"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

Mallory's Big Box

I love making little makeup/doo-dad bags. I've made lots in the past, mostly the Little Glam Bag...

And these, Abby's Treasure Box from This & That.

I had stopped at my LQS last week to pick up some Best Press, and I spotted the pattern "Mallory's Big Box," also from This & That. I've been eyeing it for awhile online, so I grabbed it while I was there. It's like a big version of Abby's Treasure Box, with a few variations. I chose these fabrics...

Charlevoix charms, and a print from Denyse Schmidt for Joann's.

The box was fun to make. The heavy interfacing it calls for makes for some interesting sounds from my sewing machine at times. At the end, when you're supposed to sew four layers of fabric/interfacing together (while sewing the handle on) my needle broke. I switched to a heavy-duty needle, lowered the tension, and I made it through. Next time I think I'll leave the interfacing out of the handle, I don't think it's necessary. I also left off the little pull on the opposite side of the zipper. One brush with a flying broken needle was enough for me. Anyway, here it is...

 

 

 

 

It's really big! I put a votive candle in front of it so you could see the scale.

I'm not sure what's going to go in it yet...it can hold a lot of whatever that might be, though!

That's it for now...hope everyone is doing well!

♥ Jen

Happenings

In the interest of copying being inspired by one of my heroes, Pam Kitty Morning, I thought I'd take a picture of my coffee this morning. Cute mug, no? From HomeGoods, of course. I have a pink one as well.

Speaking of Pam, did you see that she has a new fabric line that will be premiered next month at Quilt Market? Joy! Pam + Lakehouse is like a dream come true for my fabric tastes. I love her first line so I can't wait to get my hands on the new one too.

I ended up working on the February block of the Shabby Fabrics BOM right after January's. If you recall, I was contemplating moving right to March. But laziness won out, and since I had already printed off February's pattern, I went with that one.

This is not pressed and I see a little blue pen still, but you get the gist. Obviously embellishments will be added after quilting. March's block is coming along, then I'll move on to April. One of these days I'll get caught up!

I went to Christmas Tree Shops this morning, and guess what I got? Reading glasses! I've been noticing that I have to hold my embroidery right up close to my face, so I figured it was time. I have always wanted to wear glasses. My twin sister got prescription glasses when we were in 5th grade, and I've been jealous ever since. My husband and both kids wear them as well. I just think they're so cute and might make me look a bit smart. LOL Anyway, reading glasses are a step in the right direction. And they were only 5 bucks!

I  also got this cute little Americana throw for $12.99. It will be the perfect summery tablecloth for my kitchen table. The cats had to inspect it first thing.

Hol doesn't seem very excited about it. Either that or it's really cozy and she's ready for a nap.

Ok I've got a ton of housework to do so that's it for today. Talk to you later!

♥ Jen

"Simple Shortcut Recipes" Winner!

Hello everyone! I hope you're having a great weekend! Without further ado, I'll announce the winner of the Gooseberry Patch cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes!

Like I stated in the original post, I had to disregard a few entries if there was no blog name or email attached. Sorry, but I've had people win who have never come back to check, and I had to redraw a number. This way I can contact you if you've won! So out of the 21 qualified entries, my daughter randomly chose number 7, who is...

Jen (at Miss Punkie Pie)!

Jen wrote: C'mon! Pick my name for this one! I think it's a winner (minus the dip - don't care for buffalo chicken). I could sooooo use quick dinner ideas. Going to put the meatball stew ingredients on my next shopping list. :)

Congrats Jen! And if anyone who didn't win would still like their own copy, you can purchase it here.Thanks for your entries, everyone! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

♥ Jen

Some sewing

Hey there my lovely friends! I hope you all are well. I'm melting a wonderful new wax tart today that I got from Can-Do Candles & Tarts, called "Mary's Margaritas." Oooh it is so yummy! Love aromatherapy.

It takes me forever to finish a quilt block for a BOM. I think I have a short attention span. I do one thing and then I put it aside to do something totally unrelated. Anyway I finally finished the January block for Shabby Fabrics' free Block of the Month. I did only start it this month, mind you! I used Pam Kitty Morning's white with yellow dot for the background, which will be the same every month.

I used a variegated DMC floss for the snowflakes. Just a little subtle variation, from cream to pink to yellow...isn't it pretty?

I just love this cute little snowman! Hmmm, maybe it's a snowwoman, with the pink?

I made a few changes from the pattern. I did not embroider window panes, because the fabric was pretty much self-paned. I also did not add snowflakes to the front of the house...I think the polka dots kind of look like snowflakes already. And, I used jumbo rick rack instead of fabric for the eaves. As you can see, I used the fuse-and-blanket stitch method of applique. I was not about to attempt that with all those curves! Eek.

I'll add the doorknob button later. So now I'm not sure if I should just continue in order and go to February, or just pick up on the current month and go back to February (and probably March) when I get to them. I'm leaning towards going back to them later. What would you do?

If you haven't already, don't forget to enter my giveaway for the latest Gooseberry Patch cookbook! I'll draw a winner on Saturday. Go to this post to enter.

Enjoy your day!

♥ Jen

Gooseberry Patch cookbook review and GIVEAWAY!

Today is a great day because I get to review the newest Gooseberry Patch cookbook, "Simple Shortcut Recipes." And I have an extra copy to give away! Read on to find out how to enter.

Available for purchase here!

I must say this is one of my favorite GP cookbooks to date, and I have many! These are recipes for every day; you know, the busy days that you just don't have time to make a from-scratch meal, but you don't want to order pizza again. When I receive a new cookbook, I put sticky-notes on every page that appeals to me; there are MANY in "Simple Shortcut Recipes!" For my review, I narrowed it down to three. The first one I tried is called, "Rainy-Day Meatball Stew."


INGREDIENTS:
3 potatoes, peeled and cubed
16-oz. pkg. frozen sliced carrots
1 onion, chopped
3 stalks celery, sliced
12-oz. pkg. frozen meatballs
10-3/4 oz. can tomato soup
10-1/2 oz. can beef gravy
1 Cup water
1.35-oz. pkg. onion soup mix
2 tsp. beef bouillon granules

Place vegetables and meatballs in a slow cooker. In a bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients; pour over vegetables and meatballs. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, or until vegetables are tender. Serves 6.

I did not take pictures for the preparation of this dish...honestly, it was so easy that pictures would be totally unnecessary. But I did take one of my daughter enjoying her dinner!

VERDICT: This gets an A+. It is tasty, very easy, and everybody liked it. I will definitely make it again!

Ok, onto recipe number two..."Kari's Buffalo Chicken Dip." I was really excited when I spotted this recipe, because someone brought a similar dip to a Super Bowl party I went to and I could not get enough! I couldn't wait to make it myself, and this did not disappoint! (NOTE: I made a half recipe, thus the smaller dish and amount of ingredients in the picture; however I printed the recipe as written.)

INGREDIENTS:
2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
1 deli roast chicken, boned and chopped
16-oz. bottle blue cheese salad dressing
1/3 Cup hot pepper sauce, or to taste
tortilla chips

As you can see, I did not use a deli chicken; but for the first time ever, I used canned chicken. I was suspicious at first but it's all white meat, with no preservatives...and it looks good! Great to keep in your pantry, which I now do!

Combine all ingredients except tortilla chips in an ungreased 13" x 9" baking pan. (Mine is 8" square.)

Bake, uncovered, at 375 degrees for 30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Serve with tortilla chips. Serves 12 to 16.

REVIEW: Super duper YUM!! In addition to the tortilla chips, I also cut up celery sticks and cucumbers to serve with it. And, Wheat Thins go great with it too. I'm already dreaming about making this again!

The last recipe I will review is "Best-Ever Pot Roast." Pot Roast is one of my favorite dishes to make in my crockpot, so I love to try out new versions.

INGREDIENTS:
3 lbs. redskin potatoes, quartered
16-oz. pkg. baby carrots
2 onions, sliced
3-lb. beef chuck roast
1 to 2 Tbsps. oil
10-3/4 oz. can cream of onion soup
10-3/4 oz. can cream of celery soup
1/2 Cup water
Sea salt to taste

Place potatoes, carrots and onions in a large slow cooker; set aside. In a skillet over medium high heat, lightly brown roast in oil. Place on top of vegetables. Pour soups and water over roast; sprinkle with salt. Cover and cook on low setting for 10 hours. Serves 6.

REVIEW: As my husband said, this is the BEST pot roast I've ever made! Seriously, the flavors are perfect. I don't have a super-large crockpot so I had to cut down on the amount of veggies I added...even so, it was filled to the top. Cream of Onion soup proved to be hard to find, but they did have it at Walmart. OH! And I did NOT brown the roast first. I didn't have time. It was fabulous without the extra step.

I hope you liked my review! Let me know if you try any of these recipes, I'd love to hear what you think! Would you like to win a copy of "Simple Shortcut Recipes?" Great! Just leave me a comment on this post by Saturday, March 31st. I will randomly choose a comment number on that date. Please make sure that your email address is provided either as a link to your name or in your comment itself; no email, no entry!

Thanks for visiting and best of luck!

♥ Jen

A bit of sunshine

Hello, it's me! How is everyone doing? Are you experiencing nice, warm weather in your neck of the woods? We've been setting record highs in Central New York...today it's supposed to be 74. Unbelievable, but I'm not complaining! The sun is out, the bulbs are coming up, and the birds are singing. It's so nice to have the windows open in March. Love it!

I'm starting a new Block of the Month, albeit a bit late. It's a free one from Shabby Fabrics, and I just love it. I picked up a few supplies at Joann's this morning, like fusible web and ric-rac. Here are the fabrics I picked out from my stash for January's block.

I have all the background squares cut out. I'm using a white with yellow polka dots from Pam Kitty Morning. I bought it from Desperate Quilters, one of my favorite online fabric stores.

Have you done any spring decorating? I have a few things out, but I did get two more items at TJ Maxx today. Isn't this little pitcher cute? I can picture a few blooms from the garden in this, on a side table.

I also got this great watering can. I could not resist the vintage-y pattern.

And I put some artificial Easter eggs in my cute little bird cloche.

You know how I love to melt wax tarts...well, one of my favorite vendors, Carol from Candles from the Keeping Room, sends these sweet bunny tarts out as samples with springtime orders. I don't know how I'm going to melt them, they're just so adorable!

St. Patrick's Day is this weekend! Do you have any big plans? We're going to the annual Maple Festival nearby...it's not very St. Paddy's Day-ish, but what can you do. We'll have corned beef and cole slaw sandwiches for dinner. No one in my family likes corned beef and cabbage except for me, so this is a good compromise!

Next week I'll have my review of Simple Shortcut Recipes, along with a giveaway. Please come visit me again!

♥ Jen