 

Honey & Brown Sugar Meatloaf
This recipe from Lea Ann Burwell of Charles Town, West Virginia has become one of our main dish stand-bys. She writes, "My father-in-law raises honeybees and shares the honey with us. One day I experimented with it and this has become my husband’s favorite meatloaf recipe. It is simply delicious. He also likes to use the leftovers to make hot meatloaf sandwiches the next day...yum!"

2-1/2 lbs. ground beef
1 sleeve saltine crackers, crushed
1 egg, beaten
2 c. catsup, divided
1/2 c. honey
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

Mix ground beef, cracker crumbs, egg and 1/2 cup catsup in a large bowl until thoroughly mixed. Shape into a loaf and place in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Spread 1/2 cup catsup on top of loaf. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes. Mix honey, brown sugar and remaining catsup together with a whisk. Remove meatloaf from oven and pour glaze over the top. Place meatloaf under the broiler until glaze starts to bubble. Let cool slightly before slicing. Serves 6 to 8.

 

The Best Blondies
We love this recipe from Elizabeth Cisneros of Chino Hills, California...it's a must at all of our potlucks! She writes, "For an extra-special dessert, serve squares topped with a scoop of butter brickle ice cream...delicious!"

1 c. butter, melted
2 c. brown sugar, packed
2 eggs, beaten
2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. baking powder
1/4 t. salt
1 c. chopped pecans
1 c. white chocolate chips
3/4 c. toffee or caramel baking bits

Line a 12"x9" baking pan with parchment paper. Spray sides of pan with non-stick vegetable spray and set aside. In a large bowl, mix together butter and brown sugar. Beat in eggs and vanilla until mixture is smooth. Stir in flour, baking powder and salt; mix in pecans, chocolate chips and baking bits. Pour into prepared pan and spread evenly. Bake at 375 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes, until set in the middle. Allow to cool in pan before cutting into squares. Makes one dozen.

 

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Baking Up Memories!

For us, it's the part of the Christmas celebrations that starts almost as soon as the songs on the radio...cookie baking! Whether we're actually making treats or just browsing new recipes to try, it's always one of our favorite things to do at this time of year.

We love to nibble on the goodies (who doesn't) but what we love MORE are the memories made at the kitchen counter. Even when we don't have a little helper on a stool, the very act of getting out the cutters and mixing up the dough makes us remember baking cookies with our kids when they were little and with our moms when WE were little.

We know you have your favorite cookies that you make every Christmas...help us round 'em all up this week!

What's YOUR favorite COOKIE OR BAR recipe? 
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's a recipe to inspire you from Christmas Cookies,
our Cookbook of the Week!

Mint Petites
Thanks to Debbie Pecore from Charlton, Massachusetts for sharing her recipe with us.

1/4 c. sugar
1 c. margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 t. peppermint extract
1/2 t. vanilla extract
2 c. all-purpose flour
Garnish: vanilla or chocolate frosting, peppermint or chocolate mint candies

In a large bowl, blend sugar and margarine together until fluffy. Add extracts; mix well. Stir in flour and blend well. Shape into one-inch balls; place on ungreased baking sheets and flatten slightly. Bake at 375 degrees for 12 minutes or until lightly golden. Let cool. Frost with vanilla frosting and sprinkle with crushed peppermint candies, or with chocolate frosting and top with chocolate mints cut into triangles. Makes 2 to 3 dozen.

 

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We're not the only ones celebrating with cookies today! Click over to The Real Farmwives fo America & Friends for their Virtual Cookie Swap...one lucky baker who adds a link to their post will win a Gooseberry Patch cookbook!

 

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

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In the Mood to Bake?

As the holidays draw closer, we know we'll be spending at least a few days baking up goodies to share with family, friends and folks who've been extra nice all year long. Maybe you have the same plans, or are headed to a cookie swap this year? If so, this week's Cookbook of the Week couldn't have come at a better time.

Say hello to...

Christmas Cookies!

 

Let's take a look at the chapters inside...

When we were gathering all of our favorite cookie recipes from cooks just like you, we wanted to make sure we covered all of your favorite types of treats - Frost-Kissed Cut-Outs, Razzle-Dazzle Drop Cookies, and A Blizzard of Bar Cookies.

We also selected some of those picture perfect ones that you save for the most special folks...you'll find those in the chapter called Sugar-Plum Perfect Cookies.

When creating Christmas Cookies, we aimed to include recipes for every skill level and for folks who don't have hours to spend on cookies, but still want to whip something quick to share. You'll find these in the chapter called Snow Kidding...it's filled with cookies that are so quick, you won't believe it!

Candy Cane Lane covers sweet confections and Very Merry Mixes features gifts for giving...they'll bake up fresh goodies and think of YOU! These chapters are both filled with terrific ideas for teachers and coaches...you'll be all set!

Here's a quickie recipe that starts with a mix...
maybe it'll ease you into the baking mood!

Chocolate-Cherry Bars
This black-forest inspired recipe was shared with us by Maylene Anderson of Webster City, Iowa. She writes, "What could possibly be better than chocolate and cherries? Make these bars to share with friends, but keep a few for yourself too!" 

18-1/2 oz. pkg. devil’s food cake mix
21-oz. can cherry pie filling
1 t. almond extract

Mix together all ingredients; spread in a greased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for about 25 to 35 minutes, until top springs back when touched. Spread with Chocolate Frosting while still warm; cut into bars. Makes 2-1/2 to 3 dozen.

Chocolate Frosting:

1 c. sugar
1/3 c. milk
5 T. margarine
1 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Combine sugar, milk and margarine in a saucepan. Bring to a boil; boil for one minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in chocolate chips until melted.

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When you're all ready to give some treats to share,
Christmas Cookies has some finishing touches to make
your packages extra special: GIFT TAGS!

There are a few at the end of each chapter...
click the images above to view them larger!

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Click the button below!

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A Virtual Cookie Swap!

Just in time for Christmas, we're starting a whole
new partnership with our dear friends at
Real Farmwives of America & Friends.

You're gonna LOVE it and you can join in the fun too!

It's a Virtual Cookie Swap!

Over the next month or so, we'll be sharing links to their individual blogs on our Page on Facebook and here on the blog. You can click from blog to blog to see what they're baking and, with each post, you'll pick up one more cookie recipe to try...hundreds of them are available NOW in our Online Recipe Box!

Two Maids a Milking, one of the members of Real Farmwives, will also be hosting a Linky Party where you can add your OWN cookie recipe or one of ours...there's even a prize up for grabs so stay tuned!

 

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It's a Virtual Halloween Party!

Hosting a Halloween party or attending a ghoulish gathering this weekend? We'd love to hear about what you're making, how the kids (or you!) are dressing up and how you decorated your house!

Leave your links, menus & costume details in the comments...
it'll be like having one BIG party!

Here's a quick & easy recipe that's just right for delighting
party guests, wrapping up for trick-or-treaters or
surprising co-workers during this spoooooky season.

For guaranteed giggles, add bug candies or spider sprinkles
to these yummy treats!

Tangled Web Rice Pops
You'll find the recipe and lots more in our Halloween bookazine, found wherever your favorite magazines are sold. Click here for a complete list.

3 T. butter
10-oz. pkg. marshmallows
6 to 7 c. crispy rice cereal
12 wooden craft sticks
6-oz. pkg. semi-sweet
    chocolate chips, melted
1/2 c. white chocolate
    chips, melted

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat. Add marshmallows; cook and stir until melted. Remove from heat; stir in cereal until well coated. Press evenly into a lightly greased 13" x 9" baking pan. Cool slightly; cut into 12 bars. Remove from pan and insert a stick in each, as shown; set on wax paper to cool. Dip in melted chocolate to coat; let cool slightly and drizzle with melted white chocolate. Immediately sprinkle with mini chips, if desired. Makes one dozen.

Okay...your turn!
How are YOU celebrating this weekend?
Link up your blog below or just leave us
a comment to join the party!

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Meet the Cookie Queen!

We first discovered today's Link We Love when a Facebook fan posted a link to her  Candy-Corn Cookies...they're so adorable!

No cookie cutter required for these either! 

Just a few posts later, we were HOOKED on the unbelievable creativity showcased on this baking blog. Brimming with beautiful cookies, inspiration & encouragement by the bucket and even some helpful instruction, we're tickled to feature...

The Sweet Adventures of Sugarbelle!

Self-described as obsessed with decorating cookies, sweet Callye's bubbly personality makes it extra fun to read about her latest adventures in the kitchen.

The works of art she pipes onto sugar cookies are nothing short of amazing and her step-by-step photos make us feel like, hey...we could do that! 

In addition to sharing her perfect cookies, her blog features recipes (of course!), TONS of helpful tutorials, tips for decorating, tips for color, and even a few video tutorials.

Sweet Sugarbelle is a rich resource for all your
cookie-decorating dreams...we know we'll be back for more!

Drop in for a visit today!

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What's Cookin' This Friday?

Here in Ohio, we're in that perfect season where summer is just giving way to fall, and that means lots of familiar flavors in the kitchen...a return to soups and roasts, apples & cinnamon for dessert.

We love this time of year and wanted to share some of what our Featured Friday bloggers have been cooking up lately. Click the links or the photos below to get the recipes!

 

 

Natalie's ready for some football with these hot wings!

Mac & Cheese, made extra tasty by adding duck,
is cooking at Beyer Beware!

 

Try Renae's Mushroom Roast at Down on the Farm!

 

Homemade Tomato Soup at Scraps of Life...looks so good!

 

Give this Easy Grilled Pizza a try...it's from Mommy's Kitchen!

 

A classic recipe on Threaded Together...Party Pea Salad!

 

And now, for the desserts!

This Cookie Dough Cheese Ball is one of our favorites
from Sweet & Simple...it's at Goodeness Gracious!

 

Fresh Apple Cake with Browned Butter Frosting
is what's baking at A Well-Seasoned Life!

 

Buckwheat Pancakes are cookin' on the griddle
at Syrup and Biscuits!

 

Brandie made Apple Brown Betty from the Big Book of
Home Cooking...enter to win a copy too!

 

Molasses Cookies are baking at
The Southern Lady Cooks!

 

Blueberry Buckle looks dreamy from Married/Single Parent...
welcome back, Michelle!

 

Nancy made a blackberry-peach coffee cake
that looks AMAZING!

 

These Gingerbread Pumpkin Bars were our inspiration
to share today's recipes...thanks to Faithfulness Farm
for the yumminess!

 

Your turn! What's been cooking in YOUR kitchen?

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Special virtual hugs to all those in our bloggy family expecting or welcoming new additions (whether kids or grandkids) to THEIR families...seems to be a baby boom happening, doesn't it?

Carmen, Kristin, and Anna are all expecting new babies. There are two new grandchildren on the way for Tracy and a new baby girl just arrived (her 22nd grandchild!) for Julie. Congrats all around!

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What's a Whoopie Pie?

If you're in the Central Ohio area, tune in to Good Day Columbus tomorrow and find out. We'll be whipping up these little treats three ways!

Good Day Columbus
Wednesday, May 25th at 8:30am EDT

Here's one of the recipes we'll be making. Enjoy!

Winslow Whoopie Pies
This recipe appears in our book, 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes. Thanks to Carissa Ellerd of Thomaston, Maine who shared it with us originally. She writes, "This yummy and often-requested family recipe is a huge hit at any social gathering. I like to tint the filling with food coloring to match the occasion!"

1/3 c. baking cocoa
1 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1/3 c. shortening, melted
    and cooled
3/4 c. milk
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 t. baking soda
1/8 t. salt
1 t. vanilla extract
Optional:  chocolate sprinkles

In a bowl, combine cocoa and sugar. In another bowl, beat egg and shortening; add to cocoa mixture and stir in remaining ingredients except sprinkles. Drop by rounded tablespoonfuls onto lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Let cool. Frost the flat sides of half the cookies with Marshmallow Filling; top with remaining cookies. Roll edges in sprinkles, if using. Makes one dozen.

Marshmallow Filling:

2 c. powdered sugar
2/3 c. shortening
2 T. milk
6 T. marshmallow creme
1 t. vanilla extract

Combine all ingredients; stir until smooth.

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An Oldie Filled with Goodies!

This week, our spotlight is shining on one of
our first books, Old-Fashioned Country Cookies!

First published way back in 1994, Old-Fashioned Country Cookies was only the third book we ever created. We thought we'd share how this book came about and what we remembered from those days. 

Jo Ann:  We had so many recipes to choose from in those days! We still have lots but now we have a system and remember, this was before email or our website. I just remember the boxes and boxes of handwritten letters, recipe cards, stationery all stacked together willy-nilly...

 

Vickie: Actually that's a pretty good way to describe our style back then: willy-nilly! We were just having so much fun creating cookbooks that we didn't think of things like...the table of contents. [laughing]

 

Jo Ann: Well, we figured it out pretty quickly after that though and developed our style a little more. In the days of Old-Fashioned Country Cookies, we were spontaneous, you might say. There was no template and each page is a little different from the next.

 

 
Vickie: Yep, just flipping through the pages, I recognize the illustrations from many different artists...it's almost like a collage of our early favorites. Lots of our oldest and dearest contributors are in there too. Kathy Grashoff has been sharing recipes almost as long as we've been publishing cookbooks. We're sharing a recipe of hers today.

 

 
Jo Ann: Well, it may be a looser structure than our books from today - you'll find memories and crafts shuffled right in with the recipes - but it's also dear to our hearts. It really feels hand-touched...almost like a scrapbook! We treasure the memories created in those early days and this book reminds me of where we came from.

 

 
Vickie: Definitely. We still strive to capture the heart of the stories you tell and the recipes you share with us. Pick up a copy of Old-Fashioned Country Cookies and you'll have a little Gooseberry Patch history - as well as a great cookbook! - on your hands.

 

Butterscotch Cookies
Thanks again to Kathy Grashoff for sharing this recipe!

1 c. shortening
3/4 c. brown sugar
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs, beaten
1 t. hot water
1 t. vanilla extract
1-1/2 all-purpose flour
1 t. salt
1 t. baking soda
2 c. oatmeal
24-oz. pkg. butterscotch chips
1 c. chopped nuts (optional)

Combine first 6 ingredients. Add flour, salt and baking soda; stir well. Add oatmeal, butterscotch chips and nuts, if using. Drop by teaspoonful on baking sheet. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes. Makes about 3 dozen.

If you're shopping for Old-Fashioned Country Cookies, your best bet is Amazon...check eBay too. You might even find a copy with the original cover, which included a reindeer cookie in place of the bunny. Now THAT would be a real collector's item!

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Share the goodies with a friend!

Sneak Peek and 4 FREE Downloads!

We're SO close to our next fan milestone on our Page on Facebook...70,000 is only a few hundred folks away!

Want to see what you'll get when we hit it?

Well, since you asked so nicely...

Doesn't that look tasty?

That's our favorite 7-Layer Fiesta Dip on the cover and, inside, you'll find the recipe and 24 more great dips & spreads to share!

Want to help us get there? Click over to our Page and Like us. If you're already a fan, be sure to share this post or our Page with your friends. Once we hit 70k, we'll share the whole Dips & Spreads chapter with EVERYONE!

Just in case you missed any of the earlier chapters, we're posting them today. Scroll down to download all four - that's 100 recipes in all! - and if you have a blog, feel free to share the goodies!

25 Slow-Cooker Recipes by Gooseberry Patch

25 Meatloaf Recipes by Gooseberry Patch

25 Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipes by Gooseberry Patch

25 Mac & Cheese Recipes by Gooseberry Patch

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BONUS from Best-Ever Cookies!

 

It's been a week of cookie-tastic fun...can you believe there's even MORE to share from Best-Ever Cookies? It's true!

In the back of this week's Cookbook of the Week, there are TWO bonus pages of copy & color tags. Use them for gifting, bake sale-ing or cookie swapping...however you like!

 

 

 

Click the images below to view them at full size.

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did you catch our Virtual Cookie Swap on our Page on Facebook this week? If you haven't downloaded your dozen FREE recipes from this cookbook, get clicking on that little cloud button at the bottom!

Oh and if you'd like to share these goodies on Facebook or your blog, it's easy...just use the arrow button to get started.

Best-Ever Cookies Virtual Cookie Swap Recipes

Linking up with Sweet Indulgence Sunday...thanks for hosting, Kim!

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More ways to share below!

Share Your Cookie Links!

Calling all COOKIES!

To celebrate our new cookbook, Best-Ever Cookies, this week's Recipe Round-Up is all about our favorite sweet treats. Click here (or on the book) to see what makes this book so special!

Link up YOUR cookie recipes below and then click over to our Page on Facebook and join in our Virtual Cookie Swap...we'd love to add your photos to the mix.

If you're joining this hop, link back here using our handy button below...

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

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