Vickie - Our Favorite Food Gifts

Back in 1984, we were next-door neighbors raising our families in the little town of Delaware, Ohio. Two moms with small children, we were looking for a way to do what we loved and stay home with the kids too. We had always shared a love of home cooking and making memories with family & friends and so, after many a conversation over the backyard fence, Gooseberry Patch was born.

We put together our first catalog at our kitchen tables, enlisting the help of our loved ones wherever we could. From that very first mailing, we found an immediate connection with many of our customers and it wasnt long before we began receiving letters, photos and recipes from these new friends. In 1992, we put together our very first cookbook, compiled from hundreds of these recipes and, the rest, as they say, is history.

Hard to believe its been over 30 years since those kitchen-table days! From that original little Gooseberry Patch family, weve grown to include an amazing group of creative folks who love cooking, decorating and creating as much as we do. Today, were best known for our homestyle, family-friendly cookbooks, now recognized as national bestsellers.

One things for sure, we couldnt have done it without our friends all across the country. Each year, were honored to turn thousands of your recipes into our collectible cookbooks. Our hope is that each book captures the stories and heart of all of you who have shared with us. Whether youve been with us since the beginning or are just discovering us, welcome to the Gooseberry Patch family!

Jo Ann & Vickie

Visit our website anytime

www.gooseberrypatch.com

18008546673

Get new neighbors to come out of their shells by delivering a batch of Maple Syrup Shortbread! Take over a list of neighborhood grocery stores, dry cleaners, doctors, dentists and hair salons. Add a map of the town and circle popular shopping malls and movie theaters.

1/2 c. plus 1 T. butter, softened and divided

1/4 c. sugar

1 c. all-purpose flour

3/4 c. brown sugar, packed

1/2 c. maple syrup

1 egg

1 t. vanilla extract

Optional: 1/2 c. chopped walnuts

Blend 1/2 cup butter and sugar together in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Add flour a little at a time, mixing continually; blend well. Pat mixture into a lightly greased 8"x8" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees until light golden, about 25 minutes; remove from oven and set aside. Stir together brown sugar, syrup and remaining butter. Add egg and vanilla; mix until smooth. Pour evenly over baked shortbread; sprinkle with walnuts, if desired. Return to oven; bake at 350 degrees until topping sets, about 20 minutes. Let cool; cut into 1-1/2"x1-1/2" squares. Store in an airtight container.

Friendship Day is the first Sunday in August. Celebrate by filling an old-fashioned milk carrier with 2 bottles of milk and 2 stacks of Mom's Italian Biscotti...tuck in some napkins and surprise a friend with a yummy afternoon treat.

5-1/2 c. all-purpose flour

1 T. plus 2 t. baking powder

3/4 c. butter, softened

1-1/2 c. sugar

6 eggs, beaten

zest and juice of 2 lemons

3-1/2 c. powdered sugar

Mix together flour, baking powder, butter and sugar; form a well in the center. Add eggs and zest; knead until dough is smooth. Shape dough into 2-inch balls on a floured surface; roll each into a 7-inch rope. Twist into knots; place on lightly greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 18 minutes. Cool on a wire rack. Combine lemon juice and powdered sugar; drizzle over cookies.

Special Delivery! Copy vintage postcards and old letters onto plain paper for easy personalized wrapping. Use a twisted cord or jute as ribbon and tie on a shipping label for the gift tag.

1/2 c. butter

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

2 c. creamy or crunchy peanut butter

1 t. vanilla extract

2-1/2 c. powdered sugar

6-oz. pkg. semi-sweet chocolate chips

Melt butter in a large saucepan over low heat, stirring to prevent burning. Add brown sugar; stir until completely dissolved. Add peanut butter and vanilla; mix thoroughly. Add powdered sugar; stir well. Press mixture into a 13"x9" baking pan sprayed with non-stick vegetable spray; let cool. Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler over low heat; spread evenly over peanut butter layer. Let cool completely; cut into squares.

Crafty friends will love receiving a knitting gift basket. Pick out colorful yarn, needles in different sizes and an easy-to-make pattern. Pack all the materials in a handy tote that can be used for future projects. Dont forget to tuck in some Apple Butterscotch Squares to snack on while stitching!

2 T. cornstarch

4 c. apples, peeled, cored and chopped

1 c. butterscotch chips

1 c. quick-cooking oats, uncooked

18-1/2 oz. pkg. yellow cake mix

3/4 c. butter, softened

1 t. cinnamon

1/2 c. brown sugar, packed

1/4 c. wheat germ

Combine cornstarch, apples and chips in a large saucepan; heat until chips have melted. Set aside. Mix oats, cake mix and butter together until coarse crumbs form; set one cup mixture aside and press remaining crumbs into an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Spread apple mixture on top; sprinkle with cinnamon. Combine reserved crumb mixture with brown sugar and wheat germ; layer over apple mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 to 45 minutes; cool at least 30 minutes. Cut into squares.