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Daffodils are showing off their sunshine petals and breezes are warming up again...spring is finally here to stay at Gooseberry Patch! In this April edition of "Feather Your Nest," we're tickled to bring you some of our favorite things that just sing spring.
Easter is coming up in just a week or so and, whether your celebrations are traditional or more along the lines of a backyard egg-hunt, everyone loves Sunday dinner gathered around the table. Delicious recipes for Vickie's Brown Sugar Ham and more are waiting below...perfect for holidays and every day!
We've also included a super-easy craft and some tabletop ideas to celebrate the season. So simple and enjoyable to whip up, they're a great way to make brunch extra-special or add a touch of whimsy any time. Open up the windows and let the fresh air in...we're so glad it's spring!
Everything's going green! |
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P.S. Even though the news can be a little gloomy these days, we're choosing to stay sunny-side up! In 25 years, looking on the bright side has never steered us wrong and, now more than ever, finding the kernel of good in everything is so important. What are some of the ways YOU'RE enjoying the simple joys these days? Click here to drop us a note...we love to hear from you!
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Whether using treasured family recipes or hosting an easy carry-in potluck, we just love Sunday dinners. There's just something about getting out a crisp, white tablecloth, using our nicest dishes and sitting down together as a family that recharges our batteries. Try these recipes for Easter dinner or the next time you all get together!
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Vickie's Brown Sugar Ham
The sweet & savory topping on this ham makes it perfect for supper on Sunday...delicious on
sandwiches the next day too! It's one of Vickie's stand-bys and can be found in our cookbook, Made From Scratch!
5-lb. fully cooked ham
1-1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
3/4 c. soft bread crumbs
2 t. dry mustard
1/2 t. cinnamon
1/4 t. ground cloves
1/3 c. pineapple juice
Place ham in a large roaster and bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees for one hour. Remove from oven and score top with a knife. Combine brown sugar, bread crumbs and spices; add juice and mix to form a thick paste. Spread over ham. Increase oven to 350 degrees; bake for 30 minutes, or until a meat thermometer reaches 160 degrees. Baste with pan juices before slicing. Serves 10.
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Grand Ma-Ma's Deviled Eggs
It's just not Easter without deviled eggs...try this recipe from our new cookbook, Summer in the Country. So easy to double for a bigger crowd too!
4 eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
1-1/2 t. vinegar
1/2 t. dry mustard
1/4 t. salt
1/8 t. pepper
1/2 t. sugar
1-1/2 T. butter, melted
1/4 t. Worcestershire sauce
Garnish: paprika
Halve eggs and arrange egg whites on a serving platter or split as shown in photo and set into individual egg cups. In a bowl, mash yolks well with a fork. Add remaining ingredients except paprika; mix well. Spoon mixture into a plastic zipping bag and squeeze down into the corner of the bag. Snip off the corner and pipe mixture into whites; sprinkle with paprika. Makes 8 servings.
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Handpainted with little flowers, chicks and bunnies...we can't resist egg cups!
It's one of those things that we both keep an eye out for at flea markets and snap them up whenever we can. Their vintage charm is undeniable but even some newer styles have stolen our hearts too. Here are a few of our favorites...
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No egg cups on hand for Sunday dinner? We like to use dessert dishes, ramekins, votive holders and more to hold our Easter best. Perfect for showing off colorful hand-dipped eggs, pull together a few of these unexpected goodies for a centerpiece that'll make 'em smile.
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A complete cookbook index online...click books in your collection to find favorites in a flash! |
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Every SALE item is easy to find...get all the deals with just a click of your mouse! |
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Submit your own recipes, crafts, tips and ideas...you could be published in one of our cookbooks! |
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Shop from the comfort of home...any time of day, even in your jammies! |
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Seriously Simple Banner
String this festive springtime bunting across a picture window, over the dining room table or even on a picket fence to welcome guests. All you need is some pretty paper and ribbon, scissors, a hole punch and a few dabs of glue.
For a fun twist, use pinking shears or decorative-edged scissors to cut out each panel. We printed out letters, trimmed them out and secured to the panels with glue. You could keep it simple with just patterned paper or dig into your fabric stash and use some pretty calico or gingham instead.
We opted for the pennant shape but you could also use oversized punches to add other springy shapes (even bunnies!) to your banner. Just punch holes in the corners of whatever shape you choose and string on ribbon.
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We've got our very own Lunch Ladies here at Gooseberry Patch...Stacie & Michelle of the Creative Team are serving hearty homemade dishes and collecting donations for local charities. All of us lucky lunchers have gotten to try plenty of recipes from our cookbooks and several of Stacie & Michelle's originals too. Thanks for the delicious lunches, ladies!
So far, the funds raised have been donated to the Salvation Army, the Delaware County Animal Shelter and a few other great local organizations. Last month, everyone at Gooseberry Patch teamed up to support the Mid-Ohio Food Bank! The Lunch Ladies donated 100% of their funds and, thanks to a company food-drive, we donated several huge bags of groceries to needy families in our area.
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 You know what April showers bring...Thanks for reading "Feather Your Nest" and we hope you'll join us again next month. We're planning a good old-fashioned plant swap so don't miss it! |
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