Gooseberry Patch's The Harvest Table - Dinner - REVIEW & GIVEAWAY!

Now that the harvesters have had a hearty breakfast and put in a morning of hard work, they'd be looking forward to a midday meal to fuel them for several more hours work. Here in farm country that midday meal is referred to as DINNER. For dinner there is going to be Thyme Pork Chops, Herbed Potato Gratin and Feta Cheese Tossed Salad. To round the meal out, homemade rolls and LOTS of iced tea, lemonade and HOT coffee. I made this meal for my family and everyone enjoyed it very much -- especially the potatoes. I even made a low-carb version for myself and was bowled over by how yummy they were. I think this will be my go-to gratin recipe from here on out :)

Gooseberry Patch's The Harvest Table

The Thyme Pork Chops were both yummy and very simple to prepare -- I will be using this recipe more this summer as my herb garden always has lots of thyme planted.

Thyme Pork Chops

Thyme Pork Chops
Gooseberry Patch’s The Harvest Table (contributed by: Denise Piccirilli, Huber Heights, OH)
(Printable Version)

6 Pork Loin center-cut chops, 1-inch thick
Salt and pepper to taste
2 Tbsp olive oil
1 Tbsp fresh thyme, chopped, or 1/2 tsp dried thyme

Sprinkle pork chops on both sides with salt and plenty of pepper. In a small bowl, stir together oil and thyme; brush over both sides of pork chops. Arrange in a shallow roasting pan. Bake, uncovered, at 350°F for 50 to 60 minutes. Makes 6 servings.

The salad was simple and yet very complex in it's flavors -- a great addition would be some thinly sliced apples - like a tart Granny Smith - YUM!

Feta Cheese Tossed Salad

Feta Cheese Tossed Salad
Gooseberry Patch’s The Harvest Table (contributed by: Holly Child, Parker, CO)
(Printable Version)

1 head green leaf lettuce, torn into bite-size pieces
8-oz container crumbled feta cheese
3/4 c. chopped walnuts
3 to 4 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/2 tsp pepper
2 Tbsp oil
2 Tbsp white vinegar

In a salad bowl, combine all ingredients except oil and vinegar. Toss to mix. Drizzle oil and vinegar over salad; toss again. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. Serve chilled. Makes 4 to 6 servings.

The Herb Potato Gratin was FABULOUS and so very simple to make. The addition of the garlic & herb soft cheese resulted in a flavor that made this dish seem more elegant and fussy than it actually was - in other words, fancy enough for company - easy enough for everyday -- my kind of recipe. To make this low-carb, I followed the recipe exactly with the exception of swapping the potatoes for a head of cauliflower -- EXCELLENT!!

Herb Potato Gratin

Herbed Potato Gratin
Gooseberry Patch’s The Harvest Table (contributed by: Joan White, Malvern, PA)
(Printable Version)

2 to 4 Tbsp butter, melted
3 lbs redskin potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced (I skipped the peeling part)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 c. whipping cream
5-oz container soft cheese with garlic & herbs

Spread butter in a 13x9-inch baking pan. Arrange half of sliced potatoes in a pan; season generously with salt and pepper. In a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, stir cream and cheese mixture until smooth. Pour half of cheese mixture over potatoes in pan. Arrange remaining potatoes on top; season with more salt and pepper. Pour remaining cream mixture over potatoes. Bake, uncovered, at 400°F for about one hour, until golden brown and potatoes are tender. Serves 8.

Herb Potato Gratin's Low-Carb
Makeover -- Herb Cauliflower Gratin



Okay, now on to the IMPORTANT stuff -- the GIVEAWAY!! This is a DOUBLE giveaway -- 2 cookbooks, 2 Faithfulness Farm Apron & Tee Towel sets AND 2 WINNERS!!

1. The giveaway is open to Faithfulness Farm followers (old and new - so follow if you don't already).

2. Leave a comment telling me YOUR favorite fall dish HERE - whether it is one you make or simply one you enjoy during the harvest season.

3. Bonus: Blog about the giveaway on your blog or post on Facebook or Twitter (be sure to tell me in your comment so I give you credit for it).

4. NEW BONUS OPPORTUNITY: Go visit the nice Gals at GOOSEBERRY PATCH on FACEBOOK and leave a comment on their wall telling them you were sent by Faithfulness Farm and you LOVE Autumn because ____________!

Giveaway is open until May 30th - WINNERS will be notified on May 31, 2012!!

Check back this weekend for the final installment of this review - Supper from The Harvest Table AND one last bonus chance to be one of the 2 GIVEAWAY winners!