Monday, May 28, 2012

"The Christmas Table" cookbook review and GIVEAWAY!

Today I am reviewing a new cookbook for Gooseberry Patch, called "The Christmas Table."
I love GP's cookbooks, but the Christmas ones are particularly wonderful. The graphics, tips and memories shared from readers make these fun to just sit and read! Read on to find out how you can win a FREE copy of this great new cookbook! But first, I have tested three recipes and I'd love to share them with you!

The first one I tried is called "Angelic Scampi." The creator touts this as a healthier version of traditional shrimp scampi.
INGREDIENTS:
16-oz. package angel hair pasta, uncooked
2 tsp. olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp. dried oregano
1 lb. medium shrimp, peeled and cleaned
1/4 Cup white wine or chicken broth
2 tsp. cornstarch
3/4 Cup chicken broth
salt and pepper to taste

Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and keep warm. Meanwhile, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic; saute one minute. Add oregano; stir to coat in oil. Add shrimp; saute until pink, about 3 minutes. Pour in 1/4 C. wine or broth; reduce heat and simmer one minute. In a small bowl, dissolve cornstarch in 3/4 C. chicken broth; add to skillet. Simmer about 2 minutes, until sauce thickens; season with salt and pepper. Transfer cooked pasta to a large serving bowl; pour shrimp and sauce over top. Toss before serving. Serves 4.
VERDICT: This was pretty good. I appreciated the fact that this is a much healthier version of traditional scampi. Truth be told, I found that I missed the butter...the richness was absent. Plus I love garlic but this was too much. Both my husband and I thought so.
The next recipe I chose is called, "The Best Scones Ever." With a name like that, I had to!
INGREDIENTS:
3 C. all-purpose flour
1/3 C. plus 2 Tbsps. sugar, divided
2-1/2 tsps. baking powder
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt 3/4 C. butter, softened and sliced
1 C. buttermilk
Optional: 1 C. cinnamon chips, white chocolate chips, raisins or currants, or 1/2 C. crystallized ginger, dried apricots or dried cherries, chopped

In a large bowl, stir together flour, 1/3 C. sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut butter into flour mixture until mixture is coarse and crumbly.
Add buttermilk; stir with a fork until a soft dough forms.
Add optional ingredients, if using. (I used a combination of Craisins and dried cherries, chopped.) Gather dough into a ball, pressing gently to hold together.
Turn out onto a lightly-floured surface; knead about a dozen times, or until dough is no longer sticky. Cut dough in half. Roll or pat dough into a 1/2-inch thick, 7-inch circle. Sprinkle with remaining sugar. Cut circle into 6 or 8 wedges; place on ungreased baking sheet.
Repeat with remaining dough. Allow dough to rest 10 minutes. Bake at 425 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes, until golden.
Cool on wire racks. Makes 12 to 16.
VERDICT: These were really delicous. Even my kids, who were skeptical, loved them. So very simple to make and they go perfectly with a glass of milk or a cup of coffee! The only thing I would change is reduce the oven temperature to 400 degrees. I took these out at 10 minutes at 425. The bottoms were very brown, and as you can see, the tops could be browner.

OK! One last recipe to share, and it's a good one. If you've been reading my blog, you know I've been having a mini-obsession with Buffalo chicken dip. When I saw a new recipe for this I had to give it a try! It's called, "Blue Cheese & Buffalo Chicken Dip."
INGREDIENTS:
8-oz. package cream cheese, softenend
1/2 Cup blue cheese salad dressing
1/2 Cup favorite flavor mild or hot pepper sauce
1/2 Cup blue cheese crumbles
(2) 12-1/2 oz. cans chicken breast, drained
1 Cup shredded Mexican-blend cheese
crackers, tortilla scoops or sliced veggies

In a bowl, combine cream cheese, salad dressing and hot sauce. Fold in blue cheese and chicken. (I did not add extra blue cheese chunks, just a bit more dressing. Also, I only had one can of chicken so that's all I used.) Spread in an ungreased 8"x8" baking pan; sprinkle with shredded cheese.
Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for about 20 minutes, or until bubbly. Serve warm with dippers. Serves 8 to 12.
VERDICT: Super yum!! This was spicier than most, since there is a fair amount of hot sauce. It's creamy, thick and the cheese on top adds an extra dimension of flavor. Really, really good. This is now my family's favorite version of this dish!

I have an extra copy of "The Christmas Table," generously provided by the good folks at Gooseberry Patch. Would you like to win it? All you have to do is leave a comment on this post WITH your email address attached and I will pick a random winner on JUNE 8th. That's it! If you can't wait, you can purchase the book at GP's website here.

Well thanks for reading, and best of luck!

♥ Jen

89 comments:

  1. The recipes seem really yummy.
    bveinotte@juno.com

    ReplyDelete
  2. HELLO! I'D LOVE TO WIN A COPY OF THIS ATTRACTIVE COOKBOOK! THANKS FOR SHARING!

    msstitcher1214@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great reviews Jen! Skip me for this giveaway since I won the last one. :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. RECIPES LOOK GREAT...WOULD LOVE TO WIN!!!

    vivsews0@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. WOW what great looking recipes. I know that the dip would be a big winner in my family.
    msgb245 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  6. I love the GB Patch cookbooks especially the Christmas ones. The recipes look yummy! I would love to have the cookbook.
    Hugs,
    Donna

    ReplyDelete
  7. I would love to win this cookbook
    thanks for the giveaway
    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Please enter me. GBP is my fave.

    Erin
    eparker@arkwest.com

    ReplyDelete
  9. I agree that the GP Christmas cookbooks are the best!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. I will definitely be making the scones and the chicken dip. I am not a fan of garlic so skipping the scampi. Would love to win this book...thanks for this opportunity!

    Rosemary
    rtrezza1@tampabay.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I can't resist the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks!!!!! A new Christmas Recipe book sounds perfect. Thanks. Sue Stout

    ReplyDelete
  12. I really love...LoVe....LOVE!!!!!! GB cookbooks. They're down to earth cooking...home made never tasted sooooo good.

    freebird72009@live.com

    ReplyDelete
  13. Love gooseberry cookbooks! Would love to own this one! jolleygirl75@hotmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  14. Please..please I have got to have this cookbook! Thanks!

    ranshebrown@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thanks For Sharing!!! pvfd8515@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thx for your honest thoughts on their recipes!!!! I have such a fetish for gooseberry Patch cookbookz...NEED ALL of them!!! hugs, Claire

    ReplyDelete
  17. Would love to win a copy of this book! Thanks so much for the giveaway!


    kathrynuwa@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  18. All of the recipes sounds so yummy! Would love to win a cookbook!!

    Debbie

    auntbee52@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  19. I love Gooseberry Patch book and I love Christmas this book would just a little bit more to my familys christmas.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Luv all the recipes and luv everything Gooseberry! Would luv to own this book...thanks for the chance to win. carolynrambo@dslextreme.com

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love, love, love Gooseberry Patch! Hope I win! its4connie@verizon.net

    ReplyDelete
  22. I have DOZENS of cookbooks... :) but there is always room for one more! I LOVE them all.
    miracle8197@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  23. Love the sound of these recipes, and plan to try the last one this weekend for a party. I would love to win this book to add to my other favorites. amhbear@centurylink.net

    ReplyDelete
  24. Looks like a tasty dip. I would like to try this too! heyjude64784@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  25. I'd love to win this book!

    butterfly843@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  26. Thanks for the great recipes. Can't wait to try them at Christmastime! I love Gooseberry Patch and would be so happy to win this cookbook :) Thanks! janeausten7@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  27. This is the first time I have been to your blog. I am a huge Gooseberry Patch fan. They have a link to your page. I just wanted to say I really like the fact that you are very honest in your post and I like the pics and comments for the recipes. I will be visiting your blog again. I really like the honesty you give! Thanks for the giveaway!!
    Thank you,
    Liz Holt
    holtluv@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  28. These recipes look so delicious . i would love to have this book. i love cooking and trying new things. so does my family .

    Yahaira
    Stewart_yahaira.ortiz@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  29. These recipes look great and I really enjoy Gooseberry Patch Cook Books.


    saaeastlake@att.net

    ReplyDelete
  30. I love Gooseberry Patch books. Would love to win? mmgood@pwrtc.com

    ReplyDelete
  31. Hi there! I would LOVE to win this Christmas Gooseberry Book! Can you believe I don't own not one Gooseberry Patch Cookbook? Crazy .. yes I know! I have just recently discovered them, and I Can't wait to get one in my hands! LOL! I have been a stay at home mom for the past 10 years raising our two boys. Just recently I have gone back to school. Being in College and taking care of family has been a huge adjustment for me .. but I wouldn't change it for the world! I am sure this book could give me some great, easy, fun, tips for the children this holiday season.
    Thank you! Jennifer Dorward
    zachwes12@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I would love to win this book - I have a HUGE collection of Gooseberry Books and love each and every one of them. So many delicious recipes. hagencarol11@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. As usual with Gooseberry these recipes sound wonderful. I also like the fact you incuded your verdict of the finished product. Would love to add to my collection of Gooseberry.
    Carole from Indiana cbdb1993@sbcglobal.net

    ReplyDelete
  34. That chicken dip sounds yummy,I'm a Gooseberry Collecter,haven't been lately because of the economy.Hopefully I'll get back into the swing of things soon.I think I have about 25 books !
    Rose
    rozysden57@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. BTW I'm in central NY also....Rome

      Delete
  35. I love GP, and these all sound good! I'd love to win the book.

    amybradsher@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hello and love your blog.....I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and would love to win this one :)

    ReplyDelete
  37. Ooh love Gooseberry Patch and their yummy recipes! Thanks for the great giveaway opportunity :)

    luvcooking2 at yahoo dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. Love the fact that I don't have to go buy some expensive hard to find ingredient for their recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  39. The buffalo chicken dip sounds fantastic! The pictures are great also! I would love to win the cookbook.

    Rball143@comcast.net

    ReplyDelete
  40. The recipes look so yummy. Would love to add this cook book to my collection of Goose Berry Patch.

    JMR
    beema4@msn.com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the reviews. Going to try the scones, sounds yummy.

    uhave2loveufirst@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. I just love Gooseberry Patch. They have such yummy recipes in their cookbooks and this one looks like it won't disappoint. Love the cover! Hope I'll get to enjoy it!! Thanks for the chance to win!

    Joan
    jcrunkle@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  43. Would love a copy of your new book to add to my collection. I am addicted to all of these books.


    bdm315@windstream.net

    ReplyDelete
  44. This comment has been removed by the author.

    ReplyDelete
  45. I love the Goosberry Patch cook books! The Scones recipes looks great - it is a "must try"

    wilson@haxtuntel.net

    ReplyDelete
  46. Would love to win. Thanks. elaine1255(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  47. Would love to win. Thank you.
    choirlady27@hotmnail.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. The recipes look wonderful and would love to have a cookbook!!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Christmas just makes me smile!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Will definitely try the recipes and I would love to add The Christmas Table to my collection of GP cookbooks! Thank you cindycraig58@Gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  51. Yaaaay Gooseberry Patch!! I love their cookbooks too! These recipes look yummy! I'm with you - the buffalo chicken dip looks divine! Can't wait to try it myself! Thanks soooo much for sharing! :) kellykcmom@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hey--now we are talking my language--Christmas and food!!! Would love this book--to read--
    and I will hire you to cook some of the recipes for me!!!!!
    Hugs, Di and miss gracie

    ReplyDelete
  53. Love gooseberry books! Also like your post on the real food you made with no sugar coating but really feelings! thanks. stacy scp672000@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  54. Would so love to win this Christmas book thanks for giving us a chance.


    lindasusan4951@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  55. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. I love scones and want to try the scone recipe. Thank you for the chance to win this Christmas book.

    ReplyDelete
  56. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. I love scones and want to try the scone recipe. Thank you for the chance to win this Christmas book.
    darcher5@neo.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  57. Please add me to the list of winning hopefuls for GP's The Kitchen Table book.

    jaynekdr@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  58. I just found your blog through a GP link on fb!! Gonna add to my blog folder. I would love this cookbook; I love Gooseberry Patch and the recipes are consistently great!!
    mrs.eagle.js@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  59. Hi, First time on your blog. Love it! I have many of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and would love to add The Christmas Table to my collection.
    I bring a pile with me to bed to read the stories and check out the recipes. Over the years I have used many of the recipes for parties and family gatherings. Always delicious.
    Leslie ldtancosh58@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  60. would love to have this book. i always enjoy reading and getting ideals from the gooseberry books. they are always so interesting and down to earth.

    ReplyDelete
  61. I would love to win this cookbook! I love Gooseberry cookbooks!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Would love to win a copy of the new cookbook. I always look for Gooseberry cookbooks when our local library has their book sales.
    Linda.Earnest@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. I would love to have the Christmas cookbook. I am always looking for something new to take to Christmas parties.
    Jennie
    rmc18mom@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. Hi, Would love this book!!

    ReplyDelete
  65. Hi, This book sounds like what I would love to read!
    Tesssharris@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  66. What an amazing time I'd have trying out these recipes on my bunko and church groups. Would love to win this book so I can be the "talk" of the town.
    gsnapfl@cox.net

    ReplyDelete
  67. i would love to win this cookbook. I try with everyone but my luck has not held out for one I LOVE GB cookbooks buy just cant afford them and i love christmas recipies.

    emilybaze21@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  68. that dip looks delicious
    thanks for the giveaway
    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  69. The scones looks so good!! hoteatsandcooloreads(at)gmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  70. The dip sounds amazing! I love GBP cookbooks- I have several and am published in one! But I could always use another!
    arbonnewithamy@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  71. That dip looks really great. I'd love to win the cookbook.

    Connie Burley. ctburley2@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  72. I enjoy checking out the gooseberry patch text on FBI, I have a few of their books, love each of them, I have a Birthday coming up June 11th., I will b 62 & love cooking, So I am hoping that I am lucky enough to win this latest GB Patch cookbook!!! Thanks for the chance to try!!!
    ;))

    ReplyDelete
  73. The recipes once again sound delishish....can't wait to get my copy...addicted to Gooseberry Patch along with Creative Memories....thanks for the opportunity to leave a comment and a chance to win the extra copy.

    ReplyDelete
  74. Thank you for chance!
    jproshek@tampabay.rr.com

    ReplyDelete
  75. I love CHRISTMAS BOOKS and love Gooseberry Patch.

    ReplyDelete
  76. Love the scone recipe--thanks for the tips!!!

    ReplyDelete
  77. Love the Christmas recipes cook books! I got the Gooseberry Batch calendar for 2012. Love the recipes here too.
    Mary G.
    grifith176@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  78. Love the Chicken dip. i have made it many times!! eddie_towe@bellsouth.net

    ReplyDelete
  79. I love anything Gooseberry Patch. I have many of their books and would love to have this one.
    Can't wait to try the Buffalo Dip
    bozgirl2000@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  80. I LOVE GOOSEBERRY PATCH,AND ESPECIALLY THE CHRISTMAS ONES. I WOULD LOVE TO WIN THIS NEW BOOK. I ALSO LIKE YOUR ASSESMENT AT THE END OF THE RECIPES
    JPOGGE@COMM1NET.NET

    ReplyDelete
  81. Not a bad recipe to be found. Good food, good reading and lots of great tips. LOVE LOVE LOVE Gooseberry patch. kacqua0909@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  82. "Yummy in the Tummy"
    rkengel@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  83. Thanks so much for sharing the recipes.
    Pauline Lynch
    somthin.special@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  84. Christmas Cookbooks are the best! Would luv to try these recipes :) bandeclawing@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  85. What a perfect cookbook for Christmas holidays.
    These recipes sound so good and easy.

    ReplyDelete
  86. I <3 GBP-I remember when they had their Country Store in your mailbox catalog-I ordered often! I own many GBP cookbooks, especially <3 the seasonal ones!

    ReplyDelete
  87. Really need this cookbook for my xmas dinner! Jayekb@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  88. thank you so much for sharing the fun recipes!
    rlead23@aol.com

    ReplyDelete

Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.