Christmas Drinks, Christmas Cookies and Gooseberry Patch Cookbook Giveaway

The Christmas season wouldn't be the same if we didn't make gingerbread cookies or gingerbread houses. Over the years we've tried several variation on the basic gingerbread recipe and all taste about the same. As for gingerbread houses we've made nativity scenes, houses and towers. One of our favorite cheat ways to make a gingerbread house is to use graham crackers. Enjoy this post sponsored by Gooseberry Patch. I'm an early bird review of their cookbooks. My own tasty opinions, of course, are expressed here.

Do you make gingerbread? What memories do you have? Create new ones with this tasty Gooseberry Patch cookbook! Check out the tasty recipes and review below.

My current Gingerbread Cookie Recipe

Here is yet another variation of gingerbread cookies. In the new Hometown Christmas Cookbook you can go to youtube and see the video that Gooseberry Patch created with this recipe.

Spiced Gingerbreads

Ingredients

3/4 c. shortening

1 c. sugar

1 egg, beaten

1/4 c. molasses

2 c. flour

1 t. baking soda

1/2 t. salt

1 t. cinnamon

1 t. ground cloves

1 t. ground ginger

garnish- sugar

Directions

In a large bowl, blend together shortening and sugar.. Beat in egg and molasses until light and fluffy. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, baking soda, salt and spices; add to shortening mixture and stir well. Form into small balls and roll each in sugar. Place on a greased baking sheet, about 2 inches apart. Bake at 325 degrees for 12-15 minutes, until golden. Makes 3 dozen.

(This is my recipe in the Hometown Christmas Cookbook)

Christmas Wassail

Ingredients

6 c. brewed tea, sweetened or unsweetened

6 c. cranberry juice cocktail

6 c. apple cider or apple juice

3 c. orange juice

1 1/2 c. lemon juice

2 c. sugar

3 cinnamon sticks

1 t. each of ground cloves, cinnamon and allspice

1 orange, sliced (keep on peel)

1 apple, cored & sliced (keep on skin)

1 lemon, sliced (keep on peel)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a large slow cooker. Cover and cook on low setting for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. Stir before serving. Serves 30.

Hearty Pizza Soup

Ingredients

1 lb ground Italian pork sausage

1/2 c. onion, chopped

1/2 c. green pepper, chopped

4 1/4 c. water, divided

1/2 t. Italian seasoning

1/4 t. garlic powder

1/4 t. dried basil

1/8 t. dried rosemary

1/8 t. salt

1/8 t. pepper

2 15oz jars pizza sauce

2 tomatoes, chopped

6 oz pkg pepperoni, chopped

Garnish- shredded mozzarella cheese, chopped mushrooms

Directions

Brown sausage in a skillet over med. heat; drain; Add onion, green pepper and 1/4 c. water; saute until tender. Stir in seasoning. In a large saucepan over med. heat, combine pizza sauce, remaining water, tomatoes, pepperoni and sauce mixture. Bring to a boil; reduce heat to med-low and simmer for about 15 min. As serving time, top each bowl with shredded cheese and chopped mushrooms. Makes 4-6 servings. 

Kitchen Notes

When I made this, I just added all to the crockpot, except garnish and cooked low for 7 hours while I was gone all day. It could be cooked on high for 3 hours. To make it extra hearty, stir in noodles once done.

Hometown Cookbook Review by Gooseberry Patch

Here is yet another tasty cookbook by Gooseberry Patch. It is jammed pack full of festive recipes, merry-making tips and warm holiday memories. Because this is a hardback cookbook, they are adding digital interaction by including video icon near recipes. This icon alerts the reader to go visit Gooseberry Patch on youtube to see JoAnn & Vickie create the recipe. The book also has a QR Code which when scanned will take you right to their youtube videos. I love these new features. I believe that all of their cookbooks are available as eBooks as well. I have most of their books on ebook so that I can take their cookbooks with me no matter where I go.  

Chapters and a few favorite recipes:

1-Breakfast with Santa- Baked Apple  Porridge, Fancy Pants Eggs, Santa's Malted Cocoa, Honey-Orange Syrup, Hungarian Coffee Cake

2-Sledding Party Warmers- Fizzle Biscuits, Meatless Borscht, Hearty Pizza Soup, Potato Leek Soup, Fancy Pea Salad, Blender Mustard

3-Old-Fashioned Christmas Dinner- Lazy Pierogie, Greek Pork Loin, Onion Yorkshire Pudding, Inside out Raviolis, Horseradish Potatoes (CLICK FOR RECIPE), Blue Cheese Potatoes

4-Open House...You're Invited!- Gramma Fried Ravioli, Christmas Crickets, Sweet Onion Shrimp Spread, Holiday Mocha Punch, Peppermint Eggnog

5-Tree-Trimming Treats- Cake mix Snowdrop Cookies, Maple Pecan Bon Bons, Cracker Candy, Snowball Cake, New Years Eve Yule Log

6-Slow-Cooker Comfort Foods- Fruity Granola Oatmeal, Caramel Bread Pudding, Butternut Crab chowder, Apple Cider Pork, Caramel Fondue

7-Coming Home for Christmas- Sweet memories shared by wonderful women!

NEED EVEN MORE Christmas Goodies? Check here for my 30 Days of Christmas Goodies. 

Want to win a copy of this tasty cookbook? Giveaway ends 12/26.

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