"Game-Day Fan Fare": Gooseberry Patch Review, Recipe, and Giveaway

Game-Day Fan Fare
from Gooseberry Patch

 

Yes! A new Gooseberry Patch cookbook has been released! It's always an exciting time around the McCallie household when a new Gooseberry Patch cookbook lands on the doorstep. This cookbook, Game-Day Fan Fare, is one that you're going to love!

I think party food should be its own food group. It's my favorite kind of food to munch on. If your family is big on tailgating or just hanging out around the television in your own home, you'll find plenty of recipes to make the next game the best game.

The cookbook is divided into six chapters: Kick-Off Brunches, Major League Munchies, Souper-Bowl Soups, Salads and Sandwiches, Slam-Dunk Mains and Sides, Touchdown Treats, and Stadium-Sized Recipes for a Crowd. I have a whole list of recipes that I plan to add to my family's party food rotation: Chase & Brady's Bacon Puffs, Herbed Deviled Eggs, Cajun Boiled Peanuts, Charlie's Steakhouse Cheese Spread, Pizza Muffins, and Red Devil Franks.

Do you have to be a sports fan to appreciate these recipes? No! Although the cookbook has a sports theme, it includes recipes that appeal to all of those Gooseberry Patch fans out there. From recipes like Mashed Potato Salad to Baked Sweet-and-Sour Chicken, you'll find recipes that will put a meal on your table any night of the week. I chose to highlight a recipe that will satisfy your sweet tooth, Strawberry-Lemon Shortbread Bars.
 

 

 

Strawberry-Lemon Shortbread Bars

 

Strawberry-Lemon Shortbread Bars

Submitted by Coleen Lambert
Luxemberg, WI

2 c. all-purpose flour
1/2 c. powdered sugar
3/4 tsp. lemon zest, divided
3/4 c. chilled butter
2 8-oz. pkgs. cream cheese, softened
3/4 c. sugar
2 eggs
1 tbsp. lemon juice
1 c. strawberry preserves

In a bowl, stir together flour, powdered sugar and 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest. Cut in butter with two forks until coarse crumbs form. Press flour mixture into an ungreased 13"x9" baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, until lightly golden. Cool completely. Meanwhile, beat together cream cheese and sugar with an electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until just blended. Beat in lemon juice and remaining zest. Spread preserves over cooled crust. Spread cream cheese mixture over preserves, spreading to edges of pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes, until set. Cool for one hour on a wire rack. Cover and chill for 4 to 8 hours. Slice into bars to serve. Makes 14 to 16 bars.

 

Bonus preview recipe, Loaded Deviled Eggs, submitted by me and included in the cookbook on page 43 under Major League Munchies.

 

***GIVEAWAY***

Now, here comes the fun part! Would you like to win your very own copy of Game-Day Fan Fare? Here are the rules.

• The giveaway is open to my blog, Facebook, and Twitter followers. You may follow me here through Google Friend Connect, Network Blogs, Twitter (@wellseasondlife), 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.
• If you do follow me on Facebook and/or Twitter, you may earn an extra entry by letting me know in a separate comment on this page. So, one comment as a blog follower + one comment as a Facebook follower + one comment as a Twitter follower = THREE chances to win!!! 

My Entry Deadline: 

April 21, 2013

Good luck!

 

 

Here are some other Early Bird reviews, recipes, and giveaways. Stop by and say hello!
{Keep checking back as more reviews/giveaways are added throughout April.}

 

Team A {for Awesome}

Old House Homestead

The Country Cook

Goodeness Gracious

 

Team B {for the Best}

A Well-Seasoned Life
Girl With Blog
Two Maids a Milking

Team C {for Cool}
Delightful Country Cookin'
SusieQTpies Cafe
A Recipe a Day

Team D {for Dynamite}
 Down on the Farm

 

 

Disclaimer: Gooseberry Patch provided me with review and giveaway copies; however, the opinion expressed here is my own.