Gooseberry Patch

Classic Church Potluck Recipes is a 2022 Gooseberry Patch publication.

I checked this book out of the library on a whim -thinking I might find some older recipes I remembered from the church potlucks I enjoyed as a child- or maybe some dishes my grandmother used to cook.

This cookbook- or compilation of recipes reminds me of the cookbooks I have purchased- or inherited- over the years as part of a church fundraiser. The concept is a simple one: The church members who wish to participate each show more donate a recipe- in the usual categories- soups, breads, salads, main dishes, desserts, etc. Volunteers organize the cookbook and raise money for teen activities or other equipment the church needs.

These recipe books rarely include photos as the recipes are collected from many different individuals and is not professionally published for sale in bookstores or online. This cookbook is exactly like that. It’s a compilation of recipes donated by different people, from different locations in the United States and Canada.

These recipes are old school- or classic- as the title says- no gluten free- sugar free- fat free recipes- or the mention of the various ways we cook now- microwaves, air fryers, pressure cookers, and all that. Be aware of the ingredients- which might not be a great fit for watching their calories or fat intake….

But…

These recipes scream comfort food, and pleasant feelings of nostalgia, too They are perfect for church potlucks- but also for picnics and family reunions- or smaller gatherings- for clubs or other types of meetings. The ingredients are simple, easy to find, budget conscious, and the recipes are not complicated.

Overall, a nice comforting cookbook that brings back memories. That said, many of the recipes still show up at big family and church gatherings. It would be very easy to substitute ingredients for a healthier version in most cases. Some of my favorite recipes come from the church cookbooks I’ve collected or inherited over the years. They aren’t gourmet with slick color photos- but they are dishes that bring back some of my fondest memories.

3 stars show less

Homey little cookbook with family favorite type recipes for the holidays. Adorable sketches accompany holiday sayings and seasonal décor ideas sprinkled throughout the recipe sections.

"Small cheer and great welcome makes a merry feast.” - William Shakespeare
"A wooden bowl filled with pomegranates, lady apples and juniper makes a welcoming country centerpiece.”

Recipe contents are: Farmhouse Breakfasts; Home-Style Beginnings; Fireside Soups & Breads; Cozy Kitchen Suppers; Homemade show more Desserts. But probably a third of the book is left to chapters that I didn’t buy the book for: Holiday Trimmings (things like handmade gift tags, balsam draft stoppers); Christmas Past (memories from the authors and their friends); Holiday Magic for Kids (things like stained glass candies, paper snowflakes); Homespun Handiworks (ideas, how-to’s and patterns).

I guess I’ve gotten spoiled with cookbooks that have glossy photos of every recipe. This book has none. Even with the lack of pictures and the extra “stuff” padding the book, because I do like to try family favorite recipes, I’m sure I’ll be making more from this book. show less

Too many of these recipes are similar. Some use ingredients like cream of mushroom soup I would never use in macaroni and cheese. While someone who seeks a recipe for this dish may find one, to me macaroni and cheese is a comfort food. As a comfort food, I want my tried and true recipe so it brings true comfort.

Gooseberry Patch books are terminally twee and have no place on the serious foody shelf but I just can't resist a flick through as the festive season draws near. Crafts, food and general nonsense but guaranteed to give out an idea or touch to add some little differences to your next Christmas.