Updated to add: This post originally had a cookbook giveaway. That giveaway has now ended.
Chocolate Brownie Cake
I’m so thrilled to be doing another Gooseberry Patch cookbook review today. Many of you know that I am a huge fan of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. They are full of recipes from everyday home cooks like us. You can flip through any one of their cookbooks and you are sure to find many recipes that your family will love.
So I was super giddy when I received the Rush-Hour Recipe Cookbook from Gooseberry Patch. This book is all about meals and desserts that can be made fairly quickly and with just a few ingredients. Perfect for those crazy-busy weeknights. There are even slow cooker meals in here.
So I flipped through and as I usually do, I immediately looked for something sweet. I always go to the dessert section first. Anyone else do that? And I came across this little gem of a recipe called Better than Brownies. It caught my eye because it uses a boxed cake mix, which we all know I love to use. 
This recipe is located in the section entitled “Speedy Potluck & Party Food.” I ended up calling this Brownie Cake because it’s really the best of both worlds!
Ingredients:
1 package (3.4 oz) cook & serve chocolate pudding mix (not instant)
2 cups milk
1 box cake mix
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
1 package (3.4 oz) cook & serve chocolate pudding mix (not instant)
2 cups milk
1 box cake mix
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup chopped nuts
Cook’s Notes: Make sure you get the Cook & Serve type pudding, not the instant kind.
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350F degrees. In a medium sauce pan, prepare dry pudding mix according to package directions.
Cook until slightly thickened. (Not too thick, but enough to cover and stick to a spoon.)
Cook until slightly thickened. (Not too thick, but enough to cover and stick to a spoon.)
Remove from heat. Stir in dry cake mix.
MY LATEST VIDEOSStir until combined.
Spread batter into a greased (I use nonstick cooking spray) 13×9 baking pan. Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts (if using.)
Bake at 350F degrees for about 30 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean.)
Cool and cut into squares.
Makes about 2 dozen.
Cook’s Review: They are moist and chocolate-y and will satisfy any sweet tooth. The nuts are completely optional in this and you could also use different types of chocolate chips for variety.
Enjoy!
Chocolate Brownie Cake
Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
30 mins
Total Time
40 mins
Brownie Cake is part chocolate cake and part brownie! Made with a boxed cake mix and chocolate pudding and topped with chocolate chips!
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Brownie Cake
Servings: 24
Calories: 179 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 3.4 oz box cook & serve chocolate pudding mix not instant
- 2 cups milk
- 1 package chocolate cake mix 18.5oz
- 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup chopped nuts
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F degrees.
- In a medium sauce pan, prepare dry pudding mix according to package directions.
- Cook until slightly thickened. (Not too thick, but enough to cover and stick to a spoon).
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in dry cake mix.
- Stir until combined.
- Spread batter into a greased (I use nonstick cooking spray) 13 x 9 baking pan.
- Sprinkle with chocolate chips and nuts (if using).
- Bake at 350F degrees for about 30 minutes (until an inserted toothpick comes out clean).
- Cool and cut into squares.
Recipe Video
Nutrition Facts
Chocolate Brownie Cake
Amount Per Serving
Calories 179 Calories from Fat 81
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 9g 14%
Saturated Fat 2g 10%
Cholesterol 2mg 1%
Sodium 215mg 9%
Potassium 159mg 5%
Total Carbohydrates 22g 7%
Dietary Fiber 1g 4%
Sugars 13g
Protein 2g 4%
Vitamin A 0.7%
Vitamin C 0.1%
Calcium 6%
Iron 8.2%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
I love there cookbooks! i am a collector of cook books,,,and also enjoy the stories and memories they include! i went and liked there page so glad to know they are on FB,,thanks…I buy hamburger in bulk and fry it with onion and some with green pepper and onion,for fast chili,skillet meals, sloppy joe,and casseroles.I also pre mix meat loaf ingr. and freeze, just thaw and mix with a few ing and pop in the oven! i would love to win this,, and dec 11 is my 4th wedding anniversary! what a wonderful gift that would be,,most of all thanks for sharing all your wonderful cooking with home cooks like me,,,raised my 4 kids and now 2 grandbabies and i on the way with the love from my kitchen:0)
I buy the large package of hamburger and cook it up with onions and them put them in storage containers in the freezer, then i can take them out and use for chili, spaghetti, or any other casserole dish, quick and easy.
These look great! I usually try to wash up the dishes as i go to save time & so i can enjoy the finished product! Thank you for the recipe & the chance at a great gift! 🙂
I already follow Gooseberry Patch on face book.
I'm a born sucker for a new cookbook! I love ones that make it easy. I like shortcuts but I like "real" ones the best. Like ground beef cooked in small portions in the freezer. And frozen chopped onions and peppers. And jarred tomato sauce. Small noodles. Chicken broth. (See? I've learned a lot from reading cookbooks — and blogs!)
What a fun giveaway! I love those Gooseberry Patch cookbooks (: My favorite shortcut has to be instant mashed potatoes. They make a freezer meal of chicken strips and green beans seem home made. Hey, if I made it at home, it's home made, right? (:
Ha!!! I did a review of their Quick & Easy Christmas and it went live today too 🙂 I would love to win this one though! Their books rock. Oh, and the towel is AWESOME. I have a pillow on my couch w/ the same saying on it!!
Everyday Mom's Meals
These look good! I always keep chicken stock cartons in the pantry. After opened, it can be kept in the fridge and used to loosen up any leftovers when reheating.
Brandie, these are delish!
My mom used to make the recipe you posted so it brought back some good memories of her in the kitchen! She didn't use nuts and I don't recall her stirring the chips in but I look forward to your review if you try it.
My hint for easy dinners is always start the week out with a menu plan! I make a menu based on what I had on hand and the best deals from the grocery ads that week. There was always a "leftovers" day. Just having a menu plan posted on the frig reminds you to defrost and prep and dinners just run smoother!
what a yummy looking dessert would love to win this book
My shortcut, sadly, is take-out! LOL
Love the gooseberry patch cookbooks and products. Would love to add to my collection!
Sandra in NM*
I had to come over and check this out when I saw "better than brownies". I was like, well that HAS to be good because brownies are pretty phenomenal.
Those look to DIE for! I love all the toppings. NOM!
Shortcuts in the kitchen…hmmm, I like my shortcut that I use for buttermilk if I don't have any. Using milk and then adding lemon juice to make your own!
I'm trying not to get my tinsel in a tangle this season! I would love to win the Gooseberry Patch cookbook! I have several of their cookbooks and love them all! I love your website and have used a couple of your recipes recently. They turned out very good. If you need to cook chicken breasts that are frozen, put them in the crockpot frozen and in a few hours, they'll be done.
I liked Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
I love this recipe and can't wait to try it 🙂
I like to keep warm, soapy water in the sink and clean up as I go 🙂
I "liked" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook 🙂
I'd love a chance to win this! I can't tell you how many quick meals and casseroles I need to prepare!
Hi! My favorite short cut is chopping an entire onion and storing it in old baby food containers in the freezer! That way when I need an onion it's right there…voila!
Gooseberry patch cookbooks are the best! My best shortcut is grilling enough meat for two dinners. If you grill chicken…don't eat it all! Great to have the next night for gyros or chicken salad…quick and easy! You have a wonderful blog and a fun giveaway! Thanks! ♥
This cookbook sounds fantastic. I like to double recipes that freeze well for easy dinners on those busy nights. Great giveaway Brandie and another great review! By the way… this is Rochelle, originally from "The Pretend Chef". I have started a new blog for my new adventures.
I already LIKE Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
Looks like a great cookbook! Love all the chocolate chips on top, but I think they would be wonderful mixed in as well!
I wish I had shortcuts this time of year, I will have to follow these comments to see if your readers have any good ideas for me 🙂
I love Gooseberry patch am a fan on facebook. My shortcut is to keep my saran wrap in the freezer than when you need it it doesn't stick to it self only to what you are putting it on saves on the struggle.
taylorb60@yahoo.com
I love the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. My mama got me a couple when I got married 🙂 Still finding my way around the kichen :p but I'm getting there.
Any recipe that makes enough for 2 suppers AND hubby's lunch is a shortcut for me 🙂
~Naomi
I also LIKEd Gooseberry Patch on Facebook 🙂
~Naomi
I liked gooseberry patch on facebook. Thanks for giveaway opportunity.
I cant really think of a shortcut I use, but after reading everyone elses..I am going to try pre-cooking and freezing my ground beef.
I also like gooseberry patch on facebook and follow them on twitter 🙂 Amber Hinds-amber230@gmail.com
Great recipe to share Brandie! I want to come visit you and share those brownies! My fave shortcut is also instant mashed potatoes. I use them on top of my Shepard's Pie and the first time I did, my husband didn't even notice the difference.
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
Hello! Newer to your blog and am loving it!!!
LOVE THE BOOK. NOW I AM HUNGRY.
MARY STOTT
pelicanmom@hotmail.com
Hello! Just wanted to say I'm new to you blog and I love it. My shortcut is my fried potatoes with cheese. When short on time I use the frozen country style hash browns, put them in a skillet frozen, season and add all ready shredded cheese last 5 mins of cooking time. In 15 mins we have fried potatoes with cheese. My husband and kids love them.
I love using my slow cooker on busy days.
During the warmer months I like to grill chicken on the weekends and freeze for later use in recipes. It's a great pizza topping with some bbq sauce, real bacon bits and cheddar cheese.
Thanks for the giveaway!
Amy
adiehl@mexicopsd.org
I liked Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
adiehl@mexicopsd.org
Just took the "Better than Brownies" out of the oven. They smell amazing! Think we should skip dinner and move right on to dessert! I think these would be great with mint or peanut butter chips. Thank you for posting it!
When I read your title I thought "what could be better than brownies??", okay these are! Ramped up amazingness brownies! Yum yum! I haven't looked at the Gooseberry cookbooks before and am curious to check them out now.
Shortcuts I use are to chop veggies in the mornings and put in zip loc bags for the evening. Also use my slow cooker as much as possible. Use my large pizza cutter to cut brownies, bars, lasagna, etc. Use my kitchen aid mixer to mix my meat loaves and meat balls.
Misty
james_misty@bellsouth.net
I love GP! I don't have many ideas for shortcuts. =)
I would love to win this cookbook! Our shortcut is when we are making casseroles, to make 2 instead of one, and freeze them for those nights we don't feel like cooking! It really is a great timesaver.
Debbie Rhoades
Celticprincess1998@yahoo.com
would love to win this i collect recipe books
My shortcut is when I bake two chickens on sunday. One for the nice family Sunday dinner and one to use for two meals during the week (chicken chili or chicken enchiladas, etc)
Recipe looks delicious! Would love to win!
Debbie Broussard
dguil81022@aol.com
I am a follower of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
Debbie Broussard
dguil81022@aol.com
I love Gooseberry Patch and I too miss their catalogs!!! One of the super fast suppers I have taken to is "Taco Tuesdays" (or Thursdays, depends on which day is needed), just grab a can of retried beans and/or some black beans and toss them on the stove with some dried minced onions and garlic – then we get out some sour cream, Tomatoes and whatever other fixings we want on a taco or tostada shell and it's dinner time!! Kids love it because they can fix their own! Would love some other cool recipes!! Thanks for posting this!
Love to cook and my family loves to eat. My granddaughter loves brownies. I'm going to make these for her when she is home from college. I also love cookbooks
I LOVE gooseberry!!!!!I own many of them but would love a copy of this one, TOO!!!
My shortcut is to slice lemons and put them in the freezer. Always on hand for a tall glass of iced tea…..
judyjude68@yahoo.com
judy
I LOVE gooseberry!!!!!I own many of them but would love a copy of this one, TOO!!!
My shortcut is to slice lemons and put them in the freezer. Always on hand for a tall glass of iced tea…..
judyjude68@yahoo.com
judy
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Face Book!
Robyn
http://theranchwifechronicles.com/
One of my favorite cooking shortcuts is using my grill. I grill year round. Using the grill cuts down on dishes and clean up time. It is also easy to delegate grilling to the Hubby.
Robyn
http://theranchwifechronicles.com/
Hello! I love Gooseberry Patch books!!!!!
I love Gooseberry Patch, would love to win this cookbook
Would love to win this giveaway as I'm always looking for quick and easy dinners to make when I get home from work. I will precook my meat the night before to make it easier that night.
Jenny Kaelin
jlkaelin8@aol.com
Liked on Facebook!
Jenny Kaelin
jlkaelin8@aol.com
Following on Twitter!
Jenny Kaelin
jlkaelin8@aol.com
I would love to win this cookbook, i love all of Gooseberry patches cookbooks..my shortcut is I never buy buttermilk and when a recipe calls for it, I add either a couple tablespoons of lemon juice or white vinegar and let it sit for a 5 minutes..
Brenda
I am already a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FaCEBOOK and also get their newsletter in my email..
Brenda
I can't wait till this book comes out! And my shortcut is to pop a frozen pizza in the oven. hehe. LOVE your brownies. I really want to take a bite!
wifeofcop83@yahoo.com
I'm a long time follower of Gooseberry Patch on facebook and twitter.
wifeofcop83@yahoo.com
I Love Goosebery Patch cookbooks! I have several of them! I LIKED them on FaceBook….. My hint would be that I use an electric pressure cooker when I need a fast meal. I can make white beans with country ham in them in about 40 min. from dry beans! that has been the best thing I have purchased in ages!
I love gooseberry patch stuff!
This looks like a great book. Thanks for the sneak peek.
Hello, my favorite shortcuts are mixes; cake, brownies, muffin, cookies etc etc. Sometimes I use frozen pie crusts, pizza doughs too.
The ready pack soup mixes and seasoned package meats come in handy too.
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
cindyskitchen@yahoo.com
Even though I have not been able to buy a Goosberry cookbook I follow them on facebook and have made a number of their recipes. I would love to own one. One shortcut I use is one from my mother. She used to make delisious vegetable soup. She always when she had left over vegetables even if just a half cup she would freeze it then she would make soup out of all the leftovers. Sometimes she would have ten different vegetables or more. Always delisious.
My short cuts are canned cream of anything, canned mushrooms and a jar of gravy! You can mix it up with any kind of meat and noodles and you have an outstanding meal in no time flat that everyone will love!
My shortcut on busy days is frozen pizza or take out.
I like Gooseberry on FB.
Our speedy lunch is flour tortilla roll-up sandwiches…..pb&j, turkey & cheese, veggies….whatever is on hand.
My shortcut…since I hate chopping onions, I will buy a 3 or 5lb bag and go home and chop them all at the same time. I will individually portion half an onion into cling wrap until all the chopped onions are packaged. Then I put all the packages into a gallon ziploc bag and freeze. It makes it super easy to grab a single portion without having to chop onions when I'm cooking. They sautee up fast without waiting for them to thaw even.
The new Gooseberry Patch book looks awesome and I'm making those brownies this weekend!
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook
The brownies look amazing! Thank you for sharing! And thank you for such an awesome opportunity to win a Gooseberry Patch cookbook!! I LOVE Gooseberry Patch!! I miss their catalog so bad!!
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Twitter too. 🙂
My shortcut is a jar of pasta sauce and canned soups. Helps out when dinner needs to be done in a hurry!
pattikaye5258@yahoo.com
I already LIKE Gooseberry Patch on Facebook! 🙂
pattikaye5258@yahoo.com
I liked GP on facebook!
i followed GP for some twitter action
I cant wait to try these browines! I am going to play with the variations of chips, and omit the nuts…. looks delish!
I love gooseberry recipes, and the towel saying is going to be my new mantra!! Thanks!
What a nice gift this would be! I like to chop onions, green peppers and celery and package them for he freezer to have on hand when needed.
Can't wait to try this brownie recipe! The main shortcut I use in the kitchen is to prep my ingredients ahead of time. So that when it's time to put it together, I'm all ready! I would love to win the book, I also "like" Gooseberry Patch on FB. Have a great evening!
I LIKE Gooseberry Patch on FB.
A quick tip for me is to cook extra when I fix dinner and then freeze it. Then when I am pressed for time I just pull out a ready made "homecooked" meal. Instant dinner!!!
I also follow Gooseberry on facebook! Awesome site! Love, Love, Love them!!!
This looks like a fun book. I can't think of any shortcuts to share.
I would love to win this book! I have been a fan of Gooseberry Patch since their beginning!!! I have well over 40 of their books, bookazines, etc. I just ordered more this morning. I always keep chopped onion, garlic, peppers, celery, etc in my freezer so they are ready to go when I need them for recipes.
rhondaree1958@yahoo.com
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook under the name of Rhonda Keely Darbro.
rhondaree1958@yahoo.com
What a great idea for a cookbook! I could so use this. 🙂
I love Gooseberry patch am a fan on facebook to & I liked this on FaceBook…My shortcut is when I bake a big turkey on sunday. One is for our family Sunday dinner & with the left overs 1 night we have turkey quesadillas & 2nd night HomeMade turkey noodes…MMMmmmmmm thats 3 meals with 1 big turkey & some times we have enough left over so I will freeze the turkey meat…
I follow Gooseberry Patch on twitter!
I follow Gooseberry Patch on FB. 🙂
I just found out about Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks last night. It was a free Kindle book. the best book I ever downloaded! I plan to get more. =0) So excited I found it! I think it will be a new best friend. 😉
I get giddy over cookbooks and not Justin Beiber too!! I would love to win this cookbook! eatcakefordinner@digis.net
Perhaps not a quick tip, but a kitchen hint nevertheless. I keep a roll of masking tape/marker in a drawer next to the fridge. When I open a jar/package, I note the date on the tape & stick it to the item. No more guessing when…
Works w/leftovers too! Thanks for the giveaway. Gooseberry Patch is my weakness! Linda
lldietz@gmail.com
I love Gooseberry Patch. My short cut is to always keep enough staples on hand to where I can fix a meal for a sick friend at any given time. I usually do chicken & noodles…..so I already have my chicken meat cooked, cooled & frozen with broth in order to make the dinner quicker. I would love to have this cookbook in my collection.<3 Susan Frencch @ susanlynfrench@gmail.com
I don't just "like" Goosebery, I LOVE them!!! and would love to have a chance to win the Rush Hour Cookbook.
Love your site and thanks for sharing. Going to try the recipe soon.
~Lynn from KS
Kitchen shortcut:
I pulled my daughter's sippy cup out of retirement. Fill it with crushed ice and measure water needed for a pie crust recipe. The mouth piece allows me to sprinkle water evenly over the pastry mix. Perfect pie crust every time!
LIKED GP on FB long time ago! Just for luck, I'll like the book, too.
Love Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks! They're AWSOME!
Hi! I'd love to leave a short cut but i am really tired and can't think of one right now!!! I LOVE cook books!!
Great giveaway. The dessert looks easy and tasty.
You have such great giveaways! Sign us up. Be sure to pop over to visit us today (12/2) and register for our second one. We are so excited. It is from the Shabby Apple. Wonderful.
I liked Gooseberry patch on Facebooks and I love cookbooks.
I liked Gooseberry Patch on facebook and I love cookbooks!!
virginia@heather-ridge.com
My shortcut is microwaving potatoes before frying them for country potato recipes.
Vicki
uptowngal001@hotmail.com
Cannot wait to get my hands on your newest cookbook! And a great gift idea for my daughters (they have been the recipients of several already!). A Gooseberry Patch book and a cup of hot chocolate is the best way to beat the winter blahs!
I do Family Childcare so I try to involve the children in making the meals and snacks for the next day. Susan steveac@bellsouth.net
The picture of those brownies drew me right in. They look fantastic! My favorite recipe for chocolate chip cookies calls for instant vanilla pudding so I know first hand how good these should be.
I liked Gooseberry Patch on facebook…and I LOVE Gooseberry Patch at home!!! I love to just sit and read them sometimes, they absolutly make my day!!!
These look amazing. I'm also a big fan of Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. I love the fact that all the recipes are from home cooks like us 🙂
Whenever I'm in a hurry, I like to make no-bake desserts. My favorite is a no-bake peanut butter dessert. Yum!
Oh My! These look so awesome! We will have to make these tonight!
Thank you for the chance to enter your contest. I am nuts over Gooseberry Cookbooks and the towel is just adorable!
My email is snowman lover 2 at yahoo dot com
I will certainly like Gooseberry on FB right now!
Thank you! Barb at snowmanlover.blogspot.com
I liked Gooseberry Patch on FB… my email is bakingjenn@gmail.com
I forgot to put that in the previous comment! Sorry!
I love Gooseberry Patch and your blog.
I Just 'liked" Gooseberry on FB!
Thank YOU! Barb snowmanlover.blogspot.com
I always clean up as I cook. Then I don't have to face all the mess when I'm through. I love new cookbooks and would love to add this to my collection. Your blog is one of my favs.
Yummy!! My shortcut latley has been my rice cooker. Crockpot meal plus rice equals great dinner!!
When I have a free day I make 6 batches of cookie dough and flash freeze them on cookie sheets and tehn transfer to a covered container and freeze. Then when I have unexpected company I can bake a pan or two and have warm cookies to serve.
I love the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks.
I love, love love Gooseberrypatch books! I'm an avid collector and this book looks great! Hope I win!
Wow! Would love to get Gooseberry Patch's newest cookbook! No shortcuts that I can think of, unless you cound ordering take-out?! 🙂
xoxo
Joy
Been a fan of Gooseberry Patch on facebook for quite awhile.
Omg these better than brownies look amazing! I love using cake mixes in cookies sometimes. I have a lemon cookie that uses a lemon cake mix and it is always a crowd favorite!
Hi! When I make beef enchiladas, baked ziti or stuffed shells, I always fix 2 casserole dishes of each and freeze one to use later. Works great and my family loves it!
Krissy
kbmint@otelco.net
i like Gooseberry Patch on facebook.
Krissy
kbmint@otelco.net
This would be a great book to add to my collection. I love to bake from scratch but sometimes I have to take a shortcut with a boxed mix.
My fav shortcut is to throw some stuff in the crockpot so that when I get home, dinner is ready. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and I hope I win *fingers crossed*
jimbolisa@bellsouth.net
It's just my husband and I, so when we have busy days we just make sandwiches or have leftovers.
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
The only shortcut I can offer is that when my boys are sitting at the table eating, thats when I do dinner prep if need be. Makes it much easier in the evenings.
christinalm83@gmail.com
Brandie – what a fabulous recipe AND giveaway! I am printing this recipe and making it very soon. I LOVE using cake and brownie mixes for shortcuts.
I have 'LIKE'd Gooseberry Patch at FB for a long time!
I make double batches of things and freeze half of them. Or I freeze half of a large recipe that I only need so much for a meal. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Andrea D.
short74717@msn.com
I am a facebook fan of Gooseberry Patch. Thanks for the chance to enter.
Andrea D.
short74717@msn.com
Just got two new Gooseberry patch books yesterday, would to have this one too.
I keep a couple of boxes of shelf safe milk in the pantry just in case …
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
I am following Gooseberry Patch on Twitter – @mbt4955
,Ilike Gooseberry Patch on facebook ..ciao4now64@yahoo.com
I really can't think of any time saving tips at the moment…but thanks so much for the wonderful giveaway…ciao4now64@yahoo.com
I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. Their recipes are so easy to use and follow and come out tasting yummy! I would love to win this one.
Elizabeth elizabedu3@aol.com
I follow GooseberryPatch on Facebook and "liked" it. This would be such a neat cookbook to have for my 34th wedding anniversary Dec. 16.
Cheryl B
My favorite kitchen shortcut is using roasted chickens from the grocery store. I will shred it up for soups, pizzas, pasta, and tacos!
I save plastic jars that mixed fruit comes in. I use these to store bread crumbs in the freezer as well as chicken broth. I also use them to pour liquids that need to be discarded so that they are contained in the trash.
That receipe sounds wonderful! Am definitely going to try it!
Cindy
strick60@live.com
Great cook book!
As a suggestion, I sometimes freeze dried herbs I've picked from the garden in ice cube trays with a little water. Great way to add parsley, etc.
Thanks.
My timesaving tip,to melt chocolate chips used as a topping on marshmallow treats, brownies, etc. pour the chips on and use a blow-dryer to melt…
Liked on Facebook
Following on Twitter
My shortcuts are really simple: make big batches, Food Saver them in dinner portion size, throw in freezer, take out what you need when you need it. I could probably stand to take a few tips from the Rush-Hour Recipe book.
What a wonderful giveaway! The brownies look amazing. I love those mixes! They are so convienient!
My favorite shortcuts are:
using my crockpot
precooking meat so I just have to defrost it
making two meals and freezing one so on super busy days I just have to throw it in the oven
racblom@juno.com
Liked Gooseberry on FB :)My shortcut is to cook extra meat that way if not the next night the night after that you can always fix it up different,Saves time for sure.
Tracy Guy
tguypk@yahoo.com
I heart Gooseberry Patch!!
I love this brownie recipe! I will be making these to give away at christmas!! Thank You!!
Love those cookbooks and LOVE brownies!! 🙂 I am a mother of 4 and always on the go. I use my crockpot often and I like to make extra for leftovers so we can have a heat and eat leftover night or I can send it with my husband for lunch the next day.
Thanks for all your wonderful recipes!!!
Jackie
I always make extra food on the weekend so we can have a quick meal using the microwave.
evelyn
evierog@yahoo.com
I don't really have any true short cuts other than when doing my meal planning for the week, I always try to make a meal where I can count on leftovers at least once! Or if making a meal that requires lots of veggie prep…I'll do that in the morning so when dinnertime rolls around it's quickly made! I LOVE Goosberry patch and can never have enough of their cookbooks!
Sharry M. shysaver2@yahoo.com
I liked Gooseberry Patch. Shortcuts I use for a busy day is to have boiled/deboned chicken or browned/seasoned beef in the freezer where I can just go in and grab something to cook. I generally plan the night before what I want to do the next day. Can you say OCD??? LOL
Thanks,
Stacey saw3lamp@yahoo.com
Just saw this again on FB this morning. I want those brownies now! Already pinned on Pinterest the other day and posted on fb and liked their page and I alreay "like" your page! Love Gooseberry Patch Recipe books, I always give them as gifts, but I sure would love one!!!!
Barb @snowmanlover.blogspot.com
I would love to win a Gooseberry Patch book, I have seen very few of them. If I have cooked chicken in the fridge and already cooked potatoes I feel like I can make anything. I just pop the chicken to cook in my slow cooker every few days.
I cook my butternut squash then freez it so I can use it any time . Shortens up the time it takes to make dinner during the week.
I try to double recipes so I can throw one in the freezer later. I would love do a bunch, but right now, I don't have room in my freezer…lol (reslerfarms@hotmail.com)
I already like GP on FB…
I already follow GP on Twitter…
Love your blog!! I like using non-stick foil in my pan or dish when cooking in the oven. Food slides right out and no hard baked on food to scrap off the pan or dish.
I've been a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook and Twitter for a long time. Love Gooseberry Patch!
Not sure you can really say this is a shortcut but it sure added flavor to the food….back when i was working 16 hours a day id get home throw food in pots and we would eat i was to tired to spice anythi.g up sad but true so finally i started using chicken or beef broth instead of water in potatoes veggiea and all
I roast 10 lbs of chicken breasts every week or 2, shred the meat & package it in the freezer for quick dinners! I pull out what I need & can make a chicken garlic pizza, quesadillas, chicken & wild rice soup, etc. in no time.
My shortcut is using canned veggies when I'm in a rush instead of fresh.
I would LOVE that cookbook!! I tend to try and cook anything that will hold up all week on Sunday-that way all I have to do is a quick heat up and dinner is DONE.
I already like gooseberry patch on facebook 🙂 durham_81@yahoo.com
I LOVE all your recipes and your blog is the greatest… Thanks for all the great idea….. durham_81@yahoo.com
I love gooseberry patch products!!! I already am a follower on facebook!
Cindy
strick60@live.com
Hello!! Sometimes I used the pre-cooked, chicken (like for fajitas, and whatnot). That does speed up a weeknight meal!
I'm following Gooseberry Patch on twitter and LIKE it on Facebook too!!
jjpotts76@yahoo.com
FatGirl with a SkinnyBrain
🙂
My best short cut is browning 10 pounds of hamburger at a time. Using what I need and then freezing the rest in pound packages for quick fixes during the week! I've "liked" Gooseberry Patch forever…..even have a recipe in one of their cookbooks. 🙂
I use applesauce instead of oil when baking.
Hello, when I am in a hurry in the kitchen I use spaghetti squash instead of pasta. It's so good. I love Gooseberry Patch and follow you on facebook. Merry Christmas to all.
Your recipes look soo yummy! I am already a friend of Gooseberry Patch on facebook
I am already a big fan of gooseberry patch and i would love to have this 1 to add to my collection! My shortcut is to fill 1 sink full of hot, soapy water to clean up as i go, but i love the ones's about choppy onions and freeze.
I guess you can put me in that group that says "I would love to win this cookbook"……I like to just 'sit' and read cookbooks……I've been a fan of Gooseberry Patch for a long time on Facebook.
I keep thinking one of these days I'll print a cookbook with all my favorite recipes!
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook
I love cookbooks!
I am a follower of Gooseberry Patch
I keep frozen onions and bell peppers on hand I use in so many things and it is a lot quicker for me than the chopping
My favorite shortcut in the kitchen has to be making extra the first time around, freezing the leftover and using at a later date. I do this with quesadilla mixes, meatloaf, soup, you name it, I freeze it!
I love anything that is quick and easy. And love the Gooseberry cookbooks the crock pot is my best friend during the winter months.
I follow Gooseberry on Facebook
I would LOVE to win this. I LOVE GBP.
Erin
eparker@arkwest.com
I follow GBP on FB.
I love, love, love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. This one looks great. I try to use my crockpot as much as possible.
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook
I love these cookbooks!
Susan says…
I "liked" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
craftybikerbabe@live.com
Susan says…
Hello, I love Gooseberry Patch books and would love to have this one. Thank you for the chance to win.
craftybikerbabe@live.com
Boy, you sure know what to do to make me hungry! The book looks wonderful and I'd love to win it. I am a Country Cook myself and love to try out new recipes all the time. Thanks for sharing.
Sally Davison
sallydav45@gmail.com
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook and I would love to win this cookbook!
KatrinaC1978@msn.com
I follow Gooseberry on Facebook and would love to add this cookbook to my collection!
Those brownies finally are going to be made tonight. thank you for your blog and all you do to get me fatter:)
Those look sooo yummy! I can't think of any shortcuts, really, just using my food processer to chop veggies…love all the foodie friends on FB, and I love cookbooks….:-) Thanks for sharing, & for giveaways….
95badgirl@peoplepc.com
Sounds DELICIOUS! AND EASY! I absolutely love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks!
memakellum@yahoo.com
Shortcut: My sweetie does all of the cooking 🙂 Lizzie7677@aol.com
I am now following Goose Berry Patch on Facebook!
My kitchen hint is to always cook and be mindful of the next days meal. What can I make a double of triple batch of that will compliment my next night's meal. I love cooking pork roast and using it to make pork enchiladas with my King Ranch Kitchen recipe. It's fabulous and ready in no time.
As always, I love you site! It's just exploded…but all due to your hard work and great recipes.
Happy Holidays!
Alise
I follow Gooseberry Patch on Facebook!
My favorite time saver in the kitchen is my crock pot! When I worked I used it several times a week. Put it on in the morning and dinner was ready when we got home!
I now follow Gooseberry Patch on FB!
Thank you, Crystal 🙂
Hi! I am sooo grateful I stumbled upon your blog this week! I needed a Pasta E Fagioli recipe for our Sunday School Christmas party and your recipe popped up! It was a BIG it and I plan on making it again soon along with many more of your delicious looking recipes 🙂
I always look at Gooseberry Patch cookbooks when I find them, but unfortunately, I do not own one. What a blessing this book would be for our family, anything to provide a wonderful meal for my family and allow me more time with them!
One of my go-to shortcut recipes is a slow cooker chicken & dumplins made with cream of chicken, rotisserie chicken & canned biscuits. My favorite shortcut tool is my garlic press! I put garlic in almost everything and the press allows to put the garlic directly into the pot, no chopping needed 🙂
Thank you! Crystal
I followed from GBP on FaceBook. A way for me to jump start my dinners is to have a couple meals already in my freezer for when days are hectic and I can just thaw and bake. 🙂
LOVE GBP COOKBOOKS. I FOLLOW ON FACEBOOK.
pelicanmom@hotmail.com
I would love to hold this cookbook in my hands and try the recipes. My shortcut – cook extra. I freeze, or we eat leftovers. I can make three different meals out of the same roast, thinking creatively.
Wow, I just found you and have saved almost all of your recipes to try. You are a food genius! I've also liked you on Facebook.
Hello, this sounds so so good, might have to try this weekend ♥
I already follow Gooseberry on facebook, but took at look anyway, that Golden Hash Brown Casserole sounds amazing!
These look so good! Would love to have this cookbook.
Do you have any idea how this would turn out if you used a brownie mix instead of a cake mix?
Thank you!
Casey
I make this cake and use M&M's instead of chocolate chips…very good and colorful too.
I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks. The recipes are well written and easy to follow. I would love to win this one. Oh, and I too go to the desert section first. I tell my guest " keep your forks because the best is yet to come!" imluvnghana@gmail.com
Ok, I was torn on what to make today, these, or the Snickers cake you recently posted on Facebook…I went with these. They're in the oven now, and smell awesome! Can't wait for them to come out!! The only thing I did different, was in addition to the chocolate chips, I added a few handfuls of peanut butter on the top, because what's better than peanuts butter & chocolate? Nothing, that's what!!
Hey All,
Just wanted to let you know I made some additions to this recipe that were totally killer if y'all want to try them out. I followed the directions up through the 30 minute baking time except I substituted pecans for the walnuts. After they had baked thirty minutes I covered them with miniature marshmallows (I used a whole 10 oz bag so the pan was very full!). I baked them for a couple more minutes until the marshmallows puffed and just started to turn golden. Then i drizzled over a chocolate frosting I made and swirled with the marshmallows.
Frosting: heat 3 tbsp butter, 4 tbsp milk and 1 cup powdered sugar. Once it bubbles remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup chocolate chips (I used milk chocolate chips for the brownies and the frosting)
They were messy and better scooped from the pan into bowls like spoon cake but were totally killer! We came up with the name marshmallow explosion mess brownies!