Gooseberry Patch

Boo to YOU!

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Feel free to share this greeting with a friend!

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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Crafty Fall Fun!

Do you love decorating with pumpkins but don't want the mess of carving? We like to leave 'em natural but we recently ran across another crafty idea that we may just have to try!

 

Yarn-Wrapped Gourds & Pumpkins!

Shared by Jessica of Two Shades of Pink, this clever tutorial uses artifical pumpkins (so you can keep 'em for longer) but you could use your fresh-picked pumpkins too. As easy as it is fun, this idea is so simple, even the older kids could help!

Visit her blog for step-by-step instructions!

Thanks for sharing, Jessica...we can't wait
to see what you come up with next!

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A Spooky Surprise!

Want to dress up your desktop for Halloween?

Here's a BONUS wallpaper just for you!

 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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Want to share this month's bonus wallpaper? Use the buttons below!

Let's Get Crafty for Harvest!

Welcome to another Friday Let's Get Crafty feature! Today, our celebration of our Cookbook of the Week continues...between the Home Sweet Homemade chapter and the clever tips sprinkled on every page, Homemade Harvest is stuffed FULL of crafty inspiration for this time of year.

 We're featuring 3 ideas from
this must-have book...enjoy!

Tin-Can Luminaries

You'll need:
tracing paper
clean, empty tin cans
    of various sizes
permanent marker
hammer and large nail
ruler
Optional: 16" craft wire
spray paint for metal
    surfaces in color of
    your choice
tealight candles

Trace fall patterns such as bats, leaves or pumpkin faces onto tracing paper that will fit tin cans. Cut out patterns and arrange on the cans; outline with a permanent marker. Fill each can with water and place in the freezer until water is completely frozen. Remove from freezer and punch dotted lines along designs using a hammer and nail. If hanging lanterns are desired, punch 2 holes in the rim of the can on opposite sides. Let ice melt and cans dry completely. For the optional handle, insert wire into the holes along the rim; twist ends to secure. Spray paint the outside of the cans and let dry. Place a candle in each can.

 

Sparkly Pumpkins

You'll need:
2 paintbrushes
craft glue
3 pumpkins
orange, red and clear
    craft glitter
brown acrylic paint
cake pedestals

Use a paintbrush to evenly apply glue over the surface of one pumpkin. Choose one glitter and sprinkle glitter over the glue, covering it completely. Repeat, using a different color of glitter for remaining pumpkins. Let dry for one hour; shake off excess glitter. Paint the stems with the brown acrylic paint and let dry. Arrange the pumpkins on cake pedestals for a festive centerpiece. 

 

Haunted House

You'll need:
pint-size paper
    milk carton
cardboard square
vanilla frosting
graham crackers
candy corn
black licorice
mini chocolate bars
candy pumpkins
ghost-shaped
    marshmallows

Clean out the milk carton with soapy water, rinse and let dry. Attach the milk carton to the cardboard square with a dollop of frosting; hold in place for 30 seconds. Use frosting to attach graham crackers to carton, breaking the crackers as needed to fit. To form the roof, turn 2 graham cracker rectangles on their sides and lean toward each other; secure to the carton with frosting. Cut a cracker square diagonally and attach each piece to the front and back of the roof. Use frosting to attach the remaining candy. Use candy corn as shingles and mini chocolate bars as doors and windows. Use black licorice to fill in the seams of the house and attach pumpkins and ghost-shaped marshmallows.

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Ready to add Homemade Harvest to your collection?
Click the button below!

 

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Ready for a Spooky Giveaway?

This year's Halloween Bookazine is filled with the best of our Halloween book and with the official start of the season right around the corner, it'll be appearing on newsstands and wherever you buy your favorite magazines THIS FRIDAY!

Starting TODAY, for our online friends ONLY, you can
ENTER TO WIN IT before you can buy it anywhere!

It's super simple to enter and you can
get in the drawing in 3 different ways!

**CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED**
STAY TUNED FOR 5 LUCKY WINNERS!

Leave a comment on this post sharing a fun Halloween or harvest memory.

Post a fall photo on our Wall on Facebook.

 

 
Tweet about this giveaway, linking to this post and using the hashtag, #GBPgiveaway

 

Enter as many times as you like...contest ends
THIS THURSDAY, 9/1/2011 so don't wait too long!

We have FIVE copies to give away and one of them
could be coming YOUR way...good luck!

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Happy Halloween!

Halloween seems to be one of the most photographed holidays, doesn't it? There are so many cute costumes and silly faces we want to remember. Today we're sharing some of our favorite pictures of the kids over the years. Share YOUR photos today on our Page on Facebook and join the fun!

Sharing a Spooky Recipe on TV!

Vickie & Jo Ann are appearing on FOX28's Good Day Columbus this morning and if you're local, you should tune in between now and 9am!

If you're not in the central Ohio area, here's one of the recipes they're making today. It's from our Gooseberry Patch Halloween book and it's super tasty.

Monster Eyes

3 c. biscuit baking mix
1 lb. ground mild or hot pork
    sausage
3-1/2 c. shredded extra-sharp
    Cheddar cheese
54 small green olives with pimentos

Combine baking mix, sausage and cheese in a large bowl. Stir with a wooden spoon until blended. Shape sausage mixture into one-inch balls and place on lightly greased baking sheets. Press one olive deeply into each ball. Reroll using the palms of your hands if you need to reshape. Bake at 400 degrees for 22 minutes, or until lightly golden. Makes about 4–1/2 dozen.

 

Two Party-Perfect Recipes!

Whether you're hosting your own ghoulish gathering or taking something along to a friend's spooky soiree, these two recipes are just what you need to add some fiendish fun!

Spooky Spider Cupcakes

18-1/2 oz. chocolate cake mix
chocolate frosting
red cinnamon candies
red string licorice
orange & chocolate jimmies

Bake cupcakes as directed; allow to cool.Frost. Add red cinnamon candies for eyes and red string licorice for legs. Sprinkle on oranges and chocolate jimmies for additional features. Makes about one dozen. Passed out to special trick-or-treaters, these cupcakes are sure to make 'em smile!

 

Spiced Pear Cider

If warm weather is predicted, prepare it a day in advance and chill before serving it over crushed ice.

16 whole allspice berries
8 whole cloves
4 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks
6 c. unsweetened pear juice
2 c. pear nectar

Place allspice, cloves and cinnamon sticks in the center of a coffee filter or an 8-inch square of cheesecloth. Gather edges and tie with a small piece of kitchen string. Combine spice bag, pear juice and pear nectar in a 3-quart slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting 3 hours. Remove and discard spice bag. Serve hot. Makes 8 cups.

Have little ones who want to help? Tell them the spices are secret ingredients from the witch's pantry and let them stir the brew before turning on the slow cooker.

 

No Trick...Here's a Treat!

Surprise...it's a bonus desktop wallpaper just for you!

Click here to visit our download page!

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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Calling All Bloggers!

Did you know that if you post a recipe and link to us, you could
WIN a copy of our Halloween book?

It's true...click here to get all the details!

Don't have a blog?

You can enter to WIN a copy of our Halloween bookazine by just sharing a photo of your Halloween decorations or crafts on our Page on Facebook.

Check out these entries from Laura and Amy...it's just that easy!

Our biggest giveaway ever ends Sunday at midnight
so don't miss your chance to win!

Twenty-One Chances to WIN!

We won't be bobbing for apples or wearing silly costumes but we WILL be handing out plenty of treats...it's our biggest giveaway EVER and you're invited to join in the fun!

FIVE lucky folks will win a copy of our Halloween book!

SIXTEEN more will win our Halloween bookazine!

Here's how you can enter the giveaway...

Want to win our Halloween book?
Find some time in the kitchen and make your favorite fall or Halloween dish! Snap some photos and then blog all about it, including the recipe.

Link back to our party here and invite your readers to join in the fun! When you leave your comment and link here on this post, you'll be entered to win the book.

Want to win our Halloween bookazine? Snap a photo of your Halloween decorations or crafty ideas and share it with us on your blog or our page on Facebook.

When you leave your comment and link here on this post, you'll be entered to win the bookazine!

Want to enter to win both? Go for it...there's never too much Halloween creativity as far as we're concerned and we can't wait to see what you come up with!

Here's the important part - in case you missed it.

No matter what or where you decide to share, you must leave a comment HERE so that we know where to find your RECIPE, CRAFT or DECORATION. We'll only be pulling winners from the comments on this post so be sure to get your goodies entered!

You have until Sunday, October 10th, at midnight EST to post your entry. We'll draw some winners out of the big bucket and announce it here on Monday, October 11th. You'll get your prize just in time to celebrate!

An Easy Craft for Fall!

Along with sweet memories of fall and a cornucopia of delicious recipes, our new cookbook, Homemade Harvest, features a chapter of crafts you can make for your home or give as gifts. Here's a great idea for decorating your table…you can even add extra personality with coordinating buttons and fabric yo-yo's! 

1 to 2 yds. burlap
fabric scraps
scissors
straight pins
double-sided fusible
    webbing
iron and ironing board

Place burlap on table, cutting so it covers the middle third of the table. If desired, fray the edges by gently pulling away 1/2 inch of burlap, one strand at a time. Pin fabric scraps to fusible webbing and cut into pumpkin or leaf shapes, or letters to create a monogram. Arrange shapes on the burlap, fusible webbing-side down. Carefully remove the pins, keeping the fabric and webbing together. Following the fusible webbing manufacturer's instructions, use a warm iron to adhere the webbing to the pieces of burlap.

We'd love to hear how you decorate your table when Autumn arrives!

Wishing you...

P.S.  Happy Birthday to Vickie's grandson, Sawyer...he's turning 6 today!

A page from our scrapbook!

 

Just in time for Halloween!

Having some friends over for a spooky celebration?
Or maybe you just want to treat yourself after all that hard work handing out candy?

No matter what your occasion (or no occasion at all!) give this pumpkin fudge a try...it's extra fun when you use your Halloween cookie cutters to make spooky (and tasty!) shapes!

You can find this yummy recipe in our book Flavors of Fall, which happens to be on SALE right now for under $10 bucks!

It was originally shared by Kathy Burns of Mercer, Pennsylvania...thanks again, Kathy!

Pumpkin Fudge

2 c. sugar
1 c. brown sugar, packed
3/4 c. butter
2/3 c. evaporated milk
1/2 c. canned pumpkin
1-1/2 t. pumpkin pie spice
12-oz. pkg. white chocolate chips
7-oz. jar marshmallow creme
1 c. chopped pecans
1-1/2 t. vanilla extract

Combine the first 6 ingredients in a heavy saucepan; heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Continue heating until mixture begins to boil, stirring constantly; continue boiling until candy thermometer reaches soft-ball stage or 234 to 243 degrees. Remove from heat; stir in white chocolate chips until melted. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Pour into a buttered 13" x 9" baking pan; cool to room temperature. Cut into squares and store in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Makes 5 dozen servings.

Have a must-try recipe of your own for fall?
Send it our way and YOU could be published!

It's the Great Pumpkin Cheese Ball!

Fall weekends seem to fill up quickly with festive gatherings with family & friends. We love taking this cheese ball to parties & potlucks and, for these special occasions, it's fun to add a stem from a real mini pumpkin. Just snap it off, rinse and insert into the top of the cheese ball...so easy!

The Great Pumpkin Cheese Ball

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened
10-oz. container sharp
    Cheddar cold-pack
    cheese spread
1/4 c. crumbled blue cheese
2 t. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 t. celery salt
1/4 t. onion salt
1/2 c. walnuts, finely
    chopped
1 t. paprika
Garnish: 1 pretzel rod, broken in half
              or stem from a mini pumpkin,
              assorted crackers

Blend together cheeses until smooth. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, celery salt and onion salt, adding more to taste if desired. Shape into a ball and set on serving plate; cover and chill for 2 to 3 hours, until firm. If desired, score vertical lines with a knife to resemble a pumpkin. Toss walnuts with paprika; press into surface of cheese ball. Break pretzel rod in half and insert in top for a stem. Use a real stem, if desired. Just rinse and insert in the top of the cheese ball. Arrange crackers around cheese ball. Serves 10 to 12.

Enjoy this yummy recipe from our book, Coming Home with Gooseberry Patch...full of easy and impressive recipes and lots of full-color photos, it's on SALE right now too!

What are you taking along to your celebrations this year?

It's time to get spooky!

Inspired by all your great decorating ideas posted on our Page on Facebook (check out all the fan photos!) and here on the blog, we decided to put together a fun little list to get you in the mood...if you're not already!

Without further ado, here are the...

Top 10 Things We Love about Halloween

Big fat pumpkins stacked
on the front steps

Bumpy gourds, hedge apples
and oranges piled in a bowl

Little bats cut from felt
flying from lamp to wall

Dipping shiny red apples
into creamy, dreamy caramel

Bubbling cauldrons, wispy cobwebs
and a spooky crow watching over

Flickering candles on mantels
casting eerie shadows

Spooky hayrides complete
with ghost stories

"All this candy in my cart?
Oh, it's for the kids!"

Hobo, witch or ghost, homemade
costumes are still the best

Sipping cider and treating the parade
of little ones all dressed up

Ready to celebrate with a little treat for YOU?

Vintage tricks & treats...my favorite!

My love of vintage Halloween goodies started over 20 years ago when I saw this terrific paper mache Jack-'O-Lantern. Vickie & I were shopping at a local flea market when I spotted the first of my collection. It was so different from all the other decorations I'd seen...it really made me smile and, from that point on, I was hooked!

Most of the pieces I have are from the 30's and 40's...I like to keep an eye out for the ones made to hold candles on Halloween night. Perfect for filling with treats at a costume party or adding whimsy on their own, their silly faces and gently aged colors and surfaces are what I really love.

One of my favorite ways to display some of the smaller pieces was to add a coat of black paint to a  large tree branch from my backyard. Then we hung all the ornaments, cookie cutters and vintage postcards from the branch on the mantel...it was so simple, but really made a statement.

The collection grows every year and makes for quite a spooky display during this time of year. Fall is always a busy season and it seems like every weekend brings a new gathering or celebration...these spooky smiling faces are all the decorations we need. Have a great harvest and a frightfully fun Halloween!

Thanks for reading...leave us a comment and share how you'll celebrate!

Did you know...

Did you know that every Monday brings a new batch of Weekly Web Specials? We select these items from our current catalog and then, for just one week, we offer them at special prices...check out this week's picks!

Don't miss these great deals...click here to start shopping now!