Gooseberry Patch

Happy Mother's Day!

---

Share this greeting with a mom you love!

Well, Hello There April!

 

(Okay, we know it's not Friday but wouldn't it be nice if it was? Besides, "middle of the day Tuesday goodie" doesn't have quite the same ring.)

The birds are singing, flowers are in bloom and we couldn't be happier! Add some spring cheer to your computer's desktop with a brand new wallpaper for April...enjoy!
 

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!

---

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

Easter Memories!

Remember when Easter was all about a new dress, matching purse and those little white gloves? We do! With the holiday just a few weeks away, we wanted to share a few pictures from those days that were all about the baskets...and the candy!

(Who are we kidding? It's still about the candy sometimes!)

Can you spot Jo Ann in this photo? She's the one in the sweet bonnet holding her little purse. She remembers spending holidays with the whole family, including cousins pictured here.

(Click the photos to see them up close!)

 

"It took forever for Mom to get us all ready for church on Easter Sunday. When we got home, we always celebrated with a big family brunch. It was a lot of excitement and lots of fun too...including an egg hunt in the backyard!"

 

Vickie's in the photo on the right...surrounded by all her baskets!

"I was almost 5 when this photo was snapped. I don't even remember where all the baskets came from but I do remember feeling
really special with all my goodies and my
new dress!"

 

 

Have a photo you'd like to share?
Post it on our Page on Facebook...we'd love to hear about your Easter memories or what you're most looking forward to celebrating!

 

We're linking up with Hershey's Bunny Trail today...it's a super-fun collection of Easter memories, traditions and more! Click over
today to see who else is on the Bunny Trail.

 

---

Help Us Choose the Cover!

We're thinking about bringing back some titles from
the Our Favorites cookbook series that have been requested
and we'd love to hear what you think about our new cover ideas below.

As you can see, the interior would remain the same, with the recipes,
tips and illustrations as before. So tell us...

Which of the 4 options is YOUR favorite?
Leave your vote in the comments.

 

You can also click each image to take a closer look.

 

 

 

 

Don't forget...you can click above to take a closer look.

 

Can't wait to hear what you think...
thanks in advance for your feedback!

 

---

Welcome March!

 

Here's a brand new (FREE!) desktop wallpaper,
just in time to welcome March! We hope it inspires
you to bake up some new memories in your kitchen.
 

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!

---

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

New Contest Starts Today!

We're really loving Pinterest and are just tickled that so many of you have joined us in the fun there...we love sharing inspiration and recipes with you and seeing what's inspiring YOU too!

You know how we like to give away goodies, right? Well, we thought it would be fun to host our own Pinterest contest as our little way of saying thanks for taking the plunge!

If you're loving Pinterest too (or if you're looking for a reason to get started!) we're giving you a chance to WIN a $50 gift certificate!

So, you might be wondering, how do I enter?

It's easy! Starting right now, pin anything from our blog or our website. It could be your favorite cookbook, a recipe, free goodies or whatever you like! Once you've chosen something to pin, tag us by adding @gooseberrypatch to the description when you pin and that's it...you'll be entered to win!

This little contest will run through Monday, February 19th at 12pm, EST. That'll give you all next week to pin some Gooseberry Patch love to your heart's content.

Enter as many times as you like...we'll choose a winner at random and announce it here on our blog.

Be sure to come back Tuesday, 2/20/12
to see who won!


If you're just getting started on Pinterest - or haven't started yet! - we thought you might have some questions. See if you can find your answers below, and if not, leave us a comment and we'll try to help!

I'm not a member of Pinterest and I need an invite!

Drop us a note and we'll send you an invite. Although we can't guarantee Pinterest membership, we're pretty sure you'll be pinning in no time! Once you're a member, it's really easy to get started and there's a helpful Pinning 101 section that answers lots of beginners' questions.

 

I'm already a member but I've never pinned anything...what do I do?

If you haven't already, we recommend that you install the Pin It button on your browser toolbar. It's the easiest way we've found to pin from wherever you are.

Once you have the button, it's as simple as clicking around our website or our blog and finding something good to share!

 

What the heck is a Pin It button?

It's the neatest little thing and you can grab it from the Pinterest Goodies page. Click here to get started -- you might have to scroll UP to find it. There's even a video that'll walk you through how to install.

Once this little shortcut is installed, it lets you grab an image from any website and add it to one of your pinboards. When you pin from a website, it automatically grabs the link from the page where you're pinning, so the original source is credited.

 

Here's what you'll see when you pin something from our website...

Click the Pin It button in your toolbar and you'll see this...

How do I tag Gooseberry Patch?

When you choose an image to tag from our blog or website, you'll have an opportunity to add a description. Enter @gooseberrypatch in that field, along with what it is or why you love it, and that's it...we're tagged and we can find your entry!

 Are repins okay?

Yes, as long as what you're repinning is linked back to our website or our blog, you are welcome to repin anything from around Pinterest, including our boards. Just be sure to check the original source!

 

I'm not interested in Pinterest!

That's okay! Stay tuned for lots more fun ways to win here on our blog and on our Page on Facebook too! Maybe you'd like to download some Free Goodies instead?

 

---

Valentine's Day is Coming Up...

Baking up something special this weekend
to treat your Valentine?

Maybe you're making some treats
to take to school or work?

Our Sweet Shoppe Collection of FREE printables
is an easy way to add a finishing touch...
see below for gift tags, treat-toppers
and recipe cards too!

Gooseberry Patch Sweet Shoppe Collection

 

 

Want even more inspiration? Check out our cookbook, 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes shown on the cover of this collection...filled with decadent treat perfect for YOUR sweeties! Tune in Monday for a whole sampling of recipes from this book in our Menu of the Week.

 

---

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!

 

---

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!

---

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

Happy New Year!

---

Something New Starting Soon!

Here's your super-secret sneak peek at what's
coming to the blog every Monday in 2012!

(Drumroll, please!)

When you’re planning your weekly menu,
where do YOU go for inspiration?

Maybe you turn to a favorite cookbook or maybe you've jotted down some favorites that everyone loves. No matter how you choose what to serve, everyone can use a new tool to make it even easier, right? 

That’s what we thought and so, we’re excited
to bring you our Menu of the Week!

Starting one week from today, we’ll select a featured cookbook, gather a sampling of recipes for you to try and share 'em all right here on the blog! Whether you try one or two throughout the week or get really creative and fix them all, we hope you enjoy this new feature.

See you next Monday when the cookbook
in the spotlight will be...Rush-Hour Recipes!

---

Share the good news with a friend!

Wishing You a Very...

---

Share this greeting with a friend...just click below!

Bonus Wallpaper for YOU!

After Wednesday's cookie exchange, we couldn't
resist sharing this bonus December desktop
wallpaper with you!

  Click above to view larger!

(Didn't get the first one for December? Here's a link!)

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!

---

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

Let It Snow!

Whether you're decorating for Christmas this weekend or still gathering ideas and will start soon, we know you'll love this easy idea. It's from our Cookbook of the Week, Homemade Christmas!

 

Sparkly Snow Scene

3 assorted-size glass jars
    with lids
1 yd. 1-inch ribbon
scissors
hot-glue gun
2 to 4 c. sea salt or
    Epsom salt
small pine branches
    and pine cones
small ornaments or
    figures

Remove jar lids and set aside. Measure and cut a length of ribbon to fit around each jar, one inch below rims. Hot-glue ribbon in place. Fill each jar 1/4 full of salt. Arrange branches, pine cones and small ornaments inside jars; don’t overcrowd. Replace jar lids. Arrange the jars in the center of the table or on a cake stand. Arrange more branches around jars, if desired.

---

Share this easy idea any way you like!

Happy Thanksgiving!

---

Feel free to share this greeting with a friend!

Homemade Holidays are the Best!

Gingerbread cookies are baking in the oven, garlands of popcorn & cranberries are hung on the tree and you're putting the finishing touches on those special handmade gifts for loved ones and friends. We always enjoy adding homemade touches to all of our holiday celebrations and these handmade memories were the inspiration for this week's Cookbook of the Week!

Homemade Christmas!

Let's take a look at the Table of Contents and
see what this book has in store for you!

Creating Christmas Memories is full of heartfelt stories and remembrances that will surely get you in the mood for this
time of year.

The next several chapters have everything you need for your holiday menus. Cozy Morning Brunch has homestyle recipes perfect for Christmas morning or before a big day of shopping or tree-cutting.

When you get home, you can warm up with a recipe from Simmering Soups & More or Warm & Welcoming Suppers. Both have plenty to offer and will make you extra glad to be home.

Farmhouse Christmas Dinners has traditional recipes for the big feast with family and Old-Fashioned Desserts guarantees a happy ending to every holiday meal.

Cookie Jar Classics will come in handy when you have your baking days or annual cookie swaps...lots of old favorites and some new goodies to try too!  

Homemade Sweets to Share is filled with tasty treats to make & give. Any lucky folks with a sweet tooth on your list this year?

Gathering with Friends has your open houses, caroling parties and holiday potlucks covered. Whether you're hosting or a guest, you'll have plenty to share.

The last chapter, Handmade from the Heart, features 18 easy projects with illustrations that you can whip up for friends, neighbors, teachers and anyone who appreciates gifts with a crafty spin.

Homemade Christmas is simply PACKED with holiday inspiration...
we know you'll find yourself referring back to it year after year.

Here's a recipe from the Farmhouse Christmas Dinners chapter...whether you enjoy it on the big day or another day between now and then, we hope you and your family will enjoy it.

Holiday Pork Loin
Thanks to Patricia Ferraiolo of East Haven, Georgia, who shared her recipe with us for Homemade Christmas. She writes, "We tried this scrumptious slow-cooker recipe with cranberries, squash and apples for the first time this past Christmas. It was such a big hit that we are including it again in this year’s menu."

1 c. apple cider or apple juice
2-lb. boneless pork loin
1/2 t. salt
1/4 t. pepper
3 Granny Smith apples, cored, peeled and sliced
1 butternut squash, peeled and cubed
12-oz. pkg. cranberries
2 to 3 T. brown sugar, packed
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 t. nutmeg
1/4 t. dried sage

Pour apple cider or juice into a skillet over medium-high heat. When liquid is hot, add pork loin and sear on all sides. Sprinkle salt and pepper over pork; remove to a slow cooker. Drizzle skillet drippings over pork. Combine apples, squash and cranberries and sprinkle with remaining ingredients. Stir to combine ingredients and place around pork in slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 5 to 6 hours. Remove pork loin from slow cooker and let stand for 10 to 15 minutes. Slice into 1/2-inch slices. Top with apple mixture and serve. Serves 6 to 8.

 

---

Not only will Homemade Christmas provide hundreds of recipes for this (or any!) time of year, you'll  also find helpful tips to almost every page as well. The ideas in this cookbook range from kitchen shortcuts to decorating inspiration, but many of them have a definite crafty spin. Here's a sample...

Use your favorite cookie cutters for all kinds of crafting this holiday! Trace around them onto brightly colored paper for placecards and gift tags and add a dash of glitter for sparkle. Simple ornaments are easy to make too! Just trace the cutter onto doubled felt and cut out. Blanket-stitch the edges to join halves together and stuff lightly...so cute!

 

---

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

 

---

A Holiday Helper, Just for YOU!

Everyone could use a little helper when getting ready for the holidays, right?
As our way of celebrating Quick & Easy Christmas we put together
a FREE downloadable helper just for you!

With a dozen recipes, handy checklists for gift-giving & baking and a handful
of time-saving tips, it's sure to make your holiday season easier than ever...
view it below and download to your computer to print.

 

Gooseberry Patch Holiday Helper 2011

---

Share this freebie with a friend!

Boo to YOU!

---

Feel free to share this greeting with a friend!

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!

---

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!

---

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