Gooseberry Patch's "The Christmas Table": Review and Giveaway

It's really not too early to think about Christmas. No, it's not. One of the things that I've always looked forward to year after year is the release of Gooseberry Patch's Christmas cookbook. What will the title be? How will the cover look? What Christmas memories will be shared? And which recipes will I try first? Well, it's here and it's called The Christmas Table and this is what it looks like. Nice and festive, right? I think so, too.

And, of course, it's filled with wonderful recipes, helpful entertaining hints, and heartwarming memories. Here are the titles of the chapters: Cozy Christmas Brunch, Chill-Chasing Soups and Breads, Caroling Party Supper, Classic Christmas Dinner, Festive Holiday Fare, and Sweet Treats to Share. With recipes with titles like Sugarplum Bacon, Winter Artichoke Soup, Red Flannel Spaghetti, Grandma's Chestnut Stuffing, and Peppermint Marble Cake, you'll forget all about the hot days of summer to come and will start counting the days until you'll pulling out your Christmas decorations.

I chose a few recipes to share with you from Caroling Party Supper, Festive Holiday Fare, and Sweet Treats to Share. You don't have to wait until winter to try these. They can be enjoyed right now in the heat of spring.

Oven-Barbecued Chicken
Submitted by Paula Eggleston, Knoxville, TN

2 tbsp. butter
1 onion, sliced
1/4 c. water
2 tbsp. brown sugar, packed
1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
1 c. catsup
1/4 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
3 to 3-1/2 lbs. chicken

In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Add remaining ingredients except chicken. Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Arrange chicken pieces in an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan; spoon butter mixture over top. Bake, uncovered, at 350 degrees for one hour and 15 minutes, or until juices run clear when chicken is pierced. Serves 4.

Turtle Cheese Ball
Submitted by Kim McCallie, Guyton, GA

8-oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened
1/4 c. butter, softened
1/3 c. powdered sugar
1/2 c. brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. toffee baking bits
1 c. mini semi-sweet chocolate chips
Optional: 1 c. chopped pecans
graham crackers, apple slices

In a bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, brown sugar and vanilla; blend until smooth. Stir in toffee bits and chocolate chips. Refrigerate mixture for about 30 minutes, or until it starts to firm up. Remove from bowl; spoon mixture onto a sheet of plastic wrap and form into a ball. Wrap tightly; refrigerate overnight. Before serving, unwrap ball and press pecans into the ball, if using. Serve with graham crackers or apple slices. Serves 10 to 12.

Old-Fashioned Sugar Cookies
Submitted by Kris Kellis, Salisbury, NC

1/3 c. butter, softened
1/3 c. shortening
1 c. all-purpose flour
3/4 c. sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 tbsp. milk
1 tsp. baking powder
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/8 tsp. salt

In a large bowl, beat butter and shortening with an electric mixer on medium speed for 30 seconds. Add remaining ingredients; mix well. Cover and chill dough for 3 hours. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough to a 1/8-inch thickness; cut into desired shapes with cookie cutters. Arrange on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 375 degrees for 7 minutes, or until golden. Makes 2 dozen.

****The Giveaway***

Do you think that you would like to have an early Christmas this year? Would you like your very own copy of The Christmas Table? I have an extra one to share with you. It's easy to enter the giveaway.

• Be one of my blog followers.
• Leave a comment below telling me you're interested in the cookbook
• Leave an e-mail address where I can reach you if you're the winner.

Deadline: May 13, 2012

Disclaimer: The publisher provided me with a review copy of this cookbook, but the opinion expressed here is my own.