Lemon Iced Cookies & Easy Monster Cookies {Gooseberry Patch Simple Shortcut Recipes Review}

Good morning folks it's that time again for another Gooseberry Patch Early Bird Review. Do you cook solely from scratch or to do you take a few shortcuts in your cooking?

Most people frown upon cooks that use time - saver ingredients, but personally I don't think there is anything wrong with taking shortcuts. I for one rely on time saver ingredients in quite a few of the recipes that I have on my blog.

If you're like me than Gooseberry Patches Simple Shortcut Recipes is the cookbook for you. Simple Shortcut's has 225 simplified recipes and time saver tips for today's busy cook.

The best part is all of the recipes speed up your favorite dishes by using grocery-store convenience products. Now you can have dinner and dessert on the table in no time.

As usual the hardest part is thumbing through the cookbook and trying to decide on what to cook. I don't know why but I'm always drawn to the dessert section of any cookbook. Well this time was no different.

I needed cookies for a get together so all of the recipes of choice are cookie recipes!!! The first one is for Easy - Peasy Monster Cookies from Nicole Culver in Lafontaine, IN.

This recipe uses packaged cookie mixes (chocolate chip and peanut butter) to make these monster cookies a breeze to throw together. Just add oatmeal, eggs, butter and m&m' s for a simplified version of an old classic recipe.

These Lemon Iced Cookies pictured above come from Paula Eggleston of Knoxville, TN. This recipe utilizes a cake mix which I love. I'm a big believer in using a cake mix to simplify any recipe. Well, these lemon cookies do not disappoint.

This cookie recipe only requires 4 ingredients, a lemon cake mix, oil, eggs and a bit of sugar. Then finish them off with a simple powdered sugar glaze. If you're a lemon lover you have to make these cookies. We polished off the first batch so I had to make a second one to take.

If you don't have a big sweet tooth like me don't worry because Simple Shortcut's has plenty more to choose from. This cookbook is broken down into 6 tasty chapters.

Not only are there recipes, but in usual fashion they have Tips and Tricks scattered throughout the cookbook. One of my favorite tips in this cookbook is one that I actually practice.

"Save the wrappers from sticks of butter and store them in your freezer (plastic bag). This way you have them on hand to grease a baking pan. "

Another great addition that Simple Shortcuts has is a "Common Ingredient Substitution Listing" found in the back of the cookbook. There's also an additional listing on Herb and Spice Substitution. This will come in very handy for me.

And the last cookie of choice is from yours truly. I was so excited to see that Gooseberry Patch included my simplified version for Fudge Puddle Cookies! If you love chocolate and peanut than you can have the best of both worlds with this cookie.

I have found that the shortcut recipe is just as good as the full homemade version. These cookies are great when you want to impress your guests, but you don't have a whole lot of time on your hands. Click here to get the recipe.

♥ Thank you Gooseberry Patch for including my recipe ♥

Simple Shortcut Recipes was just released on March 16Th and Amazon has plenty of copies in stock. Right now you can snag this cookbook for just $11.52 that's a $5.43 savings. I promise you won't be sorry.

I would like to thank Gooseberry Patch for sending me a review copy of this wonderful cookbook. And a double thank you for sending me a second copy. That's right folks Gooseberry Patch sent me an additional copy of Simple Shortcuts to giveaway to one of my readers.




How To Enter The Giveaway:

Just leave a comment on this post telling me what simple shortcut you use in a recipe? (mandatory entry) For me it's definitely using a cake mix to simplify a cookie or cake recipe.

Additional Entries:
You can do any or all of the following for extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each one.

1. Become a Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Face book. When you have done that, return to this post and leave a separate comment letting me know that you are a fan.
2. Join Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends" so you can stay Gooseberry Patch updated.
3. Become a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Face book. (If you're already a fan that counts too)
4. Mention this giveaway on your face book page. Come back and leave a comment telling me so.
5. Tweet the following for another entry: Win a copy of @gooseberrypatch Simple Shortcut Recipes http://tiny.cc/66lfbw @mommyskitchen #giveaway


Last day to enter this giveaway will be at Midnight on March 28th, 2012 (CST). I will pick a random winner using random.org and announce the winner on this blog, face book and twitter. Good Luck everyone.


Contest open to U.S & Canadian Residents only due to shipping charges. Winner has 48 hours to reply to winning email or a new winner will be chosen. Please leave a email address with your comment in the event that you are the winner.


Disclosure: Gooseberry Patch provided me with a copy of " Simple Shortcut Recipes" for the purpose of this review. They also provided an additional copy to use in a reader giveaway. With that being said the opinions & comments stated above are entirely my own. I would like to thank Gooseberry Patch for choosing Mommy's Kitchen as a "Early Bird Reviewer" .



Easy Peasy Monster Cookies

1 - 20 oz package peanut butter cookie mix
1 - 20 oz package chocolate chip cookie mix
1 1/2 cups quick cooking oats
1 - cup butter, softened
3 - eggs, beaten
2 - cups plain m&m's

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients; mix well. Drop by rounded tablespoons on un greased baking sheet. Bake at 375 degrees for 12-13 minutes or until lightly golden. Cool for 2 minutes and then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely. Makes 1 1/2 dozen cookies.


Lemon Iced Cookies

1 - 18 - 1/4 oz package lemon cake mix
1/3 cup oil
2 - eggs, beaten
1/4 - sugar

In a bowl blend dry cake mix, oil and eggs. I used my kitchen aid mixer for this. Mix until the dough comes away from the sides of the mixing bowl and the mixture is combined. Roll into one inch balls; place 2 inches apart on a lightly greased baking sheet. Place sugar in a shallow bowl. Press each ball with the bottom of a small glass that has bee dipped in sugar.

Bake at 350 degrees for 8 minutes. Do not allow the cookies to brown around the edges. Remove cookies from baking sheet immediately. Place on wax paper; drizzle with vanilla frosting while warm. Makes 2-3 dozen cookies.

Vanilla Frosting

2 - tablespoons butter, melted
1 - cup powdered sugar
1/2 - teaspoon vanilla extract
1 - tablespoon milk

In a bowl, whisk all ingredients together and drizzle over cookies.




Photobucket

253 comments

Ginger said…
I'm a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook!!
Ginger said…
I've also joined Gooseberry Patch's "Circle of Friends"
Ginger said…
I'm already a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook
Heather said…
Became a fan of both facebook pages. I recently found your blog and like it so far!
Sarah said…
I agree with a few others in saying premade pie crusts!!! I love baking but this part is just too much for me haha

sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu
Sarah said…
I am a gooseberry patch fb fan!

sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu
Sarah said…
I am a fan of your fb page!

sblake1[at]student[dot]framingham[dot]edu
Peaches Picks said…
I am a FB fan of Gooseberry Patch
Peaches Picks said…
I am a FB of Mommy's Kitchen! Love Love Love the site =)
I always say I'm more Sandra Lee than Martha Stewart. I like using brownie mixes and then dressing them up.
Anonymous said…
Hi, I'm 68 years and this is my first attempt at this. I joined Gooseberry Patch and Circle of Friends; have been on facebook with Mommy's Kitchen for some time. My favorite shortcut recipe is Jiffy Cornbread Mix. I have been making jalapeno cornbread with Jiffy since 1963 when I was buying it for less than 10 cents a box. My family loves it and everyone asks for my recipe. I am hoping to win the new cookbook.
sunnystylegrl said…
I buy rotisserie chickens from the market because I do alot of chicken recipes at home and this saves me time.
Anonymous said…
I too have used cake mixes for some cookies. I have one recipe that uses a cake mix and only two other ingredients. I would love to win this cook book. I am all for any short cuts.

Jennie
rmc18mom@gmail.com
carpediem5790 said…
One of my shortcuts is to keep a simple salad of lettuce and shredded carrots in the frige. Half the salad is done and you can add other vegies as needed or approp for the dinner. Saves time and balances it out. arlene Marie
email: carpediem5790@yahoo.com
carpediem5790 said…
I have favorited Gooseberry Patch on facebook for quite awhile. arlene Marie email carpediem5790@yahoo.com
carpediem5790 said…
I faved Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook. arlene Marie email carpediem5790@yahoo.com
Anonymous said…
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on facebook. Thanks for the entry! :) Teri jtbrian@wavecable.com
Anonymous said…
I joined Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends. :) Teri
jtbrian@wavecable.com
carpediem5790 said…
I posted about your giveaway on my facebook page arlene Marie Pitts email: carpediem5790@yahoo.com
carpediem5790 said…
I tweeted about your giveaway!!!arlene Marie Pitts email:carpediem5790@yahoo.com
Anonymous said…
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on facebook. :) Teri
jtbrian@wavecable.com
Freckledee said…
I am already a fan of Gooseberry Patch on facebook
Freckledee said…
I'm already a Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends.
Freckledee said…
I use a cake mix to make a great chocolate cake by adding stuff to it and it's just as good as totally homwmade!
collettakay said…
This post was featured on my blog for Misc. Finds Monday!

http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2012/03/misc-finds-monday-32612.html

I hope you'll come check it out :)
Denise said…
I enjoy your blog.
My shortcut is using my food processor for everything I can. Quick and easy.
GP printed one of my recipes in the newest cookbook, too. Just Too Easy Tortellini Soup. It's fun knowing my recipe is in the same book as yours.
Keep posting.
Stephanie237 said…
I use cool whip for whipped cream when I am traveling with item that uses it for a topping. Whipped Cream seems to melt quickly when left unrefridgerated. Even in a short period of time it always melts. Cool whip when mixed with vanilla extract and some vanilla bean makes it delish!
Anonymous said…
I like to buy the frozen biscuits and pre made pie crust.

roxannewv@yahoo.com
Katherine said…
I love to use the cookie mixes for a variety of uses. Saves beaucoups of time and always taste wonderful.
Anonymous said…
I also find it time consuming to make drop cookies, so I make cookie bars. I've never made a homemade pie but, some of the comments have tempted me to try while using a pre-made crust.
Anonymous said…
I'm already a fan on Facebook.
Anonymous said…
I have joined Circle of friends.
Anonymous said…
I have liked Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
Anonymous said…
I mentioned this giveaway on my Facebook page.
Anonymous said…
I use pillsbiry pie crusts for baking pies

Tammy W
Tamlen176@aol.com
Anonymous said…
I tweeted about this giveaway.
Robin said…
I use pre made cookie dough as a crust or mixed with cinnamin and nuts as a strusel topping on cobblers.
Anonymous said…
I use Cake mixes to make the best biscotti... It takes lest ingredients and you get the most different flavors... Like butter pecan, lemon, cinnamon... Yummy so good.... I make these at Christmas time and give as Christmas gifts.... My friends can't wait till Christmas rolls around, cause they know they are going to get them as gifts.
Regina Fischer said…
I use cake mixes for shortcuts, also bisquick for so many things.

I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Face book also GBP.
Following Gooseberry Patch on FB
Joined Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends
Anonymous said…
I use Stove Top stuffing mix to make stuffing at thanksgiving,instead of saving bread to make it. The spices are already in it also. I just add sausage, chicken broth, mushrooms, and canned carrots,and it is every bit as good as any stuffing made completely from scratch.
Sandie Rivet said…
Love all the cookbooks. A shortcut would be pie fillings already made just add to already made pie crusts.
Anonymous said…
I use an already prepared Pie Crust...I can't make a pie crust to save my rear, so I am thankful that I can buy them..LOL...My next thing to try with it is a Quiche! :)

Pamela
pammyl35@hotmail.com
Anonymous said…
I "like" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook



Pamela
pammyl35@hotmail.com
Anonymous said…
I joined Circle of Friends




Pamela
pammyl35@hotmail.com
Anonymous said…
I already like you on Facebook




Pamela
pammyl35@hotmail.com
Anonymous said…
I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/ScorpioGirl40



Pamela
pammyl35@hotmail.com
Joyce Ann said…
I love using minced garlic from a jar. It is a big time saver when a recipe calls for minced garlic.
Anonymous said…
I enjoy your site.It s a very good site and it makes basic recipes simple. your deserts are eye candy photos.ha
I like to invent new flavors and use different herbs from my garden in cooking and extracts in my baking...Try new frontiers and have found some real winners. I like to keep it spicy!!haha
I just got my first gooseberry book and love it and this one would be a bonus! Have a happy day!!!
Jen Door said…
I love all short cuts .. refrigerated cookie dough, pillsbury biscuits, cake mixes .. you name it I use it! I am a full time mom of two little boys, and I have just returned to college.. so quick and easy is what I am all about! :)
zachwes12@yahoo.com
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