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!