Wednesday, January 4, 2012

"Rush-Hour Recipes" Review and GIVEAWAY!

Hey there, buds! Today I will show you a sneak-peek at Gooseberry Patch's new cookbook, "Rush-Hour Recipes."
I am so glad that I was selected to review this cookbook. As the cover says, it contains, "More than 230 quick-to-fix dinner recipes your family will love...even slow-cooker meals and potluck dishes!" Awesome. Exactly what I need! The six sections are: 5-Ingredient Favorites; One-Dish Dinners; Slow Cookers to the Rescue; Soup's On!; Make-A-Meal Sides; and Speedy Potluck & Party Foods. I selected three recipes to test, and I'm including them here. The first one I tried was "Tomato & Chicken Penne." (please note: Although I am reprinting the original recipe, I cut the amounts in half. Except for the garlic, I used that full-strength!)
(I don't need the casserole dish for this recipe...but I couldn't resist showing it here. A Christmas gift from Dave's brother and sister-in-law. Isn't it great??)
INGREDIENTS:
16-oz. package penne pasta, uncooked
1/4 Cup olive oil
1 tsp. garlic, chopped
28-oz. can diced tomatoes, drained (I used Roasted Garlic and Onion flavored)
1/2 Cup fresh basil chopped, or 1 tsp. dried basil
2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and cubed
8-oz. package shredded mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain. Meanwhile, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic; saute for one minute.
Stir in tomatoes and basil; continue cooking for two minutes.
Add chicken to skillet. Simmer for about five minutes, until heated through.
Transfer mixture in skillet to a large serving bowl; toss with pasta and cheese. Season with salt and pepper. Makes 6 to 8 servings.
VERDICT:  Yummy, easy and quick. I poached two chicken breasts, but if you have leftover roast chicken, even quicker. I topped each serving with grated parmesan cheese, which added a lot to the flavor. I will certainly make this again! Got the thumbs-up from all who ate it! (Oh, and yes, there are some rotini mixed in there. I didn't have quite enough penne.)

OK, on to the next recipe! Here is one I couldn't resist making..."Better Than Brownies."
INGREDIENTS: 
3.4-oz. package cook & serve chocolate pudding mix
2 Cups milk (I used 2%)
18-1/2 oz. package chocolate cake mix
1 Cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 Cup chopped nuts (I left these out)

Prepare dry pudding mix with milk according to package directions; cook until slightly thickened.
 From lumpy to smooth!
Remove from heat. Stir in dry cake mix. (Careful, don't make a mess, like I did!)
Spread batter in a greased 13" x 9" baking pan; sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts.
Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
Cool; cut into squares. Makes about 2 dozen.
VERDICT: I was wondering what this would be more like, cake or brownies. I think it can best be described as a very fudgy cake! Delish. I really like the addition of the chocolate chips on top. This was VERY simple to make and really good too!

The last recipe I chose for this review is "Sauteed Greens & Warm Pecan Dressing."
INGREDIENTS:
2 Tbsps. balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp. mustard
2 tsps. honey
1/2 Cup pecans, coarsely chopped
2 Tbsps. canola or olive oil
1 to 2 bunches kale, spinach or Swiss chard, chopped (I used one bunch of green Swiss chard.)

In a small bowl, combine vinegar, mustard, honey, and pecans; set aside.
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add greens and toss until well coated with oil. (It looks like a lot, but it cooks down quite a bit.)
Cook and stir until greens are wilted but still bright green. (Just enough for two of us now!)
Add vinegar mixture to skillet, stirring lightly. Cook for about one minute and serve immediately. Serves 6.
VERDICT: I chose this recipe because Dave and I really enjoy sauteed greens; I usually just use olive oil and garlic, so it was great to try something different. The pecans add such a great flavor ~ and the sweetness of the honey, the tang of the vinegar, and the spiciness of the mustard give this dish a tremendous taste.

"Rush-Hour Recipes" is a great addition to my cookbook library. As always, I *love* the sprinklings of helpful facts and tips throughout the book...for example, "Oversize cookie bars are tempting, but for a change, slice them into one-inch squares and set them in frilly paper candy cups. Guests will feel free to sample 'just a bite' of several different treats." I also like that idea for portion control!

Would you like to win a copy of "Rush-Hour Recipes?" To enter, please leave a comment on this post by Monday, January 16th. I will use the random-number-generator-thingy to select a winner. As always, if your email address is not linked/included, I will have to omit your entry. So please make sure I have it! If you'd like to purchase it now, you can do so here!

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you enjoyed my review!

♥ Jen

85 comments:

  1. I'd like to win a copy of Rush Hour Recipes.

    Jennie
    rmc18mom@gmail.com

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  2. This sounds like a great cookbook for my house!!

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  3. Thank you so much for doing this giveaway! Of course, I would love to win! :)

    vandango33 at gmail dot com

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  4. Jen, wonderful reviews! Thanks for all the helpful photos too! I'd like to add this book to my cookbook library. And maybe I'll get lucky on my birthday (1/16)! lol

    Carol (NJ)

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  5. How fun!!! I love that you added photos with your reviews!!! I would love to win!! :)

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  6. I would love to add this to my collection!!

    cooking_bee@yahoo.com

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  7. Thanks for the chance to win the FAB cook book!! Note to Random generator: PICK ME! PICK ME!

    lol

    email: NessaSkiHG@hotmail.com

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  8. I love gooseberry patch cookbooks I would love to add this one to my collection. kpatton2002@gmail.com

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  9. The chicken recipe will be tried tomorrow night - and looks great

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  10. Looks like a great cookbook ! Please enter me in the drawing !
    Thanks !
    Karen
    kem368@aol.com

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  11. The fudgy browie thing looks wonderful!
    blabosky@yahoo.com

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  12. This book looks great!! I have never met a Gooseberry Patch cookbook I didn't love!

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  13. I would love to win this! In the mean time I have got to make those brownies!!

    mmwright@bex.net

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  14. These brownies sound delicious

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  15. Another great cookbook theme...and these recipes sound wonderful! Thanks for sharing!
    Rita
    rlgoad@gmail.com

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  16. would love this cookbook

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  17. Looks like a great cookbook. I love GP!

    amybradsher@gmail.com

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  18. Thanks for your reviews! I would LOVE to add this cookbook to my collection!!

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  19. I have yet to find a Gooseberry Patch recipe my family doesn't like! These collections are priceless to a single, working mom of four! :)

    JoHanna
    soapiejo007@hotmail.com

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  20. from dstout81@yahoo.com
    This is the perfect cookbook for me! If I don't win one, I will definitely be buying one...maybe two (one for my daughter as well!)
    Thank you for the opportunity to win this awesome book!! =)

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  21. Would I like to win it?
    You betcha!


    eveningstar888@aol.com

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  22. Jennifer, Those recipes sound delish! Would love to win.
    Linda
    Lizzie7677@aol.com

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  23. I would love to win the cookbook. All the recipes you prepared looked really good.
    lclee59@centurylink.net

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  24. Love the recipes you chose to show us. Sounds so yummy! Thanks for a chance at this book.
    wifeofcop83(at)yahoo(dot)com

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  25. Jen,
    The recipes look wonderful! Please enter me in your drawing. Thanks! :) Teri
    jtbrian55@gmail.com

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  26. The recipes sound wonderful and are making me hungry. I'd love to win so count me in.
    joosbornenc at yahoo dot com

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  27. Love those new books. Thanks for the chance to win one. Please enter me in your drawing.

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  28. my e-mail address is pradde@yahoo.com

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  29. Would love to win one. I love these cookbooks!

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  30. I liked the reviews. I would love a chance to win tihis book. Kathy ( Luckypookers9213@yahoo.com

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  31. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  32. I need anything Rush Hour to feed my family!

    my email address is : delindamauney@hotmail.com

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  33. First vist to your site and I love it. Would also love to win the new Gooseberry Patch cookbook.

    durham.pam90@gmail.com

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  34. I love these books and would love to finally own one!

    Linda Hill
    starrayhill@aol.com

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  35. Your review with making the recipes and including pictures was great. Loved it!

    Carol
    dearmrshuck@aol.com

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  36. Susan said...
    Would love a chance to win the Gooseberry Patch cookbook. Please entry me in the drawing. The cake looks so yummy.
    craftybikerbabe@live.com

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  37. Great recipes! Would love to add this to my cookbook collection!

    jknorman18@comcast.net

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  38. ME ME ME!!! Pick ME! LOL!! I need this one. If I'm not the lucky one, I will note down the name because this is one I will use for sure. Quick meals is the name of the game in my house these days. Thanks Jen! Oh. AWESOME casserole dish! Great gift you received!

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  39. That book sounds great I wold love to see what other recipes are in it. Love your your books
    meyers27@hotmail.com

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  40. I could really use this one.... or any gooseberry cookbook for that matter
    looks like some very yummy recipes

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  41. I would love to win a copy of this... I have a recipe that will appear in it and would love to give a copy to my mother! Can't wait to see it!! delaniakay@suddenlink.net

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  42. As a very busy working mom this cookbook would be wonderful to add to my collection, I may even leave a hint for hubby as an idea for my birthday :-) Great job on your reviews!

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  43. I think that this would be a good cookbook. Julie Lewelling email: JulieLewelling42@gmail.com

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  44. Jen,
    I nearly missed your post on the cookbook! The recipes look so yummy .. wish I had a few bites of everything right now :)
    Hugs,
    Donna

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  45. I can't wait to try these brownies! remagargee@juno.com

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  46. Sounds like a great cookbook! I love all the Gooseberry Cookbooks!!!


    chefmcclung@yahoo.com

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  47. Sounds like a great cookbook. Would love to win it.Due to my disabilities my husband does most of the cooking and this would be a great help for him. Thanks.....stantzcindy@yahoo.com

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  48. I would love to win this. Love their cookbooks and you have a great blog.

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  49. I would love to win this cook book!

    Thanks for sharing the three recipes; I'll be trying them real soon.

    Nancy
    nancy_folk@hotmail.com

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  50. I would love to win this cookbook. I am getting hungry reading about the recipes you posted. Thanks for the chance.

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  51. This sounds like a fantastic cookbook and I would love to win it. A lot of books have too many ingredients and are hard to follow. But these receipes seem like they are easy and are something that I could actually make! Thank you for the chance to win it. Joyce-ccarter13@windstream.net

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  52. love their cookbooks
    thanks for the giveaway
    aunteegem@yahoo.com

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  53. Wow. All these recipes look fantastic. I love Gooseberry Patch! Please stop by my blog anytime as I'm giving away a cookbook right now too. (Not GBP but still great!) Thanks for the chance to win.

    Everyday Mom's Meals

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  54. Yummy recipes....your blog is beautiful.
    Judy
    caspuur3@gmail.com

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  55. Chocolate and pasta! My two favorite things :) Also, love your blog...just added it to my desktop! Keep on cooking!!!

    Sally
    Sallyacosta@aol.com

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  56. My kind of cookbook - quick and easy! I love anything with the words Gooseberry Patch at the top :)
    Julie

    hartsj@embarqmail.com

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  57. I'd love to win. I love Goose Berry Patch. Such fun cookbooks! (And cute blog by the way!) ~Jenn

    jennthegreat@comcast.net

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  58. I would love to try the brownie recipe. I love chocolate!
    Tillman@cableone.net

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  59. I would love to win this cookbook... and I am going to try the "Better than Brownies" recipe from above... looks yummy

    anglswhspr224@gmail.com

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  60. I'm going to try this spinach recipe today. Sounds wonderful! Please enter me in your drawing.
    Thanks -
    Michele
    shlyzwrld@hotmail.com

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  61. The Better then Brownies sounds like my kind of baking. Please enter me in your drawing.
    Thanks
    Lisa
    miller33625@hotmail.com

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  62. I would love to win a copy
    Renita
    rfdooley@att.net

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  63. wow - looks great, and you gotta love a reviewer who shows pictures when she tries the recipes!!
    jbrophy3@aol.com

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  64. Gooseberry....my favorite of all my cookbooks.. there are only a few I don't have.. mostly the older ones.. still trying to find them at yard sales and on line. Would love to win this one. I have the perfect spot in my kitchen for it... among my collection..billandvic@yahoo.com...vicki

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  65. I would love to add this cookbook to my collection of Gooseberry Patch!!

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  66. Everything sounded great. I think that I'd like to try this cookbook! Thanks! Bobwhite4U@juno.com

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  67. The items you featured look yummy! Would love to win a copy of the book to get more. :)

    Thanks!
    Tammera
    smokeycougar@gmail.com

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  68. Every thing sounded yummy and looked good. Would love to win a copy of the book!!!!

    Thank you
    Bev
    wamorris@epowerc.net

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  69. Looks like a great book for busy people!


    jgrogers3@frontier.com

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  70. I would love to win this book.
    nettieplee@hotmail.com

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  71. I would love to win this book and add it to my collection!

    Barb
    gbt4@charter.net

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  72. Always looking for new, fresh ideas that don't take all day....Looks like a great book !!

    mai11ady1@hotmail.com

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  73. I would LOVE to win this cookbook, thanks for having the contest!!

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  74. I would like to win a copy of Rush Hour Recipes. Keeping my fingers crossed for luck!
    rosesnangels@yahoo.com

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  75. I would love to win this cookbook. Thank you.

    bkh49@hotmail.com

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  76. Thanks for the chance; would love to win!

    kkerhing@gmail.com

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  77. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks! You can never have too many of them!

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  78. Sounds like a great cookbook...please please choose my name
    Connie

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  79. would love to win! bettydun8716@gmail.com

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  80. I would love to win this cookbook - hope I'm the chosen one!! lisabentley0602@yahoo.com

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  81. This book would be awesome to win. sshook7888@aol.com

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  82. Please enter me into giveaway & thx for the great recipes!
    angeldove7dt@gmail.com

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  83. PLease enter me into the giveaway and thank you for all the great recipes. sweetness3498@hotmail.com

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  84. Please enter me into the giveaway! Your recipes are awesome!
    kelamaggard@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete

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