Sunday, January 13, 2013

Gooseberry Patch's "Weeknight Dinners": Review, Recipes, and Giveaway

from Gooseberry Patch
 
Boy, do I need help with weeknight dinners! Part of my New Year's resolution was to cook every meal during the week (and weekends, too). That's a lot of pressure to put on yourself to come up with ideas. I find that the problem is not actually cooking during the week, it's deciding what to cook! Fortunately, Gooseberry Patch realized that their readers need help with this dilemma and have released a new cookbook, Weeknight Dinners, to help us out.

 
This cookbook is unlike any other that I've seen from Gooseberry Patch in the arrangement of recipes into themes. It is divided into five chapters, one for each night of the week and each chapter has a theme. My kids and I made up some themes for our weekly dinners a while back and it does help in getting you in the mindset of what you're cooking that night.

In Weeknight Dinners, you'll find recipes under the chapters, Meatless Monday, Tuesday is Tex-Mex Night, Wednesday is Italian Night, Comfort Food Thursday, and Just for Fun Friday. Each chapter is loaded with delicious recipes. If today was Monday, I would be preparing Cheddar Dill Bread or Japanese Onion Soup. Tuesday offers plenty of choices for those of you who are Mexican food lovers like me: Southwest Turkey Bake, Santa Fe Chicken and Potatoes or the South-of-the-Border Rice (recipe below).

Wednesday's Italian theme sounds rich and heavenly - Leah's Italian Bread Pizza, Rustic Pasta Florentine, and Crustless Ricotta Cheesecake. January is the perfect time for Comfort Food Thursday with its Buttery Scalloped Potatoes and Biscuit-Top Chicken Pot Pie (recipe below). And, Fridays are the perfect time to bring out fun dishes such as Savory Chicken Bundles, Old-Time Coney Dogs, and Lori's Pizza Roni.

I'm really looking forward to preparing more dishes out of this cookbook. The recipes are inspiring, yet simple. I'm sure you have enough ingredients in your pantry and freezer right now to prepare some of the recipes in this cookbook. And, when it comes to getting a meal on the table during a busy work week, isn't that half the battle?

South-of-the-Border Rice
Submitted by Nichole Martelli
Santa Fe, TX
Chapter: Tuesday is Tex-Mex Night
 
South-of-the-Border Rice
 
2 tbsp. olive oil
2 c. long-cooking rice, uncooked
1 c. salsa or tomato sauce
1 tsp. garlic, minced
1 tsp. chili powder
1 tsp. ground cumin
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
4 c. water
 
In a saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add rice; cook and stir until rice is lightly golden. Stir in remaining ingredients; reduce heat to low. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, until rice is tender. Serves 4.
 
Kim's Notes: I easily halved the recipe plus I added freshly chopped cilantro right before serving.
 
Biscuit-Top Chicken Pot Pie
Submitted by Jane Granger
Manteno, IL
Chapter: Comfort Food Thursday
 
Biscuit-Top Chicken Pot Pie
 
1 tbsp. butter
10-3/4 oz. can cream of chicken soup
10-3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup
1/2 c. milk
1/2 tsp. onion powder
1/4 tsp. dried thyme
1/8 tsp. pepper
10-oz. pkg. frozen vegetables, mixed peas & carrots or lima beans, thawed
4 c. cooked chicken, cubed
10-oz. tube refrigerated flaky biscuits, quartered
 
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add soups, milk and seasonings; mix well. Stir in vegetables and chicken; heat through. Spoon into a lightly greased 13"x9" baking pan. Arrange biscuit pieces over hot filling. Bake, uncovered at 375 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until bubbly and biscuits are golden. Makes 6 servings.
 
Disclaimer: Gooseberry Patch provided me with review and giveaway copies; however, the opinion expressed here is my own.

***GIVEAWAY***

Now, here comes the fun part! Would you like to win your very own copy of Weeknight Dinners? Here are the rules.
  • The giveaway is open to my blog followers. You may follow me here through Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, or on my Facebook page: www.facebook.com/wellseasonedlife.
  • In the comment section below, let me know that you're interested in winning the cookbook and leave an e-mail address where I can reach you if you're the winner.
Deadline: January 26, 2013


112 comments:

  1. I am a follower.
    And I would love to win the cookbook. I get so burnt out trying to come up with new meal ideas.
    quiltma@yahoo.com

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  2. Definitely follow you! One of my favorite foodies! Love your recipes and look forward to seeing more this year!
    Michelle
    mmwright@bex.net

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  3. Husband and I are always looking for new recipes to make (the secret to a 31 year marriage), and for new USEFUL (which I am sure is as yours always are) cookbooks to add to the collection!
    Thanks for the most generous contest
    Gmaginnie@gmail.com

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  4. Both of these recipes would work for my family. Would enjoy a chance to win- thanks, Kim!

    Bonnie
    bdmltm@gmail.com

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  5. I have the hardest time when it comes to menus for dinner.
    I feel this would help me with ideas.

    I am a follower of your blog.

    msgb245 at gmail dot com

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  6. I'd love to win! I'm a FB fan.

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  7. I follow via Google Friend Connect! eatcakefordinner{at}digis{dot}net

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  8. I follow via Google Friend Connect and Networked Blogs. Love your blog! I received a copy of Gooseberry Patch's Homemade Christmas this year, and it is now my absolute favorite book and I have fallen hopelessly in love with Gooseberry Patch books. I want them all! I would love to win and expand my collection! Thanks for the offer!

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  9. I'm a follower here and on Facebook! This is one of my husbands and my problems...figuring out what to make...this looks just like what we need!

    Thanks for sharing this wonderful giveway!

    Blessings,
    Gert

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  10. Love your site and love Gooseberry Patch. I follow your blog. These recipes look so good. Would love to have this cookbook.

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  11. I have been a follower on facebook. We all get tired of the same 'ole thing for dinner every week. Since I've been following you I have tried alot of different recipes of yours (including desserts)for me and my family which we have enjoyed eating. I hope I am a winner to the Gooseberry Patch book. I think it would be a great addition for me and my family. Thanks!

    Dawn
    jacoby1961@yahoo.com

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  12. I am interested in the giveaway and I am a blog follower. I struggle with the weeknight cooking, but doesn't everyone?!

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  13. Would love to add this cookbook to my collection! anne.meadowsATgmail.com

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  14. I shall have to try out both of these recipes - they look delicious! :D Thank you for the entry! I follow you on GFC, Facebook, and networked blogs.
    Blessed Sunday!
    ~Miss Rachel~

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  15. Another great one I'd love a chance.Warm Blessings!~Amy
    cottageprims@hotmail.com

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  16. I would love it. stoma20045@aol.com

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  17. I am on a tap water budget and I have 2 young wildchild boys who love to eat and I love to cook and bake so this cookbook would be an awesome addition to the cookbooks the love comes from : )
    NanaMichelleCooking@yahoo.com

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  18. I love following your blog. Your recipes have come in so handy! Thank you! nuttnutt3k@yahoo.com

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  19. I am a follower. sls1116@gmail.com

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  20. Looks like a great cookbook. AUS4EVR@aol.com

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  21. Follow you on Facebook, Networked blogs and Friend connect. Love to win that recipe book!

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  22. I am new here. Looking for ways to add more home cooked meals to our family's dinnertime. Would love to win a copy. Sounds like fun.
    mommamiller@verizon.net

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  23. Love Gooseberry Patch....Just got my 3rd book in the mail. Would love to win a copy of the new one! kimstate@hotmail.com

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  24. I am a follower who would love this cookbook!! Thanks! outtathisworldjen@yahoo.com

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  25. I follow your blog through GFC, Facebook and Network blogs. I would love to win this because I love learning how to cook new things. We get tired of eating the same thing most nights.
    vikki.billings@yahoo.com

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  26. I would love a chance to win I follow you on Facebook the recipes sound great
    sharbus1@aol.com

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  27. I am definitely a follower! I would love to win the cookbook...thanks for the offer! These look like great recipes...I have longed to find a potpie recipe that would be easy and delicious...this may be it! email is jendgrimm@gmail.com

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  28. Very interested in a new cookbook! rkhyland@itctel.com

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  29. I am a new follower, but will be checking in often! Will try the biscuit-top chicken pot pie!

    lylesandra13@yahoo.com



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  30. I am a Facebook follower, and with a toddler and a new baby due to arrive in 6 weeks, I need all the help I can get with weeknight meals!! I would love to win this cookbook. stephaniemc1488@hotmail.com

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  31. Would love to win this cookbook! And can't wait to try the pot pie!

    pspes@hotmail.com

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  32. YUM! Thanks for the opportunity to have one of the cookbooks. I'd love to be in the running for Weeknight Dinners. Thanks, Cheryl

    clynns43228@gmail.com

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  33. I would love a copy of this cookbook! Any help making supper during our busy weeks would be great! olsonth@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  34. I follow your blog & would love to win this book. I'm always looking for a new quick recipe to fix after work. My email is mccaffery@gionline.net.

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  35. This sounds like a great cookbook. Would love to win it. jbest1219@hotmail.com

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  36. Definitely would love to win a copy! janetm52@aol.com

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  37. I am trying to make cooking at home more a resolution too! Would love this cookbook! Thank you. schulerkm@gmail.com

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  38. Would LOVE the cookbook! :) mbregier@yahoo.com

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  39. When I retired, I promised my husband I would cook every night but need ideas. I would love this cookbook. cbaney@aol.com

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  40. this cookbook would be a wonderful book to have it is so hard to think of somthing new to make, purplecow45@insightbb.com

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  41. The Chicken Pot Pie recipe is a family favorite, my husband loves it! I use broccoli cheese soup and cream of potato soup, low fat or Healthy Request if possible to lower the fat content. I also add a can of diced potatoes. Yummy!
    As a retired house-husband, my husband does all the cooking and is always on the look out for new recipes. I would love to win a copy so he can try some great recipes! Thank you so much!
    dogeared2127@gmail.com

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  42. I would love to win this book, I need more ideas for weeknights dinners, my kids are picky eaters and some new ideas will be so good. glendacorcino@hotmail.com

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  43. I would just love to win this cookbook--always look to try new recipes and Gooseberry Patch is always a favorite. When my grandkids see one of these books on my counter, they want to be sure that they are invited for dinner! mimidaycare@yahoo.com

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  44. Wow, a lot of people really want to win this book. Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks are awesome. I only have one, but love it!
    I'm always looking for week night recipes ... they would be great for potlucks too.

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  45. I am constantly struggling trying to find a good, home cooking cookbook. Love your stuff and I know it would be a well used but loved cookbook should I be the proud recipient. burnie93@gmail.com

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  46. Am following you on Google feed. Would love to have a copy of your cookbook...always trying to find easy tasteful recipes to share w/friends!

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  47. Really glad I found your blog. Already spent some time reading past entries. I also enjoy Gooseberry Patch and would love to add a copy to my collection.
    Thanks!
    Vicjankowski@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and would love to win this book. dantley63@yahoo.com

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  49. Would love to win the Weeknight Dinners cookbook!
    moench@gctel.net

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  50. I follow you with gfc (flower_child_23)
    I would love to win. Thanks for the giveaway
    flower_child_23(at)hotmail(dot)com

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  51. Love your awesome cookbooks !! I would love to win this one to add to my collection ! summerbreeze1217@gmail.com

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  52. I love your awesome cookbooks !! I would love to win this one to add to my collection !! summerbreeze1217@gmail.com

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  53. Following you on Facebook. Would love to win.
    californiacydnee@yahoo.com

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  54. Would love your cook book, with 4 Males in our Family I need all the help i can get! You can email me at sharontaylor@remax.net

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  55. I don't have any of their Cookbooks but would LOVE to win one as their recipes look TERRIFIC!

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  56. Would love to win this! Deff need help with weeknight dinners for my family!

    jmisaac525@hotmail.com

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  57. I would love to win this cookbook. My menus are so so blah. I end up coming up with last minute stuff that I've thrown together. I feel so sorry for hubby! Email is gram.me@live.com. Please pick me!!

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  58. Would love to win this one too!! Love Gooseberry Patch!
    melissa@serveupwithlove.com

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  59. Follow as Renee G on gfc and would absolutely love to have this cookbook.
    rsgrandinetti@yahoo(DOT)com

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  60. Hello
    I came across your blog looking for more info about this cookbook. I would love to win this! loriejaquish@hotmail.com

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  61. Hi,
    This cookbook sounds GREAT! I love to cook but HATE deciding what to have all the time...Please enter me in you drawing for this book to help me out :) Thanks so much!

    tpudney@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  62. love to win this cookbook thanks
    follow with gfc

    ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Would love to add this cookbook to my collection!!
    Following on Fb!!

    cameronsmom326@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  64. i want! i want! i want! lol

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  65. firelillynyg@yahoo.com would love your cookbook so my consumers and me can make some new and exciting recipes that you have in the cookbook Pam

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  66. I follow on GFC. :-)

    I could use some new, fast ideas for dinner!

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  67. I'd love to win this cookbook!

    amydeihl@yahopo.com

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  68. I follow you and Gooseberry Patch on FB. I absolutely would love to win this cookbook and I guarantee you, it WILL be used almost on a daily basis. ;)

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  69. I would love to win! follow you google friend connect. :) shineyaim at gmail dot com

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  70. Very interested in winning this cookbook!
    Love giving and receiving them for gifts!
    raynj@juno.com

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  71. love making the dishes from your cookbook. always looking for new recipes and ideas for meals
    rmbauer7@gmail.com

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  72. I'm a fan on FB! Would love to win this cookbook! swsmith26@gmail.com

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  73. I love cookbooks and would love to add this to my collection.
    Please and Thank-you !! Have a great weekend !

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  74. rljncant@yahoo.com Would love to win the Weeknight Dinners cookbook! These cookbooks rock!

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  75. I follow you on FB. Love your Southern comfort food recipes and Gooseberry Patch!

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  76. I love gooseberry patch and would love to win the cookbook. I love your blog. Thanks a lot for a chance. Carla H.

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  77. love trying new things and love to just read a cookbook - always sharing recipes with friends and family when I find a great one! would love to have this cookbook! sallyann133@hotmail.com

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  78. Almost forgot.... my email address is heidiark@yahoo.com

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  79. I follow you on FB, I would love to win the Weeknight Dinners cookbook. These books are sooo fantastic. :) gmhjlh98@hotmail.com
    thank you, Gin Harris

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  80. I love Gooseberry Patch's cookbooks! The recipes are AWESOME. I would love to win this cookbook - too hard trying to be creative with dinner at 6pm five nights a week! rrbinns@Q.com

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  81. I love to try new recipes and I think the ones in this book would be very good. shadylady62@hotmail.com

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  82. patcoured@aol.com I'm a new follower of your blog on facebook. I love cookbooks and recipes. I collect cookbooks and need my husband to build more shelving for them. One of the biggest challenges I have is figuring out the weeknight meals and would love this cookbook. It would be a great addition to my collection and would also be well used!!!

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  83. I am very interested in receiving your cookbook. annette_brandt91@hotmail.com

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  84. I follow you on facebook. Would love to win the cookbook to add it to my collection of Gooseberrry Patch Cookbooks.

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  85. My husband says I have a substance abuse problem...I'm addicted to cookbooks. LOL Gooseberry Patch is one of my favorite publishers and I would love to win this book. mtwilliamshome@sbcglobal.net

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  86. I enjoy all your recipes from Gooseberry Patch. I am a baker like new recipes to try . Keep up the good work.

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  87. Me 2 - Me 2!! I'd love this yummy book! Gooseberry Patch is my favorite! ggallups@att.net

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  88. I'd love to win your awesome cookbook so I can spice the weekends up for me and my hubby!!

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  89. i love Gooseberry Patch
    got_rebel@hotmail.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Would love winning this cookbook to add to my collection of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks! heltonrhonda@gmail.com

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    2. Love having new recipes to fix, and Gooseberry is a cookbook I look forward to using. This is one sounds like something I really need fixing meals all week. heltonrhonda@gmail.com

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  90. I would LOVE to win this cookbook!!! I love cooking for my family and friends,
    Lisa
    thrshope@hotmail.com

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  91. Ethel jwing9@cinci.rr.com

    I love all the Patchwork cookbooks and would really like this week-night meals. I have a few and even on my kindle. So downhome.

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  92. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. Would love to win this cookbook for some new ideas. elainebotka@hotmail.com

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  93. Gooseberry Patch cookbooks are my favorite. I have been collecting them for several years. I would love to win this book to add to my collection!

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  94. I would love a book of "Week-Night" recipes!

    azimmerman@sumcd.org

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  95. I would love to win this cookbook and I am a Facebook follower. brenda90159@yahoo.com

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  96. Following you on FB. Very interested in winning the cookbook. Love everything Gooseberry Patch :0) uhave2loveufirst@aol.com

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  97. MY AID ONLY HAS 1 HOUR TO MAKE A MEAL THIS WOULD BE GREAT BECAUSE WE CAN PLAN AHEAD.

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  98. Following you on facebook. :) Would love to win that cookbook!
    stitcher3@hotmail.com

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  99. Kim,I would soooooo love to win this book. I would love to add it to my collection. I follow you on Facebook, and we are also friends on Facebook.
    Kathy LUCKYPOOKERS9213@aol.com

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  100. I would love to win this cookbook. Became aware of Gooseberry Patch @ Christmastime due to my daughter receiving the 5 Ingredients or Less book...........She won't share, so I'm ordering my own copy and found way toooo many that I want. Receiving one free would be so awesome and I could wave it in my daughters face (all in good fun of course!!)

    semonk3@gmail.com

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  101. I'd love to win this cookbook! I'm always looking for supper ideas.
    alm1979@hotmail.com

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  102. I'd LOVE to win one! LOVE your recipe book! :D

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  103. I would love to win this book to add to my Gooseberry collection.
    thehoward3@msn.com

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  104. would love to win this cookbook, mldrg@aol.com

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  105. Would be thrilled to win this cookbook! Love all the yummy recipe posts on FB!

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  106. I follow on facebook and would love this cookbook - Gooseberry Patch ones are always great and everyday recipes are always needed! sndaily@hotmail.com

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  107. I am a new follower and I would love to win this cookbook. Gooseberry patch cookbooks are great. They use "everyday" ingredients and are delicious. sac0902@bellsouth.net

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  108. Thank you so much for posting this review. I am also honored that you chose my recipe (although under my former married name) for my South of the Border Rice.

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