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.

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.
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.
"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.

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.

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.

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.
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.
253 comments:
1 – 200 of 253 Newer› Newest»Pillsbury Pie Crusts. I don't really like pie crust, so I'm not good at making them. So I cheat and buy them.
Are Hall on Facebook
I am a fan of Gooseberry patch on facebook
stacie@supermommytotherescue.com
I also like to use cake mixes for short cuts! Also canned bisquits are used a lot in my house instead of making them!!! Fan of Gooseberry Patch and your page on facebook as well! :)
One of my quick and simple favorites is to make cookie bars instead of drop cookies :)
Also layering graham crackers, vanilla pudding and topping it off with whipped cream is so yummy!
collettaskitchensink[at]yahoo[dot]com
I'm a fan of Gooseberry patch on FB:)
I'm a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on FB :)
I'm already in the Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends :)
I joined Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends
stacie@supermommytotherescue.com
I am already a fan of Mommys Kitchen on facebook.
stacie@supermommytotherescue.com
I don't like to make corn bread -jiffy mix is my friend
I'm a fan of Gooseberry patch and mommy's kitchen
I use the pre made pie crusts for everything even my pot pies also became a fan of gooseberry on facebook what a fun page
I am ahuge fan of mommys kitchen when i dont have ideas for dinner i pull up your website YOU ROCK meadows4ever@comcast.net
I can't wait to get this cookbook (either winning it, ha ha or buying it). I love to use the cookie mixes.
Erin
I'm a fan of GBP on FB.
I'm a member of the GBP circle of friends.
I'm a fan of mommy's kitchen on FB
just became part of circle of friends cant wait to see what is in store for me in good cooking meadows4ever@comcast.net
told all y friends on facebook about your website maybe now when i am invited to dinner i will want to go meadows4ever@comcast.net
HI Tina,
I am a fan of gooseberry, a fan of yours and joined there site. I just posted about this giveaway. I so hope I win. I love your site and im not just saying that. I mean it. You save me a lot of heart ache.
I add lemon juice to regular milk for quick buttermilk!
I use refrigerated or frozen pie crusts, they are great
I am a fan of Gooseberry patch on facebook
I am a fan of Mommys Kitchen on FB
I love this page!! My shortcut is using the yellow cake mix when I make my carrot cake. Also when I make my rice broccoli cheese casserole I make the rice in rice cooker first. Then I just mix all ingredients and throw in the oven :)
I cheat and use pre-made pie crusts and cake mixes whenever I can.
I am in Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends.
I'm a fan of Mommy 's Kitchen on FB.
Easy French Toast - Mix eggs and french vanilla flavored coffee creamer together - that's it - no other ingredients needed - easy & yummy!!
I like Gooseberry Patch on FB.
I like Mommy's Kitchen on FB.
I shared the giveaway on my FB wall.
I tweeted about the giveaway. @sebh55
I'm a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB.
I love using cake mix for cookies, and special cakes by adding my own touch. I am also a FB friend of Mommy's Kitchen. Love it!
My go to shortcut ingrediant is crescent rolls.Warm Blessings!~Amy
I follow gooseberry patch circle of friends.
Tweet Tweet!
I use Bisquick mix to make drop cheddar biscuits.
ajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com
Tweet:
http://twitter.com/glogirl3/status/181844558643068928
ajmizen(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love to use cake mixes to add to desserts.
i would LOOOVE to win! i am facebook fans of both and i get the newsletter!
HI!
First time to do this..here goes.
I use cooked brown rice in meat loaf to extend the amount when needed or make porcupine balls or a little extra chili. Also healthy and adds fiber to the diet.
Your books rock and I just bought my first..farmers market cooking.
Love to cook!
I love short cuts! I use cake mixes a lot, but also use refrigerated biscuits in my crockpot chicken and dumplings! Just as good to me!
I'm a new fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB!
I'm already in the "Circle of Friends"!
I like to buy pre-diced vegetables from the grocery store when I make shredded chicken tacos in the CrockPot. All it takes is chicken breasts, jarred salsa, taco seasoning, and peppers/onions. It's really quick and easy to throw together if the dicing is already done!
I'm already a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
Thanks for the giveaway!
I never make my own crust!
i buy stock in a box. i never bake my own sandwich bread. i don't even know how to go about drying fruit.
I buy the ready made crusts, so much easier. The cake mix for cookies is good too! :)
I like to use the pre-made pie crusts, especially the graham cracker crumb ones.
I like Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
I joined their circle of friends.
I like Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
I don't cook lasagna noodles when I make lasagna--I just add extra water to the sauce and the pasta absorbs it while it's baking. I know you can buy the "no bake" noodles, but regular old lasagna is much cheaper!
I like to use the ready made pie crusts for pot pies as well as dessert pies.
lindarsam@tx.rr.com
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
linda4stuff@tx.rr.com
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
linda4stuff@tx.rr.com
All these recipes look great! I see nothing wrong with taking shortcuts; the products are so much better than they were back then!
I use ready made pie crust, different gravy mixes, cookie mix and cake mix to cut corners when I need to!
I use lots of short cut products - but my favorite is using the cookie mixes to make wonderful bars!
DebNJoizee919@aol.com
I use ready made pie crust
We love homemade pizza at my house and have it usually once a week. I go to my favorite pizza place in town and buy the pizza dough that they have made from scratch! Then we can use whatever toppings we want at home! This shortcut saves me plenty of time and money!
I am a fan of Gooseberry patch on facebook
I'm a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on FB :)
I'm already in the Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends :)
I shared the giveaway on my FB wall.
I tweeted about the giveaway.
I like using boxed baking mixes whether it be brownies, cake mixes, or cookies.
Janet
jbaehrel@hvc.rr.com
I love to buy premade pie crust. They are so good now and also like to buy my nuts already chopped.
Beth
Frozen meatballs save so much time
I;m a fan on FB
I've used cake mixes in the past to make cookies - so easy. Can't wait to try the Easy Peasy Monster Cookie one, my grandfather was famous in our family for his monster cookies, lol!! He made them from scratch - very expensive so I'm excited for this recipe :-)
I'm a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB.
Oh this is awesome I love Gooseberry stuff! I tend to cook from scratch but with a young family I am definitely VERY interested in some handy shortcuts!!
bethfraser22 at hotmail dot com
I use ground flaxseed as a subsitution for oil/butter in my pizza dough. It works wonderfully plus I tell myself that now i'm eating "healthier" pizza ;)
The shortcut that I use often is buying diced canned potatoes to substitute for peeling, cooking and cutting my own... saves me tons of valuable time being a homeschooling family of six! Thanks for this opportunity to win the new GBP cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes. It definitely sounds like a must have for me!
Nicole
luv2teech71@hotmail.com
I am a fan of GBP on facebook! Thank you for this opportunity to win their new cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes!
Nicole
luv2teech71@hotmail.com
I am a member of GBP's Circle of Friends! Thank you for this opportunity to win their new cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes!
Nicole
luv2teech71@hotmail.com
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on facebook! Thank you for this opportunity to win their new cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes!
Nicole
luv2teech71@hotmail.com
I tweeted about your giveaway on Twitter! Thank you for this opportunity to win the new GBP cookbook, Simple Shortcut Recipes!
Nicole
luv2teech71@hotmail.com
My favorite shortcut is frozen bread dough - nothing like the smell of baking bread without the work involved in from scratch bread recipes - also great for pizza crusts.
I use a jar of spaghetti sauce for my lasagna. I layer it all in the slow cooker, making sure to cover the uncooked noodles with the sauce and cheese layers. People often ask for my recipe after tasting it.
I use Jiffy mix.
I love short cuts in my cooking and baking.
I use cake mix when I make Pistachio Bread or Lemon Poppy Seed Bread. Very good and simple.
Would love to have the cookbook.
I just joined Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends" ~ looks like a great find.
I'm already a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook
Like you I also use a lot of cake mixes. Already measured, flavored and easy to store on the shelf. I also use ingredients from the salad bar. The bacon is already cooked and chopped. Carrots are already shredded. I can buy just the amount I want for the recipe. And it's actually cheaper than buying a pound of bacon, $4.00 for a package of bacon and about $1.00 for a heaping cup of the salad bar bacon.
I am a Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Face book.
I belong to the Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends"
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Face book
I shared this on my fb page https://www.facebook.com/1MommaMary/posts/385916724761605
I use Rotel as a short cut in a lot of recipes for a mexican flavor with out having to cut peppers or chilis myself.
Besides using cookie mixes and cakes mixes for a variety of breads and desserts, I use frozen beef and cheese ravoli for a quick weeknight Lasagna. I love Gooseberry Patch cookbooks - real recipes for real people!
I am a fan of Gooseberry on Facebook
Cristi A
I don't like to make pie crust so I use the refrigerated ones.
I use bagged lettuce as my shortcut when I want to have a quick salad. I just buy one that has everything I like in it, no chopping necessary.
I am a fan of gooseberry patch.
I cook a whole chicken, breasts or any other type of roast (beef, pork) in rthe slow cooker the shred the meat and freeze for a later use.
Cristi A
My simple shortcut is using Stove Top Stuffing mix in meat patties and meatloaf. Just the right amount of breadcrumbs and great flavor! Cheap with coupons around the holidays too!
I use a chocolate cake chocolate pudding milk and chocolate chips to make a great triple chocolate cake
I use a chocolate cake chocolate pudding milk and chocolate chips to make a great triple chocolate cake
I am a fan of Gooseberry on facebook.
I use cake mixes
I love using canned biscuits for sweet and savory breads.
I love to use Cake Mixes for quick desserts.
Ronda
I am a fb fan already!!!
Rotisserie chicken makes a great shortcut for casseroles and chicken salad when you don't have time to cook the chicken yourself!
Blessings,
Tiffany
I'm a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on FB.:)
Blessings,
Tiffany
I'm a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB.:)
Blessings,
Tiffany
I joined Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends.:)
Blessings,
Tiffany
I mentioned your giveaway on my FB page. :)
Blessings,
Tiffany
I am a follower of your blog on Facebook...love your site and I love Gooseberry!!
Cristi A
I am i liker of mommy's Kitchen and Goosebery Patch. Dont usually have time to make pies for hubby so i buy canned fruit and premade pie shells. (dont tell him)
I use cake mixes in recipes and store bought pie crusts.
I love to use already made cookie dough for recipes and I love to use already made pie filling. It is easy to throw that with some cool whip and make pink stuff or make an easy cobbler!
Sometimes instead of roasting my own peppers (which is a lot of work to me!) I buy the canned ones already roasted!
I'm already Gooseberry Patchs' friend on FB! :)
I am now in the circle of friends!
I'm already a fan of Mommy's Kitchen (ofcourse) <3
I posted a comment on my FB page telling everyone to come enter!
I too use cake mixes for short cuts...when the recipe calls for it.I also use shortcuts like using the microwave to melt the butter & chocolate instead of on the stove.
I am a fan of mommy's kitchen on facebook.
I like using dried herbs instead of fresh b/c of always having them on hand. Thanks for the chance to win!
Already a fan of Gooseberry on FB.
Follow you on FB :)
Already a member of Circle Of Friends.
Facebook follower here! :)
My favorite shortcut isn't an addition per se, but I always grate butter when adding it to a recipe that calls for pea sized chunks of butter (like scones) - it makes for far less work and the end product rises more too!
Kris C
Lvnglyf73@aol.com
I use cream soups to make sauces.
My comment is really a helpful hint that I often do. When baking or making any recipe,I have all the ingredients on the conunter and as I use them, I put them aside on another section of counter. That way I can be sure I used it. Too often we rush and overlook the most obvious.
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on FB
I am a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on FB
I have joined Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends"
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch and Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook. I LOVE to use any shortcuts I can find. I also like using cake mixe recipes.
I mentioned this giveaway on my FB page
I use instant pudding mix with whipped cream for quick and yummy icing !!!
Already a Gooseberry Patch fan and part of Circle of Friends !!!
Plus, just became a fan of Mommy's Kitchen !!!
Excited to try some new recipes :)
Pillsbury Pie Crusts! Best shortcut of all time!
I'm a fan of gooseberry patch on facebook!
I use cake mixes or just put all ingredients in one bowl then blend ...so simple!
I use can cresent rolls, they are great for sweet treats such as cheese danish or for a crust for chicken pot pie. They are very verstile.
Cake mixes are my shortcut for cookies and bars.
Cake mixes... they just make it so much easier to bake in a snap.
I am a Mommy's Kitchen Fan on Facebook
I am a Gooseberry Patch Fan on Facebook
I just like to make the cookie dough the day before so it's ready to just shape and bake the next day!
I don't make cakes from scatch. I use cake mixes for different cakes and sometimes to make cookies.
I'm a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook already.
I'm a fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook already.
VERY cool - my kind of book. I think it belongs in my kitchen. =) I LOVE using cake and cookie mixes also to make things easier and quicker when creating.
I am already a fan of MK at FB. HOW COOL YOU HAVE A RECIPE IN THIS BOOK TINA!
I am already a fan of Gooseberry Patch at FB.
I use lemon juice in milk for butter milk. It's cheaper and I never seem to have buttermilk at the right time!
I'm a fan on MK on facebook!
For my shortcut I like to use a boxed brownie mix to jazz up brownies or make other desserts with it.
Colleen
cllnrmsy@yahoo.com
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook!
Colleen
cllnrmsy@yahoo.com
I joined Gooseberry Patch "Circle of Friends" more than a year ago.
Colleen
cllnrmsy@yahoo.com
I am a HUGE fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook!!
I am a HUGE fan of Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook!!
Colleen
cllnrmsy@yahoo.com
I buy the box banana bread mix and add over ripe bananas and walnuts(even if the mix says it have nuts in it). Neigbors always look forward to the holidays. It really is good---extra moist and loaded with nuts.
Would love to win tne cookbook. Read your site all the time.
Thanks, Tomi Jo
I also doctor up cake mixes for a variety of desserts, including cookies and brownies. Thanks for the opportunity to win a Gooseberry Patch cookbook! :) Btw, love your blog!
Just signed up for Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends!
Just signed up for Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends!
Just tweeted about the giveaway!
I use the shake pancake batter ;)
I use prepackaged cookie mixes to make quick waffle iron cookies for my granbabies.
I am a fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook!
Just signed up for Gooseberry Patch's Circle of Friends!
Mentioned this giveaway on my face book page!!
I use short cut in all my cooking from deserts to main dishes. My favorite short cut is using pre-cut vegetables and pre-cut salad mix.
deakin_family@yahoo.com
I'm a friend of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook
deakin_family@yahoo.com
I joined Circle of Friends
deakin_family@yahoo.com
I'm friends with Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
deakin_family@yahoo.com
I liked Goose berry Patch on Facebook
teeta5@hotmail.com
I liked Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook :)
teeta5@hotmail.com
My cheat is for Chocolate Crinkle Cookies....I start off by using a pre-packaged brownie mix :)
teeta5@hotmail.com
I like to chop and freeze pecans in one cup bag portions. I am much more likely to bake treats or make fudge with that step behind me.
My shortcut is using Crescent rolls for my crust on pies and anthing else:) Also, I buy my pizza crust instead of making it from scratch.
Cake mix shortcut for cookies!
I "liked" Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
I love to have ground beef and chicken already cooked and in the freezer to make casseroles and chili/soups quick and easy.
I love to take a cake mix and doctor it up.
I'm a fan on Facebook.
I agree completely about the cake mix. I have so many recipes not only just for cakes but cookies and bars as well that start with a cake mix. I definitely love shortcuts. It makes this busy mommy's life a little easier!
I liked Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
I liked Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
My shortcut is using bottled minced garlic.
Fan of Gooseberry Patch on Facebook.
Joined Gooseberry Patch Circle of Friends.
I liked Mommy's Kitchen on Facebook.
I'm a FB friend of Mommy's Kitchen
I'm already a GBP circle of friends,
I liked MK on FB and fan of blog
When I use lean ground beef, instead of draining it and using up another dish, I use paper towels to soak up the fat.
Tina
Call Mary and A.J. in Rockwall.
A.J. needs cakes and pies for customers.
I like to make up cookie dough and put in freezer for when family and friends come over I can bake them a fresh batch of cookies.
Elizabeth
elizabedu3@aol.com
I follow your blog via e-mail subscriber so I don't miss a post.
Elizabeth
elizabedu3@aol.com
I subscribe to your blog via e-mail subscriber so I don't miss a post.
Elizabeth
elizabedu3@aol.com
I make cookie dough ahead of time and freeze it for when I have family and friends over I can just bake them cookies from the cookie dough I had prepared ahead of time. It's a time saver for unexpected company also.
Elizabeth
elizabedu3@aol.com
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