Gooseberry Patch

2013 Calendars are HERE!

 

It may be the middle of summer, but it's not too soon to think about a brand new year of cheer! Our 2013 calendars have only been available for a few weeks, but they're already flying off the shelves.

Whether you like the wall calendar in the kitchen, the appointment calendar on your desk or the pocket calendar in your purse, there's a new batch of sunny watercolors in each one to make you smile.

Sprinkled with homestyle recipes, clever tips and inspiring quotes, each has space to jot down special occasions and appointments. No matter how busy life can get, we have a calendar to help folks keep track of it all in Gooseberry Patch style. 

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If you were one of the many folks who didn't get yours last year, you won't want to wait too long...they're well on their way to selling out again!

 

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Final Cover Vote!

Thanks to everyone who voted last week!
The 2 biggest contenders were the options below. So tell us...

Given these choices, which is your
favorite...photo or illustration?
Leave your vote in the comments.

 

Remember, the interior would remain the same,
with the recipes, tips and illustrations as before.

 

 

Click the images above to take a closer look.

 

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

 

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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!

 

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Want to WIN a Lunch Makeover?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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New for Your Collection!

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

 

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

Cranberry Cocktail Sausages

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

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

 

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

Mocha Mousse
 

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

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

 

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Share these recipes and video with a friend...just click the buttons below!

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!

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Share the good news with a friend!

10 Days of Giveaways Starts TODAY!

We're so excited to introduce our

BRAND NEW

Tiny Tips Collection!  

 Inspired by all of YOU who've wished for entire books 
filled with the inspiring ideas we’ve been sprinkling in the pages of our cookbooks for years, these new little books gather up hundreds of your favorite tips!

Some of you got a peek our new series in today's 
Feather Your Nest, but if you haven't seen them yet,
here's your first look at the covers!

Click the images above to take a closer look.

Keep reading to find out how YOU can get
your hands on these little books!

 
Here's how it works:

1. Each day, for the next 10 days, we’ll post 3 Tiny Tips of the Day on Twitter.


2. When you see one of these little ideas pop up, share it with your friends on Twitter by retweeting it.


3. Be sure to include each of the special codes (#hashtag) at the end.

That's it...you’ll be entered to win that day!

Each day’s contest will end at midnight EDT and a new one will start the next morning. Winners will be announced on Twitter and also on this post (so bookmark it!) the following day.

You'll have at 30 chances to enter this contest.
Want to know what you could win?

For 10 days, we'll be giving away a complete set
of ALL FOUR of our Tiny Tips books!

 It’s bound to be tons of fun and we want YOU to join us...
the first Tiny Tip of the Day is already there!

Not sure about Twitter?

It couldn’t be easier to join and most people find that it’s even
less complicated than Facebook. Click here and, when you get there,
just look for the yellow button and you'll be signed up in minutes.

Need more help?
Click here to read more detailed instructions.

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Each day's winner will be added to the list below...
good luck and thanks to everyone who's playing!

9/7/2011: @nataliejanette 

9/8/2011: @alealshinn

9/9/2011: @CarlybirdK

9/10/2011: @carpediem5790

9/11/2011:  @bizymare

9/12/2011: @suzy_darling

9/13/2011: @SunflowerOtt

9/14/2011: @Scooter_Ninja

9/15/2011: @PlumSage

9/16/2011: @parkridgemom

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Dozens of Our Best-Ever Casseroles!

By now you must have visited our Online Recipe Box
and discovered the THOUSANDS of recipes there, right?

NO?!

Well, in honor of our Cookbook of the Week, we're pointing you in that direction so today's the day you can dive right in. AND, you'll get OVER 30 recipes from Best-Ever Casseroles alone...take a look below!

Click here to view them all!

 

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Time's Almost Up for Voting!

If you haven't picked your favorites from each chapter of our new book, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes, there's still time! Click the links below to view all five slideshows - 30 photos in all! - and we'll share FIVE winning recipes in an upcoming email.  

View the Easy-Breezy Breakfasts slideshow here.

View the Toss-Together Suppers slideshow here.

View the Dinner's in the Oven slideshow here.

View the Sides in a Snap slideshow here.

View the No-Fuss Desserts slideshow here.

 

Share these with your friends...maybe your picks will be the lucky winners!

Choose Your Favorite Dessert!

Next week, we'll be sharing not one, not two...but FIVE recipes from our brand new book, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes and YOU can help us decide which of the 101 to include!

Based on the mouthwatering photos we've been sharing, we're collecting votes for your favorite recipes...one from each chapter of the book!

Haven't voted yet? That's okay...click the links below.

Photos from Easy-Breezy Breakfasts here.

Photos from Toss-Together Suppers here.

Photos from Dinner's in the Oven here.

Photos from Sides in a Snap here.

Today, we're sharing the last group of 6 photos...they're from the chapter called No-Fuss Desserts and it's sure to include a sweet ending to every meal your family will love.

Sneak Peek Photos from No-Fuss Desserts

Did you decide on a favorite right away or do you need another look? We know they ALL look yummy but leave your vote below for the MOST delicious-looking dessert.

Check your inbox next week for all FIVE winning recipes! Whether they have 5 or fewer ingredients or are ready in under 30 minutes, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes is bound to provide lots of new family favorites.

Remember, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click any of our handy share buttons below and share however you like!

Vote on Even MORE Photos Today!

There's still plenty of photos to vote on from 101 Easy Everyday Recipes...the fun continues this week too! Last week, we shared photos from the first three chapters...

Photos from Easy-Breezy Breakfasts here.

Photos from Toss-Together Suppers here.

Photos from Dinner's in the Oven here.

This week, we'll cover the last two chapters for a total of 30 photos shared from inside our brand new book! Today's goodies come from Sides in a Snap...take a look at the slideshow below for 6 mouthwatering photos from the fourth chapter.

Sneak Peek Photos from Sides in a Snap

We know it's tough but pick ONE favorite of these scrumptious sides...leave us a comment with your vote below and, if your pick gets the most votes, we'll share the recipe in an upcoming email.

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FIVE recipes in all! - so come back on Thursday, July 14th, to cast your vote on the final batch. It's ALL desserts so you won't want to miss it!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click one of our handy buttons below!

Six NEW Photos for Your Vote!

If you've been missing out on the fun of our new book, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes, it's not too late to join in now! Earlier this week, we started sharing photos from inside this brand new book...

Photos from Easy-Breezy Breakfasts here.

Photos from Toss-Together Suppers here.

We're showing off even MORE goodies today!

Today, we're revealing 6 photos from the next chapter, Dinner's in the Oven! Filled with meals your family will love, this chapter is one we know will get a workout in your kitchen all year 'round.

Sneak Peek Photos from Dinner's in the Oven

Okay now...try and choose just ONE favorite from this batch and leave us a comment with your vote! If your favorite is the winner, you'll get to see the recipe in an upcoming email.

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FIVE recipes in all! - so come back on Tuesday, July 12th, and vote on the next batch!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to vote too...click one of our handy buttons below!

A Second Chance to Vote!

This week and next, we're celebrating our new book, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes by showing you a hearty selection of the goodies inside each and every chapter!

Starting yesterday, we began sharing the first of 30 photos here on the blog...we're asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter!

This next batch comes from the second chapter, Toss-Together Suppers...they're just right for the full days of this busy season.

Sneak Peek Photos from Toss-Together Suppers

So many tasty-looking recipes, right? Weigh in by choosing a favorite and leaving a comment below... keep your fingers crossed that it's the winner. We'll be sharing the recipes with the most votes soon!

In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FIVE recipes in all! - so come back on Sunday, July 10th, and vote on the next batch!

The first 6 were from Easy-Breezy Breakfasts and it's not too late to pick your favorite of those either!

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click one of our handy share buttons below!

Can YOU Choose a Favorite?

If you received your July e-letter today, you already know how we're celebrating our new book, 101 Easy Everyday Recipes!

Starting today, we're sharing a whopping 30 photos from the book and asking YOU to pick a favorite from each chapter.

These 6 are from the first chapter, Easy-Breezy Breakfasts...take a look at these photos and just try to not get hungry!

Sneak Peek Photos from Easy-Breezy Breakfasts

 

Now that you've seen all 6, leave us a comment below and let us know which looks the yummiest...we'll be sharing the winning recipe soon. In fact, there'll be one from each chapter - FIVE recipes in all! - so come back TOMORROW, July 7th, and vote on a whole new batch.

Of course, for each chapter, the recipe with the most votes wins, so be sure to tell your friends to let us know what they think too...click our handy share buttons below to spread the word!

Guess What's Coming on Wednesday?

Okay, we'll give you a hint...

That's right! Another edition of Feather Your Nest is almost ready to send and inside there'll be lots of goodies to celebrate the month of July...a peek inside a new cookbook, a yummy recipe to try and even a fun contest!

It's being delivered on the 6th but TODAY
is your last chance to get on our email list.

Click here to join our Circle of Friends!

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Already signed up? Share this post with someone who's not in the club!

Guess What's Coming Next Week?

Here's a hint...

That's right! A new edition of Feather Your Nest will be delivered on
the 1st of June, but if you're not signed up for our Circle of Friends,
you're gonna miss all the goodies inside!

Click to sign up now!

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Share the news any way you like!

Take a Dip in our Recipe Round-Up!

In celebration of the next chapter in our
FREE downloadable Circle of Friends cookbook...

we thought we'd round up YOUR best Dips & Spreads!

Whether it's your mom's famous cheese ball, a zesty 7-layer dip or
that buffalo chicken dip that you just can't stay out of, link it up below!

Have a favorite DIP or SPREAD recipe?
Link up with today's Recipe Round-Up!

Here's one to inspire you from our next chapter!

7-Layer Fiesta Dip

10-1/2 oz. can bean dip
2 avocados, halved, pitted and mashed
2 t. lemon juice
salt and pepper to taste
1 c. sour cream
1/2 c. mayonnaise
1-1/2 oz. pkg. taco seasoning mix
2 c. tomatoes, chopped
1 c. green onion, chopped
3.8-oz. can sliced black olives, drained
8-oz. pkg. shredded sharp
Cheddar cheese
tortilla or corn chips

Spread bean dip in the bottom of an ungreased 13"x9" glass serving dish. In a separate bowl, mix avocados, lemon juice, salt and pepper; spread over bean dip layer. In another separate bowl, blend together sour cream, mayonnaise and taco seasoning; spread over avocado layer. Layer with tomatoes, onion, olives and cheese; cover and chill. Serve with tortilla or corn chips. Makes 10 to 12 servings.

Link up YOUR dip & spread recipes below and,
if you're joining this hop, link back here
by using our handy button below.

Want to add this hop to your OWN blog?

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

 

 

If you haven't already, visit our Page on Facebook and click the LIKE button to help us get to 70,000 fans. That's when we'll release our 25 Dips & Spreads chapter for everyone!  CHAPTER 5 IS HERE!

Want to share these recipes with a friend? Use the buttons below!

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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Want to share these chapters and the sneak peek too?
Our buttons below make it easy!

Get the Inside Scoop!

 

Double-Check the Details
Can or package size, number of servings, baking dish size and oven temperature are all important details to include. You may not have to think about them when you’re making your dish, but we’ll need them to publish the recipe.

Make Sure We Can Find You
Whether you share your recipe on our website or mail it in, make sure your contact information is correct. We might have questions that’ll need your answers...and if we can’t find you, your FREE book might get lost too!


Make It Special With a Story
Everyone has a great mac & cheese recipe – over 150 versions have been shared with us! What makes YOURS special? Include a little story or memory along with your recipe and it’ll stand out above the rest.

Think Outside the Box
We love classic comfort food but that doesn’t mean we’re not open to new dishes too. Just because you haven’t seen it in a Gooseberry Patch cookbook doesn’t rule it out...an unusual ingredient might set your recipe apart from the pack!

Tried & True...and Yours
We love when you share recipes that you’ve perfected in your OWN kitchen. It’s okay to send us dishes that you’ve discovered elsewhere, but please make sure you’ve tested them and made them your own first.

  Answer the Call
Keep an eye out for specific requests from us and then send us the kinds of recipes we’re asking for. You may fill a spot in a cookbook we’re working on right then...you could be published that much sooner!

Become a Fan
When you LIKE us on our Page on Facebook, you’ll be the first to find out about recipe contests and special requests...be the first to respond to a special promotion and you’ll get noticed! (Lots of free recipes there too!)

Get Creative
We get lots of casserole recipes but ones like Tuna-Pea Wiggle and Sally’s Stuffing Surprise really catch our eye. Make it memorable with a creative name!

Keep ’Em Coming
If you’ve sent in one recipe, we have it on file and we’ll consider it when we’re on the hunt. But be sure to KEEP sharing recipes! We’re always working on new books and, the more recipes you have in the pool, the better chances you have of being chosen for a cookbook.

 

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Share the scoop any way you like!

Locals: Catch Us Tomorrow on TV!

We're making another appearance on our favorite local morning show, Good Day Columbus, tomorrow on Columbus TV station, Fox28. If you're in the central Ohio area, watch for us between 7am and 9am Thursday morning. Today, we're excited to give our blog readers a sneak peek at what we'll be making.

Earlier today, we asked about your favorite comfort food on our Page on Facebook. For MANY of you, mac & cheese is your all-time favorite and we couldn't agree more! In tomorrow's TV segment, we're sharing THREE fun takes on this creamy, cheesy comfort food.

The first comes from our bestselling photo book, 101 Easy Entertaining Recipes, and it's sure to be a new party (and snack!) standard.

Mac & Cheese Nuggets

1/4 c. grated Parmesan
    cheese, divided
1-1/2 T. butter
2 T. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. milk
1-1/4 c. shredded
    Cheddar cheese
1/4 lb. American
    cheese slices,
    chopped
1 egg yolk, beaten
1/4 t. paprika
8-oz. pkg. elbow
    macaroni, cooked

Lightly grease mini muffin cups. Sprinkle with 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, tapping out excess. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour; cook for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk until boiling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar and American cheeses; remove from heat and stir until smooth. Whisk in egg yolk and paprika; fold in macaroni until well coated. Spoon rounded tablespoons of mixture into prepared tins; sprinkle with remaining Parmesan. Bake at 425 degrees until hot and golden, about 10 minutes. Cool for 5 minutes; carefully transfer to a serving plate. Makes 4 dozen.

Check our Page on Facebook later this week and we'll post links to the other two recipes...Pizza Mac & Cheese and Macaroni & Cheese Chowder!

 

Share this comfort-food favorite however you like...click the button below!