Crowd-Sourced Cookbooks Gain National Attention

Sept. 13, 2010 - PRLog -- Gooseberry Patch, widely known for their cookbook series in publication for over 20 years, has been recognized as a national best-selling publisher by Nielsen BookScan, who compiles their list based on raw numbers of books sold nationally.

"After selling our books in independent gift shops and online for so many years, it's an honor to be named a national best-seller. We're thrilled that our little company has come so far!" said Vickie Hutchins, co-founder of Gooseberry Patch.

Originally a retail catalog company, Gooseberry Patch started in Delaware, Ohio as a "kitchen table" business selling housewares, home decor and cookbooks. They began publishing their collectible cookbook series in 1992 and have sold over 8 million books to date.

Each year, they publish 12 to 14 titles filled with recipes submitted for consideration from readers across the country. Gooseberry Patch adds their own kitchen, gift-giving and decorating tips along with original line-art and watercolor illustrations.

Affordably priced at under $17, the books are themed with today's time-strapped, budget-conscious families in mind. Many recipes include personal stories from readers, giving the cookbooks a community feel.

Of the over 150 titles, three were singled out by Nielsen BookScan: Super-Fast Slow Cooking (ISBN: 978-1-933494-55-5 - $16.95), Summer in the Country (ISBN: 978-1-933494-68-5 - $16.95) and Farmhouse Kitchen (ISBN: 978-1-933494-82-1 - $16.95). All books in the series contain over 200 recipes, tips and illustrations. They are available at retailers nationwide, Amazon and http://www.gooseberrypatch.com/

See how the company got started here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hWzUkK64Mz0



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Back in 1984, next-door neighbors Vickie Hutchins and JoAnn Martin were raising their families in the little town of Delaware, Ohio. Moms of small children, they were looking for a way to do what they loved and stay home with the kids too. Since they shared a love of home cooking and making memories with family & friends, they knew that they'd be great partners. After many a conversation over the backyard fence, Gooseberry Patch was born.

They put together their first catalog & cookbooks at their kitchen tables and packed boxes from the basement, enlisting the help of their loved ones wherever they could. Since then, they've grown into a beloved brand, specializing in community-style cookbooks, calendars and organizers. The recipes for their books are hand-picked from the selection that arrives at their offices every day. Contributed by everyday cooks all across the country, the books are family-friendly and affordable, priced at under $17 each.