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 All those May flowers we were promised are finally blooming and their sweet scents fill the air. The family of red wing blackbirds has returned to the little pond out front and fat robins dot the trees, building this year's nests.
With so much sunshine, it's hard to stay inside...there are gardens to plant, flea markets to shop and so much more going on outdoors. Thanks for taking a few minutes to read this month's edition of Feather Your Nest!
Speaking of flea markets, we have some very exciting news below. This year, instead of just shopping one of our favorite markets, we'll get to be part of the fun! We couldn't be happier about it and we hope you can join us there.
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In the spirit of the season, we're also sharing some of our favorite ideas for turning flea-market finds into treasures at home. We also hope you'll enjoy a dish inspired by one of our favorite booths at the market...it's easy and so very tasty any time of year. A recipe from Jo Ann's own kitchen, it's one your family will enjoy too!
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P.S. How are YOU filling these days of sunshine and flowers? We'd love to hear all about it! Stop by our Page on Facebook or drop us a note and let us know...staying in touch with our Gooseberry Patch family is always fun for us!
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We're excited to announce that Gooseberry Patch is going to be part of the Springfield
Extravaganza later this month. In just a few short weeks, we'll be setting up our booth of cookbooks right in the middle of all the action and hoping to meet a few new friends...old ones too!
Make sure you wear comfy walking shoes and get ready for a day of treasure hunting...there are over 2,500 booths at the twice-yearly extravaganza! Better bring your appetite too because the food is to die for...there are so many yummy goodies to choose from.
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| Look for the Gooseberry Patch tent directly across from the Youth Building and pick up your FREE recipe! |
| Stop by for book signings & pictures with us from 11am-1pm on both Friday and Saturday! |
| Listen for door prizes including cookbook giveaways all weekend long! |
Click HERE for even more information.
www.springfieldantiqueshow.com
www.antiqueshowinsider.blogspot.com
(937) 325-0053
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| One of our favorite stops at the Springfield
Extravaganza is the Schmidt's booth. We always get a brat with sauerkraut and a cream puff to split between us...there's nothing better. This recipe, from our cookbook Farmhouse Kitchen, is one of Jo Ann's own and it reminds us of those market-fresh flavors. Pop it in the slow cooker in the morning and, when you return after a day of shopping, a hearty meal will be ready to serve!
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Sweet-and-Sauerkraut Brats
1-1/2 to 2 lbs. bratwurst,
cut into bite-size pieces
27-oz. can sauerkraut
4 tart apples, cored,
peeled and chopped
1/4 c. onion, chopped
1/4 c. brown sugar, packed
1 t. caraway seed
4 to 6 hard rolls, split
Garnish: spicy mustard
Place bratwurst into a slow cooker. Toss together undrained sauerkraut with apples, onion, brown
sugar and caraway seed; spoon over bratwurst. Cover and cook on low setting for 4 to 5 hours,
stirring occasionally. Fill rolls, using a slotted spoon. Serve with mustard on the side. Makes 4 to
6 servings.
Click here for a printable version of this recipe.
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Here's How It Works:
Step 1:Tell us why you'd like to be a Preview Party Host! Visit our Promotions tab on our Page on Facebook. We'll pick 20 finalists and send them each a free copy of the book PLUS another copy to give away at their party!
Step 2:Twenty finalists will invite some friends over, sample some tasty recipes and take lots of fun photos. We'll post the photos on Facebook and then...
Step 3:Vote for your favorite party...invite your friends too! Visit our Promotions tab on our Page on Facebook to view party photos and vote!
Step 4:We'll announce the Grand Prize winner on June 16th and they'll win...
Autographed copies of Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets for themselves AND all their party guests, up to 20 people!
Bragging rights and a feature in an upcoming email as
"The Official Preview Party for Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets!"
Ready to join in the fun? Click the button!
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"But what will I do with this?" It's a question we ask whenever we're shopping flea markets, tag sales or auctions. Here are a dozen tips to answer that question and inspire you...it's
always easier to take home a find if you have a creative use for it already in mind, right?
Find these and more in our book, Mom's Favorite Recipes...along with over 200 recipes, the book includes a whole chapter of market-inspired crafts as well!
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While scavenging tag sales, look for a vinyl or leatherette handbag like Grandma used to carry. Using acrylic paints and sealer, it can get a spunky makeover in no time!
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Don't pass up a vintage kitchen chair or rocker at a tag sale. Freshen it up with a coat of paint then découpage copies of handwritten recipe cards or pages from a children's book onto the seat or back...what a sweet shower gift!
Snap up wire baskets for a fresh twist on traditional windowboxes...use them inside or out!
Wooden milk or soda pop crates make terrific organizers! All those nooks & crannies are great for holding silverware or desk supplies. |
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Looking for a new message board? Hang an old-fashioned washboard for a whimsical way to keep notes organized! Just use magnets to keep messages and photos secure.
Create a one-of-a-kind set by adding polka dots, stripes or names to plain china or glass mugs using acrylic permanent paint...it's so easy and clean-up is a breeze using just water. |
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Roomy graniteware dishpans are the perfect size for filling with ice to keep bottles of soda pop cool and frosty at any outdoor get-together. |
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Use an old iron gate for a fireplace screen or hinge together sections of wooden shutters...so eye-catching!
Grab an orchard ladder when spotted at a yard or tag sale...so handy for hanging towels or quilts.
Kitchen canisters are naturals when it comes to holding beads, notions, fabric remnants and snippets of ribbon in the sewing room. |
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Falling in love with a handmade quilt or tablecloth that's stained? Turn the best parts into pillowcases...that's the fun of it all! |
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Vintage shop signs are always in style! Hang them in the gathering room, kitchen or on the porch.
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Thanks for reading this month's edition of Feather Your Nest...join us in June
for more summer fun and a yummy recipe perfect for enjoying outdoors!
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