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.

Quick and Easy Christmas -- another Gooseberry Patch book review

 This cookbook interested me, and I loved the cover art, so I found one for a super reasonable price on Thriftbooks.  I figured it would make a lovely display piece at the very least, but upon receiving the cookbook I found it to be filled with recipes that I would actually use. 

This cover has so many fun details! In the foreground is a plate with a pretty red and white rim, containing two scrumptious looking cinnamon rolls and a red, white and green candy stick.  It's garnished with festive greenery and red berries.

To the left is a jar of gumdrops turned into a jar candle.  With its gift tag and ribbon, it's obviously intended to be given as a festive gift.  In the background is a wooden fence with a runner sled propped against it.  The entire scene is framed in birch twigs and has a few blue snowflakes scattered here and there.

 

The cover blurb specifies, "Over 220 Christmastime recipes ... most in 30 minutes or less!  Plus simple decorating ideas & gifts."

 

The dedication reads, "For those who take pleasure in preparing a homestyle Christmas ... and make time to enjoy it too!"

 

There are six chapters: Breakfast & Brunch; Snacks & Appetizers; Soups, Sides & Salads; Mains; Desserts; and Slow Cooker.

For Breakfast & Brunch, there's everything from Creamy Cinnamon Rolls to pancakes, quiches and other egg bakes, French toast, biscuits, fruit dishes and more.  Strawberry Cheesecake French Toast sounds amazing!  The Yuletide Orange Smoothies are a recipe I often made for brunch guests back in the day.  Donut Hole kabobs, in which a variety of donut holes are skewered and then placed in a vase for serving, is just one of the fun ideas suggested at the bottom of each page.

For Snacks & Appetizers, there are meatballs, dips and cheese balls, snack mixes, cheese logs and more. The Mexican pinwheels is a recipe I've made and they are delicious.   I really want to try the Glazed Walnuts, which are made with maple syrup instead of sugar and sound scrumptious.  They would make a great kitchen gift.  Bacon Cheddar Appetizers with a base of shredded wheat crackers sound good, as do Feta Squares with party pumpernickel bread squares as the base.  There's even a homemade summer sausage!

Soups, Sides & Salads contains many yummy looking recipes for these items.  The one for Oven-Fried Potatoes is very similar to the potato wedges I often make, except that my recipe calls for less oil.  And I find it works much better to stir the potatoes with the oil and spices in a bowl, or to shake them together in a plastic bag, rather than brush them on the potatoes.  I've also made the Sweet Potato Casserole for Thanksgiving many times and it's very good.  There's a Tortellini Broccoli Soup that sounds easy and so good.  An Easy Cheese Orzo might make a great potluck side.

The Mains chapter is filled with recipes that sound so good.  A Crabmeat Casserole is tempting and so is Cheesy Sausage, Noodle & Broccoli Bake.  Taco Pasta Skillet sounds tasty.  I would leave out the corn.  This might be a meal I will try for my volunteer cooking gig.  Curried Chicken Broccoli Casserole is one I have made many times and have devised a number of variations on it as well.  Trim-the-Tree Casserole has chicken and broccoli, Swiss cheese and is topped off with stuffing.  Yum!  Just my kind of dish, though I ordinarily avoid stuffing due to the carbs.  Chicken & Rosemary Pizza is another want-to-try, as is Turkey Meatloaf with Cranberry Glaze.

 

A fun idea from this chapter is to display holiday cards, attached to strips of holiday ribbon, in every room in the house.  My daughter attaches ribbons to her kitchen cabinets and to areas in her living and dining areas as well, for this very purpose.   It adds such a festive touch and it's fun to look at the various cards her family has received.

The Desserts chapter is also a winner.  Holiday Cranberry Trifle is made with a real homemade cranberry mixture and real whipped cream and sounds absolutely scrumptious.  That may be something I try for next Christmas.  Cherry Cheese Pizza sounds delicious and so festive.  The Chocolate Fudge Pie is one I've made a few times.  It's so good and easy!  Lemon Fluff starts with a lemon cake mix and is layered with a cream cheese lemon pudding mixture, then whipped topping.  Fastest Cheesecake is an easy cheesecake pie made in a chocolate crust and topped with raspberry preserves and whipped cream.

I'm always up for trying a new Christmas cookie recipe, and Grandma's Kolachy Cookies (made with yeast!) sound so good and pretty too.  Molasses Popcorn Balls sound just like the ones my Gram used to make in her New Hampshire farmhouse.  One of the fun ideas in this chapter is to give a family a gift of a board game, or a couple of card games, along with a tin filled with homemade popcorn balls for the next snow day. 

Lastly is the Slow Cooker chapter which has everything from dips to desserts.  I love my slow cooker and would be tempted by many of these recipes.  A Broccoli & Cheese Casserole includes rice and cram of mushroom soup and sounds like a good potluck option.  I've made a baked recipe for Festive Apples & Squash many times, but never a slow cooker option -- so I'm thinking about trying that.  I've made a similar recipe to Italian Sammies, too, but this one differs slightly from mine.  Just a good Italian beef that would make great sandwiches!  Garlic Chicken Alfredo is a quick easy meal I'd like to try, as is Mediterranean Pork Tenderloin.  Among the desserts, the Apple Peanut Crumble stands out.  It's a slow-cooker apple crisp with a bit of peanut butter added to the topping.  It would be fabulous with vanilla ice cream!

 

You can probably tell that I would highly recommend Quick & Easy Christmas!  It would be so much fun to use in decorating -- but it's also filled with amazing recipes. 

Book review: A Very Merry Christmas

 

 This is a newer book from Gooseberry Patch.  It's one of those books that I "earned" after having a recipe, craft, or memory published.  It was a fun surprise when my Festive Cheese Log recipe was chosen for publication this past year.  The subtitle is "Tried and true recipes to make your holiday special!" and this cheese log has been making our family's holidays special for decades now.  Friends at church always look forward to it, too.

The first chapter in A Very Merry Christmas cookbook is Making Memories Together.  There are some fun and heartwarming memories shared by readers from all over.  Some are reminiscent of my own memories, while others would be fun traditions to begin with a family.

Fun and Festive Breakfasts is the next chapter, filled with great ideas for quiche and egg bakes, breakfast sides, pancakes and waffles, cinnamon rolls, coffee cakes,  scones, muffins, and other wonderful-sounding breakfast dishes.  Nearly every recipe sounds like one that I would love to try -- especially the Gingerbread Muffins and Grandpa Frank's Breakfast Pizza.  There are also quotes, recipes, and other fun ideas sprinkled on the pages of this section.

The third chapter is Cozy Soups & More.  We just love soup in winter, fall and spring, which are all cool seasons here in NewHampshire.    This chapter features homemade breads and crackers too.  The Cheesy Ham & Potato Corn Chowder, Cauliflower & Cheese Soup, and Anita's Italian Zuppa are among the many soups I'd enjoy trying.

The fourth chapter is Scrumptious Sides & Salads. Sweet Baked Squash & Apples is one I've made many times (under a different name and using a different squash) and it's always a hit.   Tricolor Rotini Pasta Salad is different from my usual in that it includes salami and asparagus.  I might try this, but not for my grandkids, who have their own favorite pasta salad they always want me to make.  Joyce's Stuffing Cakes sound different and very good.  I think the Best Baked Beans would be a hit with my family.

Home for the Holidays is the next chapter, filled with main courses that would help me achieve my aim in December -- having cozy meals for those super busy days and evenings.  There are several more elegant recipes, suitable for Christmas dinner, but those don't take my eye like the cozy everyday ones.  I'd love to try Cheesy Tortilla Bake, Chicken Divan (very different from my usual recipe -- it includes stuffing!), Cowboy Chow, and Cheesy Pierogie Bake.  

Next is Party-Perfect Appetizers.  This one has loads of great appetizer and beverage recipes.  I'd love to try the French Quarter Cheese Spread, the Wonton Appetizer Cups and The Christmas Pineapple.  That last one is a whole pineapple trimmed with pickles, mini sausages, cubes of cheese, olives etc.  attached to it with toothpicks. 

     
And lastly, Ho-Ho Holiday Treats contains all sorts of sweet treats from cookies to pies to candies to snacks, especially for the sweet tooth members of the family.  (I have such great memories of my dad, asking after supper if there might be "a little something for the sweet tooth".)     I've made the Peppermint Bark -- makes such a good and easy kitchen gift!  I'd love to try the Salted Caramel Toffee Cookies, Cherry Almond Bundt Cake, and Toffee Coffee Crunch, with a layer of crushed roasted coffee beans underneath the toffee. 

This Christmas cookbook will be fun to use this season.  It's always a neat experience when Gooseberry Patch chooses one of my recipes, memories, or craft ideas for publication!                                                                                                                                         

Book review -- I'll Be Home for Christmas Cookbook

 

I can't even tell you have many Christmas cookbooks from Gooseberry Patch I own.  I've acquired them in various ways, probably most of them by way of having a recipe, craft idea or memory published. But one of my newer favorites is this I'll Be Home for Christmas cookbook, published in 2020.  You might also be able to find it on Thriftbooks here.  And likely on Amazon as well.

Here's a rundown of the chapters: Coming Home for Christmas is first and it includes many wonderful  heartwarming memories shared by various folks from around the country.  

Festive Holiday Brunch is a chapter filled with breakfast and brunch recipes -- everything from egg bakes to muffins to fruit salad, hot cocoa and much more. I think the only recipe I've tried here is the Christmas Jam, but there are many I want to try.   The Honey-Glazed Ham Biscuit Sliders sound fantastic.  They are like the sliders one often sees made with Hawaiian rolls, but these are made with buttermilk biscuits, which would make them a little healthier and also less expensive.  Carolyn's Candied Bacon sounds amazing.  Many more yummy breakfast recipes may be found in this chapter.

Christmas Open House is all about appetizers, snacks and festive beverages.  I'd love to try the Nutty Cheddar Cheese Log, but I'm not sure my family and friends would want me to try any other cheese log recipe than our traditional Festive Cheese Log.   I've also tried, and liked, the Christmas Tortilla Roll-ups and the Spicy Mini Sausage Sandwiches.  I made these little open face sandwiches for many years after finding the recipe in one of my first Gooseberry cookbooks.  Recently I have not been able to find the cocktail rye bread.  But thankfully I saw some this week in a local supermarket, and scooped up two loaves.  They were not inexpensive, but I stashed them in the freezer for later use.  This chapter is packed with recipes.  You're sure to find a new and different appetizer to welcome friends and family to your home!

Come In & Warm Up  features soup, chowder and chili recipes to warm up your family and guests.  Pepper Jack Potato Soup sounds wonderful, as does the Hearty Lasagna Soup.  There are a half dozen or so recipes for breads to accompany the soups -- Easy Garlic Knots sounds particularly yummy -- and a couple of cracker recipes as well.

As you might guess, Seasonal Salads & Sides is loaded with all manner of side dishes and salads.  I've yet to try any of these recipes but there are so many that sound good -- Roasted Brussels Sprouts & Hazelnuts, Ridiculously Good Scalloped Potatoes, and more.  Granny Smith Apple Salad and the Artichoke Rice Salad are both want-to-trys for me. 

Gathering with Family & Friends is filled with main dishes of all types for the holiday meals.   Several that I really want to try are the Christmas Shepherd's Pie, the Easy-Peasy Fancy Ziti, and the Kielbasa & Potato Bake.  Lots of main-dish inspiration here for easy everyday December meals as well as fancier ones for Christmas dinner. 

Holiday Desserts for Sharing is just that; a sampling of festive desserts from cakes to cookies to pies to fudge.  I've made similar cookie recipes to the Chocolate Chip Snowballs and the Russian Teacakes.  I have not tried any of the dessert recipes, but the Apple Pie in a Goblet sounds like a good one to begin with.  You simmer a chunky sauce with real apples, sugar and spices, then layer it with vanilla ice cream and crushed shortbread cookies and top with whipped cream.  The Vermont Maple Pumpkin Pie sounds scrumptious, but I have my own never-fail Pumpkin Pie recipe that I just love, so probably I won't try this one.

Of course, with any Gooseberry Patch book, there are delightful extras.  In addition to the gorgeous illustrations, you will find sprinkled throughout the chapters quotes, craft and decorating ideas, and so on.  Every page has a little added treat of some sort.  Here's a fun idea:  "Use favorite cookie cutters for all kinds of holiday fun.  Trace around them onto colorful paper for placecards and package tags ... add glitter for sparkle.  Cookie cutters can even trim a wreath or serve as napkin rings ... clever!"

I also liked this idea:  "If your extended family finds it a challenge to get together on Christmas Day, why not enjoy a brunch together one weekend?  Relax with each other over coffee and fruit juice, baskets of warm muffins and a yummy breakfast casserole.  You'll be glad you did!"

Hmmm, wonder if I could talk my hubby's siblings into this.  Sounds like a great idea.

I highly recommend this book!  If it sounds good to you, why not head on over to  Gooseberry Patch, Amazon or Thriftbooks and find your own copy?

Book review: Hometown Christmas

 

Most of my readers know that I'm a great fan of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.  I've received many of these for free over the years in return for submitting a recipe or memory.  I've purchased others on sale or found them used at Thriftbooks.  Hometown Christmas is one such cookbook that I've used during the past year, and it was one that I really enjoyed.  

This is one of those books that I just love the cover art.  I may have even bought this for the cover art, which depicts a snapshot of a quaint little downtown. In the foreground of the cover is an array of pine cones, ornaments, and festive foods like cookies and a gift loaf of cranberry bread.  Tucked in among these treats is a little card with these words: "Remember Christmas at home with our newest collection of festive recipes, merry-making tips and warm holiday memories."  

Each chapter of the book begins with a sweet full-page illustration including holiday foods and snapshots of various holiday activities.

The first chapter is Breakfast with Santa.  There are some great ideas for egg bakes, breakfast sides, pancakes, waffles and French toast, coffee cakes, and other wonderful-sounding breakfast dishes.  Nearly every recipe sounds like one that I would love to serve for Christmas breakfast!  Deep-Dish Breakfast Pie, for instance, includes sausage, eggs and cheese in a pie crust -- and the recipe makes two pies. There are also quotes, memories, simple recipes, and other fun ideas sprinkled on the pages of this section.

The second chapter is Sledding Party Warmers.  This one has loads of great-sounding recipes for soups, sandwiches, salads, and breads.  I'd love to try the Christmas Hot Broth, the Roast Beef & Herbed Cheese Sandwiches, and Herbed Batter Bread. which sounds as if it would be wonderful with soups. 

Next is Old-Fashioned Christmas Dinner.  Chicken-Broccoli Piquant sounds a lot like my Chicken Divan recipe, with the addition of stuffing.  The Tender Turkey Breast and the Glazed Pork Roast both sound like great Christmas dinner entrees.  Orange Curried Rice might make a fabulous side.  Taste of the Holidays Relish would be perfect at Christmas dinner, but also would make a wonderful kitchen gift.

The fourth chapter is Open House ... You're Invited!  We enjoy open houses as a means of hospitality, especially over the holidays or whenever visiting family is in town.  So I'm always looking for new recipes that lend themselves to this sort of entertaining.  Cranberry-Pecan Spread would be scrumptious with crackers.  Bacon-Wrapped Smokies, Scrumptious Stuffed Mushrooms,  and Irresistible Crab Dip sound good.  There are also snack mixes and a number of punch recipes.

Tree-Trimming Treats is the next chapter, filled with festive recipes for cookies, candies, and pastries.  I've not tried recipes from this chapter yet, but my want-to-trys include Cherry-Almond Butter Bites,   Maple-Pecan Bon-Bons,and Raspberry Jellies.
    
Slow-Cooker Comfort Foods contains recipes for all sorts of foods make in a slow cooker -- everything from breakfast foods to candy.  Spuds & Bacon Breakfast includes potato puffs and Canadian bacon in addition to eggs and cheese.  It sounds like stick-to-the-ribs comfort food!Mom's Smothered Steak includes cream of mushroom soup for good gravy.  I've made Savory French Dip and it is excellent.  Christmas Wassail and Peanut Cluster Candy are recipes I'd like to try.

The last chapter is Coming Home for Christmas.  It contains many sweet and priceless Christmas memories of years gone by.

The back-page copy on this book states, "All hearts go home at Christmas!  Remember gazing at the holiday displays in windows, shopping at church bazaars and skating on the town pond?  Then there were magical visits to see Santa, singing Christmas carols and finally Christmas Day surrounded by family ... not to mention all the delicious food!"  Yes, it all brings back memories.

Even if you don't cook from it, this Christmas cookbook would be a beautiful addition to your collection!                                   

Book Review: Gooseberry Patch Big Book of Holiday Cooking

 

I purchased this book back in April 2020 as a gift to myself.  I was not disappointed!  I found this very large, recipe-filled cookbook at Thriftbooks for only $5.99.  (The list price is around $30.)  My copy is a used book designated as "very good" condition.  I think it is closer to "like new".

The subtitle is Celebrate year-round with favorite family recipes and it's very accurate.  This cookbook literally contains hundreds of recipes for holidays all year round, not just Christmas.  But it does contain many wonderful Christmas recipes!  I'm going to give you a brief overview of the book:

The first section is called Fireside Favorites -- Cozy wintertime dishes that warm heart & soul.  It has dozens of yummy sounding recipes including Warm Country Gingerbread Waffles, Brown-Sugar Glazed Bacon, Garlicky Chicken with Redskin Potatoes, Cherry Brownie Cobbler, and many, many more.

The second section is In the Garden -- Sensational spring favorites everyone will love.  Incredible Mini Burger Bites stood out to me, along with Pasta Bake Florentine, Church Ladies' Ham Salad Sandwiches, Easiest-Ever Cheesecake, Michele's Fruit Sticks, and much more.

Next is Picnics & More -- Garden-fresh summertime recipes to share with family & friends.  Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake, Strawberry-Watermelon Slush, Family-Favorite Pork Tacos, Louise's Potato Salad, and Best-Ever Strawberry Shortcake appealed to me.

 Next is Bountiful Harvest -- Comforting classics to welcome the autumn season.  Bacon Quesadillas, Speedy Chicken Cordon Bleu, Autumn Acorn Squash, and Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream Fantasy all sound so good!

The next section is called A Family Feast -- Festive holiday recipes for Thanksgiving and Christmas.  The oh-so-festive recipes include Christmas Cheese Log, Cranberry Christmas Canes, Penny's Turkey Enchiladas, Old-Time Pickled Peaches, and Buche de Noel.

The next part is called Gathering Together -- Homestyle favorites for celebrating throughout the year.  Recipes here (there are dozens) include Farm-Style Cinnamon Rolls, Sunday Baked Chicken, Heavenly Chicken Salad, BLT Salad with Basil Dressing, and Holly's Chocolate Silk Pie.

Next is Christmas Pantry --Handcrafted goodies made for sharing.  You'll find recipes for Comet's White Chocolate Crunch, Double Chocolate Mint Brownies, Holiday Gift Cakes, Backyard Barbecue Mango Chutney, Lemon Curd, and many other treats.

There's even a selection of Menus for All Occasions -- 12 menus for all year-round.  These include Friday Night Fun, Easter Tea, Supper for Your Sweetie, Star-Spangled Supper, Homestyle Festive Feast, Simple Weeknight Supper, and more.

And of course there's a great index to help cooks find any recipe quickly.

I should add that this cookbook is filled with pretty artwork and gorgeous photos that just make you want to try the recipes.  It's a beautiful book.

All in all, this book is a fabulous resource any time of year!  Thriftbooks currently has a copy in Good condition for only $5.79, should anyone be interested.

Book review: The Farm Chicks Christmas

 

 I was putting away some of my Christmas books today (not all -- I am still going through some of them) and it occurred to me that I might share a review of one of my favorites, The Farm Chicks Christmas.  This is a Country Living book and the author is Serena Thompson.  This was not even a book that I was aware of until I won a hardcover copy in a giveaway.  After I received the book and paged through it, I knew that this was a book both of my daughters would enjoy -- so I went to Thriftbooks and found a copy for each of them.  So now I'd like to share this fun book with all of you.

In all honesty, I don't think I have ever heard of The Farm Chicks prior to winning this book.  You can learn more about them here: The Farm Chicks.  And you can learn the fascinating life story of author Serena Thompson here: About Serena.  This is a gorgeous book full of decorating ideas, traditions, recipes, and much more.  And all incredibly photographed!

Honestly, I wish that I could share each and every photo with you, but of course I can't.  I will content myself with simply going through the table of contents and sharing the highlights of the book with you.  I'll add in a few vintage-y images of my own, because the photography and design of this book are just glorious and I won't even try to scan the pages to show you.

The book is divided into two parts: The Spirit of the Season with 2 chapters; and At Home for the Holidays with 7 chapters.

In The Spirit of the Season, the first chapter is called 'Tis lovely to give.  It is filled with ideas and traditions from Serena's childhood and from her life now with her husband Colin and their children.

The second chapter is called A Visit to the Tree Farm and tells about the Thompson family's annual Christmas tree hunting tradition with friends.  The last 2 pages in this chapter contain many warm beverage recipes, titled "Ways to Ward Off the Chill".  There's spiced cider, hot mocha, chai latte and more.

A vintage milk bottle cap!

 
In the section At Home for the Holidays, the first chapter is Holiday Welcome.  It includes dozens of ideas for front porches and other outdoor decorating and how to make every corner bright.    There are even patterns -- for example, one for a holiday scalloped bunting made out of assorted fabrics in Christmas colors.

The next chapter is The Decorated Tree.  This includes photos of four different decorated Christmas trees, a lovely story about a tinfoil star, and directions for making sweet tree trims like snowball pompom ornaments and silhouette ornaments.  It also has a page of fun ways of displaying vintage Christmas light bulbs and balls.  If I remember, I'll do a jar of vintage light bulbs for next year!

This chapter also has a section called The Gift of Giving, which includes many ideas for gift wrap, gift card holders, and festive shipping ideas.  

The next chapter is called Wreaths and Garlands.  It includes many fun ideas, and pages of glorious photos.  There are instructions for making a sweet paper garland  and a wreath made from balls of yarn.  The section Make Every Corner Bright gives many ideas for decorating with greenery and other natural accents.

 The chapter Cupboards and Corners is next.     It includes page after page of beautifully inspiring photos, and also fun crafts like colorful cone trees and a wrapping paper village.  There's a feature on Christmas collections, too.  There is SO much inspiration in this chapter that no description of mine can ever do it justice.

Kitchens and Pantries is the next chapter, and it is even more fun than the one before it.  A full 20 pages of glorious, inspiring photography and fun, fun ideas for decorating kitchens and pantries and for packaging food gifts and more.  There are ideas for displaying kitchen treasures and directions for making a "Merry" banner.

Next comes a chapter titled Happy Memories.  Again, no descriptive words of mine can describe the delight of this chapter.  All manner of vintage items are pictured, from a sequined felt stocking to a metal toy barn decorated for Christmas to toy trucks and a plaid thermos with a sprig of greenery -- oh, just beautiful!  There are also directions for making a gumdrop wreath, felt stemware coasters, and paper serving cones for snack mixes.

The last chapter is called Holiday Recipes and it is filled with ideas for beverages, cakes, nut recipes, cookies and tarts (lots of cookie recipes!), and even a page of Cookie Tips.  

 Lastly in the book are several pages of recipe cards and stickers to use in giving your country kitchen gifts to others.  Just one last touch of vintage sweetness!

I'm sure you can tell that I'm enchanted by this book.  Highly recommend it to all of you!

Book review: Gooseberry Patch Christmas book 9

 

Today's post is a book review of a Gooseberry Patch Christmas  craft and cookbook titled Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 9.  It's an older book, but a  hardcover version in very good condition may be found at ThriftBooks.com for less than $5.  Here's the link: Christmas Book 9.

Most of my readers know how much I love Gooseberry Patch books.  I have gotten many of them for free in return for recipes, memories,  or craft ideas.  The larger format Christmas books like this one are simply filled with wonderful ideas, but I like to review one now and then so readers will know what to expect if they buy these as used books. 

 This particular book, Christmas Book 9, was published in 2007 by Oxmoor House and it is a nice addition to my collection of Christmas books.  My copy is a paperback and I'm pretty sure I bought it at Walmart.  There are dozens of good recipes and craft ideas and some glorious photography, plus the patterns for many of the craft projects.

There are 15 chapters:

1.  Sweet Memories
 This chapter is filled with ideas for hosting a cookie decorating party and for decorating with cookies and candy.  The sweet ideas are absolutely gorgeous.  Graham cracker houses (displayed under a cloche) are one project.

2.  Welcome Home
This chapter is filled with lovely ideas for using vintage linens and fabrics, along with vintage ornaments. 

3.  Polka-Dot Christmas
This chapter shares ideas for applying festive red and green polka dots on everything in sight -- stockings, candle holders, a table runner, tags and gift boxes.  Very cute. 

4.  Simply Stenciled
Here are many ideas for stenciling old-fashioned designs of snowflakes, Santas and sleighs on windows and more -- like felt banners, tree skirts, ornaments, and stockings.

5.  Game Night
Ideas here for all sorts of table-game accessories, along with some recipes for game night snacks.

6.  All the Creatures Were Stirring
Gifts for pets and a special pet-themed Christmas tree that uses a shiny new dog bowl as a tree stand.

7.  Christmas Paper Fun ... Cards, Tags & More
This is one of the largest chapters, with directions for ornaments, tags, gift wrap and gift tag holders, photo albums and even a shadow box, all paper crafted.  The paper bag album is a craft I want to try.

8.  From Hand to Heart
Lots of lovely handcrafted gifts here, including a scrap afghan which I have actually started making.  (Sample motifs in photo below.)  Also things like pajamas, a knitting tote, a gift wrap organizer and more.

9.  Just-Right Gifts from the Kitchen
Recipes for all sorts of mixes and other kitchen gifts, plus great and innovative ways to package and present them.  The cranberry cider mix, packaged in red fabric bags with green ribbon "leaves" and cinnamon stick stems, is a case in point.

10.  A Farmhouse Dinner
Cider Baked Ham, Spinach-Pecan Salad, Homestyle Green Beans, Corn Pudding and more -- and of course a nice selection of desserts here.

11.  Christmas Brunch
Country Breakfast Skillet, Pecan French Toast, Sweet Potato Biscuits, Spiced Fruit, and many more wonderful looking recipes to help you with your Christmas breakfast or brunch!

12.  Cooking Ahead for the Holidays
Comfort food to make ahead and freeze for when you have a houseful of Christmas guests.

13. Cookie Exchange
Nice recipes for Christmas cookies -- Jolly Lime Thumbprints, Vanilla-Dipped Gingersnaps, Chocolate Swirl Cookies and much more.

14.  Kate's Chocolate Cure-Alls
All things chocolate to cure what ails you!  Everything from Buckeye Brownies to White Hot Chocolate and a Pan O'Fudge.  Lots of chocolate therapy in this section.

15.  A Club Christmas
This chapter includes ideas and recipes for entertaining groups like your book club, knitting group, and more.

All in all, I find this to be a useful, inspiring, and beautiful book.  Why not check ThriftBooks, Amazon, or another used-book venue for a copy of Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 9?  I don't think you will be disappointed!

Book review: Gooseberry Patch Christmas Cookbook

 

I love to give Christmas books as gifts, especially to my daughters or younger friends.  I well remember what it was like to have no money for such treats.  Even buying the festive December issues of Woman's Day and Family Circle felt like an extravagance.  Yet they were so enjoyable with all of the wonderful recipes and ideas for decorating and gifting.  Today, when one can often find like-new Christmas cookbooks at ThriftBooks,  I can purchase these delightful volumes very frugally for gifts.

Today I thought I would share a little review of the above book by Gooseberry Patch, simply titled Christmas Cookbook.  (You can find a copy of this, in very good condition, on Thriftbooks for only $4.69:  Christmas Cookbook.)  Published in 2004 by Oxmoor House, this book is a gem.  The photography is stunning and the recipes so festive!

There are two basic sections of the book: "Our Favorite Christmas Menus" and "Our Favorite Christmas Recipes".  The first sounds as if it includes only menus, but that is not the case.  There are a good number of recipes included with every menu.  Here are the menu plans it includes:

* Christmas Dinner with all the Trimmings
* Christmas Eve Supper
* For the Kids
* Breakfast with Santa
* Home for the Holidays
* Casual Weeknight Supper
* Caroling Party
* Open House
* Just Dessert
* Cookie Swap

Scattered throughout both sections are little features titled "Christmas Memories".  

"Our Favorite Christmas Recipes" include the following categories:

* Tree-Trimming Treats
* Memorable Main Dishes
* Casual Entrees
* Christmas Morning Delights
* Holiday Sideboard
* Hearty Soups & Bountiful Breads
* Visions of Sugarplums
* Goodies for Giving

At the back of the book are also  a recipe index, a section with helpful holiday hints, an entertaining planner and a Christmas dinner planner.

I definitely found many recipes in this cookbook that I want to try.  Double-Chocolate Christmas Praline-Fudge Cake is one of them.  This layer cake with a chocolate ganache in between the three layers and a thick, candy-like praline frosting on top and dripping down the sides looks astoundingly delicious!  Best of all, it can be completely made ahead and frozen, then thawed before serving.

And I found a few recipes that I already use.  Baked Sausage & Eggs, for instance, in the "Breakfast with Santa" category, was my make-ahead company breakfast standby for years and years.

Most fun of all, to me, is the fact that the previous owner of this used book had turned down page corner after page corner, obviously marking recipes that he or she wanted to try.  I wonder if they got to do that?  Although I love owning this book, I feel a bit sad that the previous owner decided for whatever reason to let it go.

If  you are looking for a good all-around Christmas cookbook with wonderful recipes and gorgeous photos, you may want to try and find a copy of this one.  I highly recommend it!

Book review: Christmas Comfort Classics

 

If you've spent much time at either of my blogs, you know that I'm a great fan of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.  I've received many of them for free in return for submitting a recipe.  I've purchased others on sale or used from Thriftbooks.  Christmas Comfort Classics is one such cookbook that I used this past year, and it was one that I really enjoyed.  The subtitle for this book is "A festive collection of warm and cozy comfort foods, plus sweet ideas for sharing with family & friends."  Sounds, really, like the perfect recipe for a cozy Christmas in the midst of a very uncertain and frightened world.  Maybe that's why I was so drawn to this book and the wonderful recipes it contains.

The first chapter is Frosty Morning Breakfasts.  There are some great ideas for egg bakes, breakfast sides, pancakes and French toast, coffee cakes, and other wonderful-sounding breakfast dishes.  Nearly every recipe sounds like one that I would love to try.  There are also quotes, recipes, and other fun ideas sprinkled on the pages of this section.

The second chapter is Tree Trimming Open House.  This one has loads of great appetizer and beverage recipes.  I'd love to try the Roasted Red Pepper Spread, the Hot Clam Dip,.and the Chicken Salad Mini-Wiches for a Crowd.  I did try the Festive Cranberry Cheese Spread and it was enjoyed at the event I took it to.

Next is Snowy Day Soups and Breads, just as cozy as it sounds!  This may be the chapter from which I've tried the most recipes.  We just love soup in winter, fall and spring!  Homemade bread, too.  I've tried the Creamy Chicken Rice Soup, Beckie's Down-Home Potato Soup, Cincinnati Chicken Corn Chowder, and more.  The Cranberry Yeast Rolls is a recipe I want to try for next Christmas. 

The fourth chapter is Cozy Meals for Busy Days.  That's always my aim in December -- to have cozy meals for those super busy days and evenings.  Recipes I've tried include Mom's Pasta, Chicken, Trees & Cheese, Best Spanish Rice, Smoked Sausage & Potatoes.  I'd love to try Connecticut Supper and Quick One-Pot Burrito Bowl.

Merry Christmas Feasts is the next chapter, filled with festive recipes for the big dinner -- including main courses, side dishes, salads, pickles and more.  I've not tried recipes from this chapter yet, but my want-to-trys include Italian Sausage & White Beans, Mimie's Homestyle Meatballs, and Pineapple Beets.      
And lastly, Sweets of the Season contains all sorts of sweet treats from cookies to pies to snacks to beverages, just for the sweet tooth members of the family.  (I have such great memories of my dad, asking after dinner if there might be "a little something for the sweet tooth".)      I'd love to try Cranberry-Walnut Fudge, Blizzard Party Mix, Anginetti, and Elf Thumbprints.  This past Christmas I did try the Gingerbread Brownies from this chapter -- and oh, were they good.  They'll be on my cookie trays again in 2021 for sure.

As you might guess, I highly recommend this Christmas cookbook!                                                                                                                                                                                                         

Best Loved Foods of Christmas

Today's post is hopelessly nostalgic.  During my childhood, this little cookbook made an appearance every year when my mother began her Christmas baking.  When I saw this cookbook on the counter, or stacked atop her Christmas notebook, I knew that the baking was about to commence.  So I was understandably thrilled, a number of years ago, to find a copy of it at a thrift store!

Isn't the front cover mouth-watering?  Starting at top left, the goodies pictured are Norwegian Holiday Bread, Rich Dark Fruitcake, Christmas Pudding, and Eight-Trick Butter Cookies.

Yes, in addition to cookie recipes, this versatile little book also contains recipes for frostings, cakes, yeast breads, quick breads, holiday pies, and festive desserts.

The Land O'Lakes butter ad is on the back cover of my copy of this cookbook.  I have seen another copy of this booklet, apparently from a different year, which has different copy on the back cover, featuring a Holiday Buffet.

This sweet cookbook was put out by Pillsbury.   I can't find a copyright date on it anywhere but it is either from the late 1950s or the early 1960s.  You can click on the photos to enlarge them.  At left above is a very newsy, friendly note from Ann Pillsbury welcoming readers to this booklet.  At right is a color photo of some of the goodies that recipes are provided for.  I love the fun little graphic below the diagram!

  There is a whole page of helpful instructions on freezing cookies.  This advice is still sound today.

The Merry Mincemeaters above are a bar cookie that my mother often made.   I was happy to find this recipe again!  I'm not a huge fan of mincemeat, but these bars are festive and truly delicious.

Hope you've enjoyed this look into a truly vintage cookbook that is still well worth bringing out and baking from every Christmas season!  I wouldn't be a bit surprised if you could find one of these on Etsy or eBay.

A Very Merry Christmas Cookbook

Today's Christmas in July post will be a book review of a Gooseberry Patch Christmas cookbook titled A Very Merry Christmas Cookbook.  The list price is $24.95, but I purchased mine at ThriftBooks.com for less than $5.


This book was published in 2007 by Oxmoor House and it is a nice addition to my collection of Christmas cookbooks.  There are dozens of good recipes and some glorious photography, plus a helpful Holiday Guide which is in the back of the book.

There are 13 chapters:
1.  Gooseberry Patch Family Holiday Favorites
These are recipes and memories from the folks who work at Gooseberry Patch.
2.  Merry Christmas Menu
This chapter presents a festive menu for 8 with all the trimmings ... and recipes for every dish on the menu.
3.  Christmas Classics
This chapter has recipes for meats, dressings, sides, rolls, and even a couple of desserts.  I can personally vouch for the Chocolate Pecan Pie!
4.  In the Wink of an Eye
Here there are speedy recipes for entrees, salads, vegetable side dishes, bread, dessert, candy and cookies.  I can see these being very helpful when it's Christmas Crunch Time!
5.  Make-Ahead Favorites
Loads of make-ahead recipes in this section (including a fair number for the slow cooker) ensure you could get ahead of the last-minute rush.
6.  Second Time Around
Utilizing holiday leftovers and turning them into new and delicious foods always sounds like a good idea to me.
7.  Potluck Pleasure
I enjoy potlucks and am always looking for new recipes to share at them.  Lots of ideas here!
8.  Christmas Open House
There are a good variety of appetizer and punch recipes here to choose from.  Some beverages are alcoholic, some are not, but choose what you prefer.
9.  Breakfasts & Brunches
Breakfast beverages, breads, coffee cakes -- even bacon and eggs.  Love planning Christmas brunch!
10.  Heartwarming Soups & Stews
Lobster and Chive Bisque, Bistro Onion Soup, Hearty Ham & Bean, Farmstyle Beef Stew ... lots of soups, stews, and bisques here.
11.  For Kids Only
All kinds of treats in this chapter, from Monkey Paw Biscuits to Cheeseburger & Fries Casserole to Giant Chocolate Malt Cookies.  I've made that recipe many times, but I always make the cookies regular size, not giant.  They are amazing!
12.  Cookie & Candy Exchange
This chapter even includes gift tags for goodies.  You can copy, color, and cut them out.  Lots of good recipes for cookies, candies, and fudge, too!
13. Giftable Goodies
Nice recipes for kitchen gifts -- everything from soup mixes to  candied nuts -- and everything in between.

The Holiday Guide at the end of the book contains many helpful features:

The first is Holiday Hints which contains tips for decorating, gifts, and kids at Christmas.  There are also a couple of handmade gift ideas detailed here by Gooseberry Patch crafters.

Next is 12 Days of Christmas Menus with ideas for everything from an appetizer open house to an easy weeknight supper to Christmas brunch.

Next in line is a helpful-looking Party Planner with space for a guest list, a pantry list, a party to-do list, and a list of menu items being brought by guests.

There's also a Holiday Memories section where one can list Treasured Traditions, Special Holiday Activities, Holiday Visits and Visitors, and it also has space to list favorite recipes in every imaginable category.  Who hasn't forgotten what cookbook a favorite holiday recipe was found in?  Here's a place to write that down!

Lastly are two beautiful, undated blank calendar pages for November and December, which one can copy and use in holiday planning.

Each page in the Holiday Guide is edged with a pretty green holly print resembling fabric, and a strip of printed green rickrack.  Very festive looking!

All in all, I find this to be a useful, inspiring, and beautiful book.  Why not check ThriftBooks, Amazon, or another used-book venue for a copy of A Very Merry Christmas Cookbook?  I don't think you will be disappointed!

Book Review ~ GOOSEBERRY PATCH CHRISTMAS BOOK 6

Part of my collection of the numbered Gooseberry Patch Christmas books

For today's book review, I'm going to share another in the Gooseberry Patch/Leisure Arts numbered series of Christmas books.    As I'm sure you've noticed, I'm not reviewing these in numerical order; it's more just that I'm sharing reviews of some I particularly love.  However, let me quickly add that I have found great recipes, inspiring photos and fun gift and craft ideas in each and every one of them.

But Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 6 seems special to me. 

Photo from Amazon.com

It has many ideas I want to try, as well as some projects I have made already.  Let's look over the chapters and the sections within them.

A Circle of Memories is first.  The family memory wreath, the Memory Journal, the framed hand-and-footprint ornaments with a photo on the reverse side, the memory box -- are all projects I would like to do, and there are many more as well.

The second chapter is All Through the House and it has a number of sections within it to enjoy.  In the "Something Special" section is a sweet baby's first stocking, trimmed with alphabet beads.  My daughter made a variation of this pattern when her little girl was a baby, and she is still using it today -- beautiful!  This section also contains an Advent Countdown made in a picture frame with little pockets to put treats or ideas in.  I've made 3 of these and was so pleased with how they turned out!

"Symbols of the Season" gives directions for a sweet set of symbolic ornaments to make.  These would be wonderful to use in one's own family, perhaps in conjunction with family devotions.  They would also make a nice hostess gift (given as an individual ornament) or as a set for a housewarming or wedding gift.

"Create a Card" is full of fun and inspiring ideas to make your own Christmas cards and even tells you how to throw a card-making party -- sounds like so much fun!  "Kids' Christmas Trims" includes a stocking, pillow, tree, and ornaments to make for or with kids.

"Festive Finery for Bed and Bath" contains fun ideas for quick Christmas pillows, a Santa's wreath, festive bathroom decor, and so on.

"Farmhouse Kitchen Breakfast" gives some great recipes as well as trims for your kitchen and table.  The Scrambled Egg Casserole is excellent, and I love the festive little menu board and the Family Recipe Book.  I've also made the Fruit-Filled Breakfast Cups and they are fantastic.

"Winter Wonderland" contains many ideas and crafts I want to try, especially the Tiny Photo Ornaments and the Felted Wool Stocking.

"Jolly Ginger Boys" is a small section telling how to make a gingerbread man basket and it offers helpful tips for successful Christmas cookie baking.

"Holiday Forecast" shows how to make a wonderful "Let it Snow" doorway, and also how to make Electric Snowflakes for outdoor decor.

"Family Fun Tree" gives great directions for ornaments to make with kids and even a garland made with checkers and dominoes for fun. 

"Warm and Cozy" is a longer section sharing many ideas for using fleece in decor and accessories.  There are ornaments, a garland, tree skirt, wreath trims, large floor pillows and a fleece throw.  Lots of inspiration here!

Under the Christmas Tree gives great ideas for all manner of handmade gifts.  "Little Luxuries for the Bath" has recipes for bath salts and fizzies, lip balm, lotion bars, and much more along that line, not to mention a heating pad, embellished towels, and so on.

"Candle Creations" tells you how to make your own aromatherapy candles  or gives ideas for embellishing purchased ones.  There's a "Just for Mom" section and a "Just for Dad" one too.  There's a "Fancy Footwork" section with slippers and socks, and even a little "Family Friends" bit with ideas for your pets.

Perfect Presents from the Pantry is an inspiration for me, because I love giving kitchen gifts at Christmas time.  There are loads of recipes and packaging ideas here -- just wonderful!  There are even ideas for co-worker gifts.  And there's a cute pattern for a Holiday Apron.  The sections here are "Bountiful Baskets", "Merry Mixers" and "Kitchen Classics".

The last chapter is Christmas Cookery, and it delivers just what it promises -- many great recipes, along  with mouth-watering photos.  "The Main Event" shares ideas for a family holiday meal.  The Sausage-Potato Chowder sounds yummy!  "Fabulous Feast for Just a Few" would be great for a small group or just your own immediate family.  "Holiday Jingle Bell Lunch" presents ideas for a fun luncheon with the girls.    Everything from Granny's 5-Cup Salad (which is wonderful!) to Country Cottage Chicken Salad Puffs to Vanilla Coffee to enjoy with dessert.

"Party Pickups" includes finger foods like appetizers and desserts, not to mention some great-sounding punch recipes, snack mixes, and candies.  I can vouch for the 4-Chip Marshmallow Fudge -- it is amazing!

"You Can Never Have Too Many Cookies" proves that point with page after page of cookie recipes of all types.  The Raspberry Ripple Brownies and the Chocolate Chip Twinkles sound especially enticing.

Lastly, we have "Crazy About Casseroles" which could be such a help with holiday potlucks or even just a simple supper on a busy December day.  The Seafood Lasagna and the Mushroom-Spinach Strata are both pictured and look sooooo good.

 Like all Gooseberry books, this one also has loads of hints, tips, memories and inspiring quotes sprinkled on nearly every page!  I wish that I could adequately convey to you how marvelous this book is, but I know my words are just not enough.  Check it out on Gooseberry Patch.com or on Amazon (where you may well be able to find a good used copy) and see for yourself.   And enjoy!

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Book Review ~ GOOSEBERRY PATCH CHRISTMAS BOOK 12

Product photo from Amazon.com

I just acquired Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 12this past fall.  I found a used copy (which was like new) on Amazon for an incredible price.  It came in the mail  just before our Nevada family arrived out here for a visit.  I didn't have time to look through it immediately, but that weekend we all went up to a large cabin we'd rented on a lake up north, and I took the book along.  My two daughters and I (plus my two older granddaughters) all fell in love with this book and saw many projects we wanted to make.

Gooseberry Patch Christmas Book 12 is one of Gooseberry's series of Christmas books produced in collaboration with Leisure Arts.  I have ten of these books and I cherish every one of them.  They are filled with not only the tips, hints, recipes, crafts and more that make all Gooseberry Patch books special, but also with gorgeous, inspiring photographs and step-by-step craft instructions and many full size patterns.  If you haven't seen these beautiful books, I highly recommend building a library of them.

Book 12 contains 14 chapters:

Oh-So-Festive Felt is just what you'd expect: sweet ornaments, decorations, stockings, gifts, and even a tree skirt from wool and felt.  There are some great ideas here.  Two that I want to try are the Ski Pals -- cute little wood and felt figures complete with skis and poles -- and the Sweet Gift Card Holder -- such a fun way to present a gift card.

The Twelve Days of Christmas features projects with the theme from that Christmas song.  There are ornaments, place cards, napkin rings and so on.  Also in this chapter are instructions for six adorable aprons made from vintage tablecloths and fabric.

Woodsy Welcome is a fun chapter filled with ideas inspired by the forest.  There's a woodsy welcome sign, plus wreaths and feeders for the birds.  Birch bark candles and a log tote look easy and fun to make.  And the gorgeous crocheted Woodland Throw is one project I really want to make.

A Skater's Christmas is all about childhood winter memories.  There are knitted ornaments -- mittens, scarves, etc. -- and a simply beautiful Ice Skating Scene covered with a glass dome and ringed by vintage ornaments in icy colors.  Recipes for Spicy Cake Donuts and Hot Caramel Apple Cider would be perfect for warming up hungry skaters.

Sharing the Best Christmas is a chapter filled with handmade gifts.  This past Christmas I made 2 of the Personalized Aprons for my older granddaughters. 

These are made from tea towels and came out so cute!  Some projects here, like the Hankie Blankies, are made from vintage handkerchiefs and linens.  I plan to make two of the blankies this Christmas!  And there are other lovely gifts, like a JOY Banner, a Posy Pendant, a Felt Fob, a Picture Perfect Paperweight, and much more.  Another I really want to try is a Snowbound Tray, made from a picture frame.

Give it with a Festive Flair is all about gift wrapping and presentation, just as you might guess.  It includes tags and cards and even a couple of yummy sounding recipes for kitchen gifts.

Crafty Kid Stuff is a short but sweet chapter filled with decorations and gifts that kids can make.  My daughters and granddaughters lliked the Spool Family and the Fleece Hat and Scarf Set.

Gifts of Goodness from the Kitchen has page after page of kitchen gifts plus creative ways to package them.  My daughter wants to try the Carrot Cake Jam since her hubby loves carrot cake.  The Graham Cracker Fudge and the Snickerdoodle Coffee Mix sound wonderful too -- in fact, every recipe in this chapter sounds great!

Casual Holiday Gathering offers recipes for those comfortable times with family and friends.  The Spinach & Clementine Salad, the Cranberry-Glazed Ham, the Butternut Squash Soup, the Crabby Artichoke Spread are all on my list to try!

A Very Merry Brunch is filled with recipes for just that.  I don't eat wheat so I was delighted to see a couple of brunch recipes I can make rather than traditional egg bakes which often include bread or croutons.  The Mini Spinach & Bacon Quiches are crustless, baked in mini muffin pans.  And the Company Breakfast Casserole includes hash browns!

All the Sweetness of the Season includes desserts and sweets of many sorts.  The Candy Cane Puffs and the Frosted Mocha Brownies would be a hit at any cookie exchange!  There's a red velvet cake, chocolate covered cherry cups and much more.

Oh, Slow Good is a small collection of slow cooker recipes to rely on during those busy December days.  It includes main dish, side dish, and dessert recipes.

The More Cooks, the Merrier suggests involving friends or neighbors in a supper swap.  These recipes would be fun to try under any circumstances, though -- the Caramel Coffee Tassies would be a good cookie swap possibility, and the Sausage & 3-Pepper Penne might be nice for a tree-trimming party.

Delicious Dishes from Your Pantry is the final chapter and shares ideas for last-minute recipes you can make from what's on hand -- there's a little bit of everything here, whether you need cookies for an exchange or bake sale, a snack mix to serve or gift, or a just a main dish for supper.

As you can tell, I love this book.  I heartily recommend it to you!

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Book Review ~ CHRISTMAS PANTRY

Product photo from Amazon.com

I have so many favorite Gooseberry Patch cookbooks that I had a hard time choosing one to review.  Their numbered Leisure Arts Christmas books are probably my very favorites, as they have fabulous photos and detailed project instructions.  But the cookbooks are fantastic also.  Today I want to introduce you to (or remind you of) Christmas Pantry.

I think I bought my copy in a Cracker Barrel somewhere in the South.  The subtitle is "A Christmas keepsake filled with tasty recipes, delightful holiday ideas & fond remembrances", and that's a very accurate description of this book.  One thing that particularly appeals to me about Christmas Pantry is that, just like a real pantry, it is so well-stocked with ingredients, recipes, and memories for a country Christmas. 

Here's a rundown of the chapters: Frosty Mornings is, of course, all about breakfast. I have made the Raspberry French Toast numerous times; it's great with blueberries too.  The Cheesy Holiday Eggs (made in custard cups) sound fantastic.  Many more yummy breakfast recipes may be found here.

Welcome Friends is all about appetizers.  The Holiday Cheese Ball is a favorite with us.  I've also tried, and liked, the Herb-Marinated Cheese.  You're sure to find a new and different appetizer to welcome friends and family to your home!

Hearty Holiday Fare features main dishes of all types for the holiday meals.  The Italian Beef is a slow cooker recipe for using in sandwich buns and it is fantastic -- would be great after a day of shopping or decorating.  Another that I really want to try is the meatless Roasted Vegetables & Pasta.  Lots of main-dish inspiration here!

As you might guess, Christmas Sideboard is loaded with all manner of side dishes -- everything from soup to salads and veggies to breads.  The Broccoli Noodle Soup is one that I've tried and loved.  The Firecracker Stew is also excellent.  But don't stop there -- this chapter is filled with great recipes.

Dessert Sampler is just that; a sampling of festive desserts from cakes to cookies to pies to fudge.  I have not tried any of the dessert recipes, but the Marbled Pumpkin Cheesecake sounds like a good one to begin with!

Christmas in the Country is a collection of fabulous decorating ideas for a country Christmas.  If you are a DIY type, you will find a bunch of ideas here to try.  The Memory Jars look like a wonderful and easy idea.  I have made the spice votive candles as described in the Candle Ornaments, but did not add wire to hang them.

If you like to make your own gifts, you'll find plenty of inspiration in the Handmade Gifts chapter.  There are instructions for everything from bird treats to a keepsake cookbook.

Farmhouse Pantry is filled with kitchen gifts: jar mixes for hot chocolate, soups, and of course cookies.  Lots of great ideas!  I love giving kitchen gifts at Christmas!

Christmas Memories Collection is just what you might expect -- a collection of wonderful memories from all over.  Some of the traditions shared here just might prompt you to start a new tradition in your own family.  It's so heartwarming to read about how others celebrate the season.

Of course, with any Gooseberry Patch book, there is something extra.  In addition to the absolutely gorgeous illustrations, you will find sprinkled throughout the chapters quotes, craft and decorating ideas, and so on.  Every page has a little added treat of some sort.  Here's a fun idea:  "Wire together several jingle bells, then top with a homespun bow and a loop.  Slipped over a doorknob, they'll joyfully greet all your holiday guests!"  Another lovely idea is that of framing something small and sentimental -- a handwritten recipe or a tiny mitten, for example -- as a gift. 

As you can tell, I love this book!  Why not go to Gooseberry Patch or to Amazon and find a copy of Christmas Pantry for yourself?

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