Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 5

 

I’ve shared reviews of a number of Christmas books put out by Gooseberry Patch  -- lovely, hardback comb-bound books. 

 But there are other, numbered, G’berry Patch Christmas books, published by Leisure Arts, that are every bit as nice. They contain some of the same recipes and projects, and a good many extra ones as well. These books also contain wonderful photos of the foods and projects that are included. I’ve come by these in different ways -- mailings from Leisure Arts (most expensive way); using 40%-50% off coupons at Jo-ann Fabrics; buying the paperback version at Wal*Mart; and finding them at consignment shops or Thriftbooks (cheapest way). 

I have gotten my money’s worth out of every one of these. (I own all 16 of these numbered Christmas books.)  Book 5 is is pictured above.  Isn't the cover fun?  Christmas  cookies and fudge spilling out of a red tissue paper-lined plaid lunchbox, green homespun checks, bottle brush trees!  The subtitle reads, "Holiday Recipes, Cheery Gifts, & Ideas for Flurries of Fun!"

This may be the only such book in my collection from which I've made no projects yet and only one recipe -- Coconut Joys.

But that doesn't mean I don't intend to!  One fall, on a relaxing getaway, I sat by a lake in the sun and went through this book page by page.  I made a list of crafts and recipes to try, and came up with no less than ten craft projects and ten recipes I wanted to try.

The Season's Greetings wall hanging will be a must -- these would make wonderful gifts! The Scalloped Mantel Scarf and Christmas Village look like such fun.  The Applique Flannel Stockings look delightful.  Even though in our empty-nest household we don't hang stockings any more, I still am drawn to them as decorative elements and am very likely to make some of these.

 I'm all about food gifts at Christmas.  We have people we routinely gift with treats -- everything from granola to mixes, cookies to muffins.  The  Country Morning Maple Muffins look like a good pick for a kitchen gift.  And the Barbecue Pecans would be perfect for a few men on my list who don't care for sweets.   Wake-Up Scones, which include gingersnap crumbs and an espresso glaze, also sound wonderful.

For Christmas breakfast, Sunrise Ham is made in a pie plate and seems like an ultra-hearty crustless quiche.  Warm Country Gingerbread Waffles sound amazing as well!

Cheery Chocolate Dots, topped with chocolate kiss candies, might be a fun addition to our Christmas cookie line-up.  And I won't be waiting for Christmas to try Raspberry Crunch Cheesecake!

This book includes five basic sections -- Christmas Memories; Sparkles and Wishes; Wrap Up the Holidays; Goodies for Giving; and Festive Fare.  There are loads of projects and decorating ideas and a very generous amount of recipes, along with lovely photography.  I highly recommend this book (along with all of the Gooseberry Patch Christmas books) and hope this little review has been helpful and inspiring.