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 November is here and with it comes a season of gratitude. We're so thankful for friends like you, who continue to share your lives and stories (and recipes!) with us. We hope you enjoy this special edition of Feather Your Nest. A few weeks back, when we asked you to send us your acts of kindness, we had no idea what a response we'd get. We've highlighted some of our favorites below |
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and we know they'll brighten your day.
Even while we're getting ready to give thanks this month, Christmas is on the horizon. We can't wait to start baking cookies, decorating the tree, hanging the stockings...can you tell we're excited? You'll love the recipes we've included below. They're from our latest co-published cookbook, Classic Christmas Recipes, and will be tasty additions to your table any time of year...even Thanksgiving!
Speaking of the big feast, we'd love to include your recipes in an upcoming cookbook. Read about what we're looking for below and then share your family's favorites with just a click!
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Thanks for being part of the Gooseberry Patch family over the years...we just couldn't do it without you.
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P.S. Next month brings all the excitement of Christmas and to celebrate our new book, Homemade Christmas, we're throwing a virtual open house...you're invited and the fun starts soon! Be sure to tell your friends and keep an eye on our blog and our Page on Facebook for details coming soon.
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In celebration of our book,
Recipes for Saying Thanks,
we asked you to share all your acts of kindness, no matter how big or small.
Whether you give back to your family, your community or to folks you don't even know, we knew that we'd get some great ideas from all of you.
What we didn't know was how MANY we'd receive - nearly 500 in all! It was overwhelming and heartwarming and for that, we thank you. It's so inspiring to be reminded what giving spirits you all have. |
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We thought we'd share a dozen of the most touching acts of kindness.
In this season of gratitude, we're so thankful for YOU!
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When my daughters were younger, they along with many of their friends would gather together for a day of baking for our older neighbors and residents at our local nursing home at Christmas time. Not only did this teach them to do good things for others, it gave all of us a fun day to get together outside our busy lifestyles. It also lead to a very messy kitchen with about twelve girls baking. But all in all, it made for some good memories. My daughters are now 20 and 23 and they still recall the fun they had and it feels good to help others out.
- Lori from Francesville, IN, Gooseberry Patch Guestbook
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I like to pay for the person behind me in the drive thru line when I am getting coffee in the morning! It is always nice to hear them honk their horn or see them waving with a big smile on their face!
- Sandra E., Gooseberry Patch blog reader
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My six children (ages 2 - 13) & I gather used and broken crayons and "recycle" them into brand new crayons in cute little shapes. They package them up in little baggies with ribbon & a tag and then we go to the ever-popular Dollar Store where they each spend their own $10 purchasing coloring books. We deliver them to our local hospitals for patients in the pediatric unit and ER and send packages to children's charities. They love the idea of taking something "old and icky" and making something that may bring a smile to another child! We Call it "Operation Caring Crayons."
- Kristina Mathison Cosgrove, Gooseberry Patch Facebook fan
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I use coupons with weekly sales to get a box of food for the local food pantry every month. I know how much the demand has increased during this economic downturn and my smart shopping helps someone in need.
- Sharon, Gooseberry Patch blog reader
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My favorite way to give thanks is to volunteer. Every week on my days off I volunteer at a local museum which helps me give back to the community and help out the staff at the museum. I love getting the chance to educate school children about wildlife and conservation and it is my way to give back and say thanks.
- Stefanie, Gooseberry Patch blog reader
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Showing an act of kindness is something I try to do with every breath I take. My goal for each day is to make someone else happy. Just a smile, holding the door open, allowing someone else get in line in front of me, telling someone who is having a hard time/bad day that I'll pray for them, sending someone a note or card to lift their spirits (and not always signing it!), giving someone a hug, taking a meal to someone who just had a baby or surgery, cleaning house/doing laundry for someone who is sick, telling someone "I care about you. I'm here for you." There is so much that can be done for others and most of it doesn't cost money...just give them your heart.
- Tina George, Gooseberry Patch blog reader
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One of the quickest , easiest and profound acts of kindness that almost anyone can do is to donate blood! I did it yesterday! It only takes minutes out of your day and saves lives!
- Lisa Kain, Gooseberry Patch Facebook fan
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Make the most of the holiday season with these recipes from our latest collection of time-tested,
family favorites,
Classic Christmas Recipes. |
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Parmesan-Onion Soup
A rich and flavorful soup that will warm you to your toes!
3 T. butter, melted
4 c. onions, thinly sliced
1/2 t. sugar
1 T. all-purpose flour
4 c. water
salt and pepper to taste
4 French bread slices, toasted
1/2 c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
In a large saucepan, combine butter, onions and sugar; saute 20 to 25 minutes or until onions are golden brown. Stir in flour; continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Add water and simmer, partially covered, for 30 minutes. Add salt and pepper, blending well. Fill 4 oven-proof bowls with soup; top each with a bread slice and sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese. Bake in a 400 degree oven until cheese melts. Serves 4.
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Pecan Pie Bars
Wonderful little pecan pie bars you can't stop eating! Great for a church social or holiday cookie exchange.
1-1/4 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. plus 3 T. brown sugar, packed
and divided
1/2 c. plus 2 T. butter, divided
2 eggs
1/2 c. light corn syrup
1 t. vanilla extract
1/2 c. chopped pecans
Combine flour with 3 tablespoons brown sugar; cut in 1/2 cup butter until coarse crumbs form. Press into a lightly greased 11"x7" baking pan. Bake at 375 degrees for 20 minutes. While crust is baking, beat eggs in a large bowl and add remaining brown sugar, 2 tablespoons melted butter, corn syrup and vanilla. Blend in pecans and pour mixture into hot crust. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes. Cool and cut into bars. Makes 2 dozen.
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You can share ANY of this good stuff
with your friends with a
click of your mouse!
 Look for the LIKE button throughout
our website and on our blog to share
with your friends on Facebook.
Click the Share button to print, email
or spread the word in lots of other ways.
When you see this button, give it a try!
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Join us next month when we'll be celebrating the holiday season with free downloads and lots more goodies for the holidays. See you in December for another edition of Feather Your Nest!
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