Gooseberry Patch

Wishing You a Very...

Share this Easter greeting with a friend!

Free Download: Springtime Recipe Cards

Share your family recipes with these printable cards and add a little Gooseberry whimsy! Download and print as many as you like...they make great gift tags for homemade treats too.

 

 

Click here to download your free set of Spring Recipe Cards!

 

7 Recipes for Easter Sunday

Hosting Easter dinner? Here are some of our favorites!

Who can forget those bright and sunny Easter dinners at Grandma's house? All the laughter and smiles, an old-fashioned egg hunt followed by a big sit-down dinner with the whole family. Recreate that feeling of warm togetherness this Easter with a menu that's sure to please.

We've gathered 6 of our very best Easter Sunday recipes to share with you...we hope they inspire your menu for this special day and remind you of Grandma's own recipes. Let's make some memories together!

 

Baked Ham in Peach Sauce

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Baked Ham in Peach Sauce

This ham from Big Book of Country Baking is equally tasty served at your Easter dinner or the next day on sandwiches. While you're at it, why not stir a little into your scrambled eggs...there's a breakfast that can't be beat!

7-lb. cooked ham
1 t. whole cloves
2  16-oz. cans sliced peaches, drained
10-oz. jar raspberry preserves
1 c. dry sherry or apple juice
1 t. orange zest
1/2 t. allspice

Place ham in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Score surface of ham in a diamond pattern; insert cloves. Combine remaining ingredients in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth and pour over ham. Cover ham with aluminum foil. Bake at 325 degrees for 30 minutes, basting occasionally with sauce. Uncover and bake for 30 more minutes; continue to baste. Remove ham to a serving platter; slice and serve with sauce from pan. May be served hot or cold. Serves 10.

 

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Happy First Day of Spring!

Spring, spring...it's finally here! (Even though we're forecasted to get some snow this week...that's weather in the Midwest for ya!) 

In any case, a little cold won't stop us from celebrating the first day of the season. Today, we're sharing the...

Top 10 Things We Love About Spring

Hopeful green shoots
poking up through the soil

Baby birds & bunnies peeking out
into their brand new world

Rainy days that make
our grass even greener

Little ones dressed up in
their Easter best

Grandma's deviled eggs
in pretty egg cups

Soft, pretty colors as
wildflowers start popping up

Linens and aprons
drying in the sunshine

Fresh lettuce & spinach,
always the first to grow

Packing away warm winter wools
in exchange for skirts & capris

Snowdrops, crocuses and daffodils...
all the hopefulness in bloom!

How are YOU celebrating spring?
We'd love to hear from you!

Recipes for When You Can't Wait for Spring

Let's sauté our way into spring!

It's official. We're ready for a new season and to leave all this snow and cold behind. Replace it with sunshine, chirping birds, buds blooming and all the tasty goodies spring has to offer.

Can't wait for the first official day? That's okay...neither could we! So we put together a delicious spring-inspired menu to get us in the spirit. From breakfast to dessert, we've gathered up the perfect spring dishes to share.

 

Apple-Walnut Chicken Salad

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 A crisp salad, fresh greens, tart apples...there's no better taste combination in our book. This recipe from 101 Farmhouse Favorites is a springtime staple in our kitchens!

6 c. mixed field greens or baby greens
2 c. deli roast chicken, shredded
1/3 c. crumbled blue cheese
1/4 c. chopped walnuts, toasted
1 Fuji or Gala apple, cored and chopped

In a large salad bowl, toss together all ingredients. Drizzle Balsamic Apple Vinaigrette over salad, tossing gently to coat. Serve immediately. Makes 6 servings.

Balsamic Apple Vinaigrette:

2 T. frozen apple juice concentrate
1 T. cider vinegar
1 T. white balsamic vinegar
1 t. Dijon mustard
1/4 t. garlic powder
1/3 c. olive oil

Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl.

 

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Rounding Up Your Easter Favorites!

Easter always meant a big family meal at Grandma's house. Her best dishes and lace tablecloth would set the table and there were always a few extra chairs pulled up for special guests. We loved getting together with aunts, uncles and cousins...maybe there'd even be an egg hunt in the backyard!

What were the recipes that were must-haves at Easter dinner for your family? For us, it was a sweet glazed ham, fluffy mashed potatoes and Grandma's Ambrosia salad. We'd love to hear about your traditions in the comments and have your recipes linked up below.

 So tell us...

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

 

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Here's one that reminds us of Grandma's...it's from our book, 101 Homestyle Favorites!

Sweet Ambrosia Salad
This favorite was originally shared by Rachel Ripley of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania...thanks, Rachel! 

10-oz. can pineapple chunks, drained
14-1/2 oz. jar maraschino cherries, drained
11-oz. can mandarin oranges, drained
8-oz. container sour cream
10-1/2 oz. pkg. pastel mini marshmallows
1/2 c. sweetened flaked coconut

Combine fruit in a large bowl; stir in sour cream until coated. Fold in marshmallows and coconut; cover and chill overnight. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Get the printable recipe here.

 

 

 

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, 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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5 Spring Recipes: Ham & Swiss Cheese Rolls

Let's sauté our way into spring!

It's official. We're ready for a new season and to leave all this snow and cold behind. Replace it with sunshine, chirping birds, buds blooming and all the tasty goodies spring has to offer.

Can't wait for the first official day? That's okay...neither could we! So we put together a delicious spring-inspired menu to get us in the spirit. From breakfast to dessert, we've gathered up the perfect spring dishes to share.

 

Ham & Swiss Cheese Rolls

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Perfect little sammies for a springtime lunch, this recipe from 101 Christmas Recipes is delicious paired with some of your favorite kettle-cooked chips and a tall glass of lemonade or iced tea!

3/4 c. margarine
1-1/2 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 t. dry mustard
1-1/2 t. poppy seed
2 t. dried, minced onion
2  12-ct. pkgs. Hawaiian rolls
1 lb. thinly sliced deli ham
1/2 lb. sliced Swiss cheese

Combine margarine, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, poppy seed and onion in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat; remove from heat. Slice individual rolls in half. Make sandwiches using bread, ham and cheese. Place sandwiches on an ungreased 15"x10" jelly-roll pan. Spoon margarine mixture over sandwiches. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Makes 12 servings

 

 

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Spring cleaning? Get these 8 tips!

The big spring clean
Here's everything you need!

Winter has been hanging around way too long for our liking, and we're pretty sure you feel the same way. Let's sweep the last remnants of cold weather out the door, clear the cobwebs from the corners and start this season off with a sparkle.

Whether you tackle windows, closets or just give the pillows an extra fluff, we hope these ideas inspire you to dive in and spruce up for spring. Let's get started!

 

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When you're doing the next deep clean in your fridge, why not add a little flair with this ingenious idea? Found on A Pretty Life in the Suburbs, these fridge mats will save you time next time your cleaning for just a few dollars. Keep clicking around Jo-Anna's blog for lots of organizing ideas for the kitchen and beyond!

 

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Happy Spring!

Our printable recipe cards will add a touch of Gooseberry Patch whimsy to any of your family recipes. Print as many as you like...they make great gift tags for homemade treats too.

 

 

Click here to download your free set of Spring Recipe Cards!

 

Rounding Up St. Patrick's Day Favorites!

With St. Patrick's Day coming up this Friday, we know some of you are planning to serve up something special. We've found so much inspiration on Pinterest and even have our own Luck O' the Irish board there.

Even if you're not fixing anything Irish-inspired on Saturday, share your favorite GREEN recipes, be it salad, beans, spinach or maybe even your own Shamrock Shake!

So tell us...

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

 

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Here's one of our favorites from 101 Cupcake, Cookie & Brownie Recipes!

Emerald Isle Cupcakes
Shared by Jackie Smulski of Lyons, Illinois, these lucky little cakes are perfect for celebrating with your little leprechauns. Jackie writes, "These cupcakes are not only good for St. Patrick's Day but are also a refreshing treat to welcome the first day of spring!"

1-3/4 c. all-purpose flour
2/3 c. sugar
3.4-oz. pkg. instant pistachio pudding mix
1-1/2 t. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
2 eggs, beaten
1-1/4 c. milk
1/2 c. oil
1/2 t. vanilla extract
few drops green food coloring
16-oz. container cream cheese frosting
Garnish: candy sprinkles

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, dry pudding mix, baking powder and salt. In another bowl, beat eggs, milk, oil and vanilla; add to flour mixture and mix until well blended. Fill paper-lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick tests clean. Cool in tin on a wire rack. Add a few drops of food coloring to the frosting and frost the cupcakes. Garnish with sprinkles. Makes 1-1/2 dozen.

 

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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Recipe Round-Up: Favorite Fruit Recipes

It's no secret that we love chocolate and peanut butter, and they're even better together! But with spring warming up, the sweetest fruit will also be ripening right before our eyes. Baskets of berries at the farmer's market, peaches in the orchard, even rhubarb in the garden...we can't wait to get them all to our table.

So, tell us...

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

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This recipe from 101 Farmhouse Favorites is always a show-stopper. Feel free to use fresh cherries, if you can find them in your area. We like the shortcut version too!

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Super Berry Crisp
Thanks to Sandy Widdows from Tucson, Arizona, who shared this dessert with us...we like it for breakfast too!

21-oz. can cherry pie filling
2 c. fresh blueberries
1/4 c. butter
1/3 c. long-cooking oats, uncooked
1/3 c. all-purpose flour
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 t. sugar
1/4 t. cinnamon
Garnish: whipped cream

Pour pie filling into an ungreased 9" pie plate; fold in blueberries. Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Add remaining ingredients except garnish to melted butter, stirring to coat well. Spread oat mixture over fruit in pie plate. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes, or until topping is crisp and golden. Garnish individual servings with whipped cream. Serves 8.

Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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Happy Mother's Day!

Whether you're spending the day with Mom, celebrating with your own children or just treating yourself, we wish you the very best.

 

 

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April Wallpaper is Here!

APRIL FOOLS!

Click here to get the right-side-up version of the wallpaper!

Share Your Favorite Mother's Day Recipes

Mother's Day is coming up this weekend and whether you're the guest of honor or lucky enough to spend it with your own mom, the occasion calls for some favorites. We love any occasion to get together with family & friends, but Mother's Day adds a certain sweetness to any gathering...what's on YOUR menu?

Tell us...

What are your favorite recipes to make JUST FOR MOM?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

 

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This recipe appears in our cookbook, Everyday Simple Suppers, and makes a fresh addition to brunch, lunch or dinner -- no matter when you're celebrating!

 

Bountiful Garden Salad
Thanks to Joanne Fajack from Youngstown, Ohio, for sharing this recipe with us!

6 c. spinach, torn
1 lb. romaine lettuce, torn
1 stalk celery, chopped
1 red onion, chopped
1 tomato, chopped
1/2 cucumber, chopped
1 bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
1 clove garlic, finely chopped
1/2 orange, peeled and sectioned
3/4 c. black berries, raspberries and/or blueberries
1/2 c. strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/4 c. chopped walnuts or pecans, toasted
3/4 c. to 1 c. raspberries, crushed
1/4 c. raspberry vinegar
1 T. sugar
2 T. lemon juice
1 c. olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
Garnish: croutons

In a large bowl, combine spinach, romaine, vegetables, cilantro, garlic, orange, blackberries, strawberries and walnuts. Toss to mix well and set aside. In a small bowl, combine raspberries, vinegar, sugar and lemon juice. Slowly drizzle in oil, whisking constantly to blend; season with salt and pepper. Drizzle salad with dressing; garnish with croutons. Serves 6 to 8.

Click here for a printable version of this recipe.

 

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Share the whole collection on Pinterest!

 

 Even if you don't have a blog, tell us about YOUR recipe in the comments or, if you have a moment, share it with us on our website!

Strawberry Pizza? Yes!

We're going way beyond shortcake with these fresh-picked recipes!

Nothing sums up the taste of the season like a red, ripe strawberry, right? Whether hand-picked from your own little garden patch or found by the pint basket at the U-pick field, these little jewels of summertime are the very best berries.

Adding natural sweetness to jam and shortcake, they're just as delicious in savory recipes like salads and salsas! Today, we're sharing a collection of recipes that feature the sweet strawberry in a starring role...maybe you'll find a new way to enjoy your fresh-picked bounty. Let's head to the patch!

 

Strawberry Pizza

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Strawberry Pizza
With a sugar cookie crust, a cream cheese “sauce” and fresh strawberry toppings, what’s not to like about this dessert pizza? This recipe comes from the kitchen of Micki Stephens of Marion, Ohio, and appears in our cookbook, Big Book of Home Cooking.

18-oz. tube refrigerated sugar cookie dough
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
2 c. frozen whipped topping, thawed
1 t. vanilla extract
1 c. powdered sugar
12-3/4 oz. pkg. strawberry glaze
16-oz. pkg. strawberries, hulled and sliced

Roll out dough onto a greased 12" pizza pan; bake according to package directions. Let cool. Mix together cream cheese, whipped topping, vanilla and powdered sugar; spread over crust. Top with glaze and strawberries. Serves 6 to 8.

 

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Fresh-Picked Inspiration for Spring

Easy springtime decorating ideas

Sunny days are (mostly) here to stay and now is the perfect time to brighten up your front door, dining room or mantel with a little color. Whether you add some fresh green or bright pops of pink and yellow, the new look is sure to be a breath of fresh air.

Today's inspiration comes from some of our favorite bloggers, and you're sure to find something to tickle your fancy. Let's spruce up for spring!

 

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We love grapevine wreaths and there are so many ways to dress them up for the seasons. The ribbon rosettes in this project are a bright reminder of spring blooms coming soon! Visit My Two Butterflies for the complete tutorial.

 

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Thinking Spring Yet?

We're not sure how the weather is in your neck of the woods, but our springtime weather has been pretty rainy so far. But we know that brighter days are right around the corner, and we're sure that you're looking forward to them just as much as we are. So today, even though it doesn't feel much like Spring, we're hoping that your recipes will put us in a blue-sky state of mind.

 So tell us...

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

 

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Here's a light salad that you'll love, from our cookbook, Dinners on a Dime!

Dilly Cucumber Salad
This recipe was shared with us by Debra Holme, all the way from Victoria, Australia! She writes, "When I moved here to Australia, I brought along my Gooseberry Patch books. I absolutely love your books. They make me a bit homesick, but they are comforting to look at and read. I’ve introduced them to some of my new Aussie neighbors. I am happy to share this recipe with you." We love the recipe, Debra, and we're glad we could bring you a little flavor of home!

4 c. cucumbers, peeled
    and thinly sliced
3/4 c. sour cream
1 T. oil
1 t. sugar
1/2 t. garlic salt
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. white vinegar
1/4 t. dill weed

Place cucumbers in a serving bowl. In a separate bowl, mix remaining ingredients except dill weed; add to cucumbers and toss to coat. Sprinkle dill weed over salad. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Mix lightly before serving. Makes 5 to 6 servings.

 

Even if you don't have a blog to link below, 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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Recipe Round-Up: Springtime Favorites

Warmer days are right around the corner, even if it doesn't feel like it every day (especially in the morning!) but we're already looking forward to spring's sunshine, fresh flowers and yummy recipes from the kitchen. Whether it's warmed up yet in your neighborhood or not, cooking with a spring flair will surely put you in a warmer state of mind.

 So tell us...

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

 

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This pretty pie is always a hit at potlucks and the fresh & fruity flavor is delicious any day of the week.

Raspberry Custard Pie
Published in our new cookbook, 101 Blue-Ribbon Desserts, this recipe was shared with us by Sarah Swanson from Noblesville, Indiana.

2 eggs beaten
8-oz. container sour cream
1-1/2 to 2 c. fresh raspberries
1 c. sugar
1 T. all-purpose flour
1/2 t. salt
9-inch pie crust, unbaked

Whisk together eggs and sour cream in a large bowl; set aside. In a separate bowl, combine raspberries, sugar, flour and salt; toss lightly. Add berry mixture to sour cream mixture; mix well and pour into unbaked crust. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes, until firm and golden. Cool completely. Serves 6 to 8.

Click here to get a printable version of this recipe.

 

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Link up your favorite SPRINGTIME recipes below
and you could be featured this weekend on our blog!

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Vickie & Jo Ann's Favorite Finds: Our Newest Grilling Book!

 

From Cookouts to Campfires
Our newest cookbook has you covered

Whether you're cooking over the campfire, roasting hot dogs and s'mores or flipping steaks on the grill, our newest cookbook has you covered. The fresh-air recipes in Grilling & Campfire Cooking can be cooked inside too, just in case the weather doesn't cooperate.

With over 250 flavorful, fired-up recipes for everything from mains & sides to desserts, these dishes will turn you into a grill master in no time. Plus, there's plenty of helpful tips to make your backyard gathering one to remember and hints for the best cookouts ever! So pour yourself a tall glass of iced tea, get the grill going and find something sizzling to try from our latest book.

 

Click here to get your copy today!

 

Here's a free bonus recipe from Grilling & Campfire Cooking...just for you!

 

Grilled Fresh Summer Pizza

2 12 inch pre-baked Italian pizza crusts
6-1/2 oz. container garlic & herb spreadable cream cheese
2 roma tomatoes, thinly sliced
1/2 red onion, chopped
8 slices bacon, crisply cooked and crumbled
olive oil to taste
8-oz. pkg. shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 c. fresh basil, chopped

Preheat grill to medium heat. Spread cream cheese over pizza crusts. Top with tomatoes, onion and bacon. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. place pizzas on grill and reduce to low heat. Cover and cook for 5 to 8 minutes, until crusts are golden and cheese is melted. Remove from grill; top with basil and cut into wedges. Makes 12 servings.

 

Click here to see even more
free recipes from this cookbook.

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How will you make Memorial Day memorable?

Whether you celebrate with a picnic, a potluck or just a little get-together with family & friends, Memorial Day is right around the corner, and we couldn't be more excited. Not only is it the unofficial kickoff of summer, but we get to celebrate and honor all those heros in our families! Whether you're going to a bright & cheery parade, hosting a cookout or picnicing in the park, we can't wait to hear what's on your menu.

So, tell us...

What are your favorite MEMORIAL DAY recipes?
Share 'em all in today's Recipe Round-Up!

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If it's nice outside, you can bet that we're going to fire up that grill, mix up some lemonade and invite family & friends over to celebrate. What better way to enjoy the season that by whipping up a batch of these incredible burgers from 101 Soups, Salads & Sandwiches?

 

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Backyard Big South-of-the-Border Burgers

The chopped green chiles really add some flavor and zing to these scrumptious sandwiches. Looking to spice it up even more? Add a little bit of diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

4-oz. can chopped green chiles, drained
1/4 c. picante sauce
12 round buttery crackers, crushed
4-1/2 t. chili powder
1 T. ground cumin
1/2 t. smoke-flavored cooking sauce
1/2 t. salt
1/2 t. pepper
2 lbs. lean ground beef
1/2 lb. ground pork sausage
6 slices Pepper Jack cheese
6 sesame seed hamburger buns, split
Garnish: lettuce leaves, sliced tomato

In a large bowl, combine first 8 ingredients. Crumble beef and sausage over mixture and mix well. Form into 6 patties. Grill, covered, over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until no longer pink. Top with cheese. Grill until cheese is melted. Grill buns, cut-side down, for one to 2 minutes, or until toasted. Serve burgers on buns, garnished as desired. Makes 6 servings.

Click here to see a printable version of this recipe.

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