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March is here and that means we're thinking Spring! While it may not make its official arrival for a few more weeks, we're already watching for the trees outside to start budding and for happy mama robins building nests. We love this season of new beginnings...thanks so much for joining us for the March edition of Feather Your Nest!
Speaking of new beginnings, we're so excited to introduce a brand new cookbook, Homestyle in a Hurry! Our Early Bird Reviewers have been tweeting all about it on their blogs and we've been busy trying out these quick & easy recipes here at Gooseberry Patch. We just know you're gonna
love it!
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Below we're sharing lots of goodies from the book...a recipe, a handful of tips and a chance for you to WIN an autographed copy! Keep reading for all the details. You'll also find some new FREE Goodies to use on the web and a crafty idea perfect for your feathered friends this time of year. Even if it does come in like a lion, we're so glad March is here!
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When it comes to dinnertime, we're bound to be short on time now and then and that's where our BRAND NEW cookbook comes in handy! Filled with simple (but tasty!) recipes that are ready in a flash, Homestyle in a Hurry is here to help on those days when the clock is ticking and you need some kitchen inspiration.
Filled with over 200 homestyle recipes - all your favorites! - that are all ready in under 30 minutes, it's destined to be your go-to on those days when you wonder where the time has gone. When we started working on this cookbook, we didn't just want to make a quick & easy collection - it's not just about the time savings. It's about getting to spend more quality time with family & friends too, right?
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But how do you keep dinner
from feeling like a dash
when time is short?
That question was our inspiration for the tips at the bottom of each page and we're sure YOU have some great ideas too. We're so sure, in fact, that we decided to make it a fun contest...share your ideas and you could WIN one of FIVE free autographed copies of the book! | |
Share your tips with us on our blog and you could win an
autographed copy of this cookbook, Homestyle in a Hurry!
We'll share the winning tips in a few weeks and we'd love to
send YOU a free cookbook.
Do you use a clever timesaving ingredient that simplifies dinner without sacrificing flavor? Do you have a trick to speed up shopping or make meal-planning a snap? Share your best idea by clicking below and leaving a comment...you'll be entered to win!
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Still not sure what kinds of ideas we're looking for?
Here are some tips from Homestyle in a Hurry to get you thinking...
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It takes just minutes to make breakfast fun for kids, especially on the school days. Cut the centers from a slice of toast with a cookie cutter, serve milk or juice with twisty straws or put a smiley face on a bagel using raisins and cream cheese.
Set out all the fixin's for mini pizzas. Let the kids choose their favorite toppers, then pop the pizzas in the oven...a fun family meal or a festive sleepover treat.
Declare a Picnic Night at home! Just toss a checkered tablecloth on the dinner table and set out paper plates and disposable plastic utensils. Relax and enjoy dinner...no dishes to wash!
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Keep a couple of favorite side dishes tucked away in the freezer for busy days. Pair hot sandwiches or a deli roast chicken to put a hearty homestyle meal on the table in a hurry.
When mixing a meatloaf, place all the ingredients in a large plastic zipping bag. Seal the bag and squish the bag until everything is well mixed...afterwards, just toss the bag away!
When time is short, a super-fast dessert is in order. Layer cubes of angel food cake with cherry or blueberry pie filling in pretty parfait glasses. Add a dollop of whipped topping...yummy!
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What tips & tricks will you share?
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Make-Ahead Chicken-Chile Rolls
Thanks to Angela Murphy of Tempe, Arizona for sharing this recipe with us! She recommends making her scrumptious casserole the night before and refrigerating it overnight. Just pop it in the oven the next evening...what a timesaver!
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6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/4 lb. Monterey Jack cheese,
cut into 6 strips
7-oz. jar diced chiles, divided
1/2 c. dry bread crumbs
1/2 c. grated Parmesan cheese
1 T. chili powder
1/2 t. salt
| 1/4 t. pepper
1/4 t. ground cumin
1/4 c. plus 2 T. butter, melted
2 c. enchilada sauce
Garnish: shredded Mexican-blend
cheese, sour cream, diced
tomatoes, green onions
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Flatten chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thin between pieces of wax paper. Top each piece of chicken with one strip of cheese and 2 tablespoons chiles; roll up. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese and seasonings in a bowl; place melted butter in a separate bowl. Dip chicken rolls in butter and coat in crumb mixture. Arrange chicken rolls in a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan, seam-side down; drizzle with any remaining butter. Cover and chill overnight. The next day, uncover and bake at 400 degrees for 30 minutes, until heated through. Shortly before serving time, warm enchilada sauce in a saucepan or in the microwave; ladle sauce evenly over chicken. Garnish as desired. Serves 6.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.
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Want to take a tour of this book with Vickie?
Watch our video below for a sneak peek inside...
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 Our Early Bird Reviewers were kind enough to review Homestyle in a Hurry and try out some of the recipes on their families.
Click here to read their reviews and get a few sample recipes too!
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Bird Treats in a Jar
Mix up this giftable goodie for a birdwatching
friend along with the baking instructions below.
You might even want to keep on hand to mix up
with the kids...they'll love baking treats for our
feathered friends!
1 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked
1/3 c. brown sugar, packed
3/4 c. whole sunflower seeds
1 c. millet birdseed
3/4 c. cornmeal
3/4 c. all-purpose flour
Layer the first 4 ingredients in the order listed in a one-quart, wide-mouth jar; set aside. Combine cornmeal and flour; layer on top, packing down firmly. Secure lid; attach instructions.
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Instructions:
Place mix in a medium mixing bowl; add one cup creamy peanut butter and 1/2 cup water, mixing well. Spread in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; score into 4"x2" bars. Bake at 250 degrees for 20 minutes. Set aside to cool; cut into bars. Makes one dozen.
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| Spring is almost here...a season of newness that we always enjoy! Why not spruce up your blog or Facebook profile with one of our new badges? If you were published in one (or more!) of our newest cookbooks, grab your badge below!
PC users: Right click on the image and select "Save image as" to download your own copy of the button or badge.
Mac users: Control+click on the image and select "Save Image" to download your own copy of the button or badge.
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Quick Links
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Even if you weren't published
- maybe next time! - you can
still grab a little bling for your
blog or profile and share your
Gooseberry Patch love with the world!
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Enjoy those recipes and keep thinking SPRING...it'll be here before you know it! See you next month for the April edition of Feather Your Nest.
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