PASTRY PAL

I don't know who hosts Pastry Pal http://www.pastrypal.com/ but she lives in NYC where she is a pastry chef.

DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFFLES

MEHANS KITCHEN

Mehan's Kitchen http://mehanskitchen.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Mehan who is a librarian in Washingto, D.C.

CHAI COOKIES

PHOTO A DAY

Photo A Day http://redsie05.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Red who lives in Montreal. A lawyer, Red enjoys baking and photography. In her spare time she enjoys reading books byJanet Evanovich, Nora Roberts and John Grisham.

EGGNOG CRANBERRY MUFFINS

DINNER DE JOUR

Dinner de Jour http://dinnerdujour.org/ is hosted by life-long friends Kelly and Kristin. They post menus as well as recipes

GNOCCHI WITH BLUE CHEESE AND WALNUT SAUCE

MY MACEDONION KITCHEN

My Macedonian Kitchen http://www.mymacedoniankitchen.com/ is hosted Jessica an American born (Seatle) who lives in Macedonia with her husband. Jessica loves to cook and bake.

SNICKERDOODLES

PIECE OF CAKE

Piece of Cake http://pieceofcakeblogabout.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Shauna who lives in San Franciso with her husband and children. Shauna is a runner.

CRANBERRY-PISTACHIO TORRONE

WIN A TRIP

Enter daily through the end of the year to win a trip to Italy

http://www.francescorinaldi.com/30th_anniversary/tuscany_thankyou.php

SWEET BASIL KITCHEN

Swwwt BasilKitchen http://sweetbasilkitchen.com/ is hosted by Jane who lives in Iowa with her husband of 38 years. They have 3 sons and seven grandchildren

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PUMPKIN BUNDT CAKE WITH APPLE GLAZE

MOOGIE & PAP

Moogie & Pap http://moogieland.blogspot.com/

It is late and Iam tired but I could find no bio information on this blog but the recipes look great

BOSTON CREAM PIE CHEESECAKE

THE ENGLISH KITCHEN

The English Kitchen http://theenglishkitchen.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Marie who lives in Chester, England with her husband (Toddster) and her dog (Mitzie). She moved from Canada to England 10 years ago.

SUGAR PLUMS

TECHNICOLOR KITCHEN

Technicolor Kitchen http://www.technicolorkitcheninenglish.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Patricia who has been cooking/baking for 20+ years. Besides cooking she enjoysphotography and uses a Nikon D40 to photograhand post her recipe creations. She and her husband are avid soccer fans.

GINGER AND DATE CAKE

Sweepstakes

Win a Cusinart Coffee Maker and some coffee. Scroll down for entry form

http://www.avantisavoia.com/index.cfm/pageId/286

THE GALLEY GOURMET

The Galley Gourmet (http://www.thegalleygourmet.com/) is hosted by Nicole who lives in Illinois with her husband and three children. I am sure you will find her recipes interesting.





I hope to resume my giveaways right after the first of the year.

APPLE GALETTE

Sweepstakes

Win a kitchen full of bake/cookware. From Kraft. One entry.

http://www.kraftstore.com/checkout/contests/SetThePerfectTableSweepstakes.aspx

CUTE THANKSGIVING IDEA

If you have some time and patience you will love this Thanksgiving project. While you are there explore some of the recipes and ideas on the blog.

http://www.ourbestbites.com/2010/11/oreo-turkeys-and-cookie-pilgrim-hats.html

Win a trip to Belgium

Submit a recipe with picture. Be sure to read the rules http://www.callebautrecipecontest.com/

BETTER LINK

This is a more direct link to the $250.00 Best Buy Gift Card.

http://picky-palate.com/2010/11/17/intel-core-i5-processor-review-and-win-a-250-gift-card-to-best-buy/

Win a $250 Best Buy Gift Card

Head on over to Pickey Palate (www.pickeypalate.com), leave a comment and win a $250.00 Best Buy Gift Card.

A big help with holiday shopping.

WIN A KINDLE

I already have a Kindle and love it. When I go on a trip I load some books in my Kindle (there are 1000's of free downloads in addition to purchased books) and away I go. Here is a chance to win your own Kindle. It would alsomake a great Christmas gift.

http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/66712/invites/new?just_entered=true&ogn=facebook&show_newsfeed=1&wfrefid=b71f471f16ae

BLUE-EYED BAKERS

Blue-Eyed Bakers http://www.blueeyedbakers.com/home/2010/10/1/turtle-tart.html is hosted by sisters Kathy and Abby. Both girls have blue eyes. Kathy lives in Boston while Abby hails from New York. They learned to bake from their mother.

TURTLE TART

NOBLE PIG

The Noble Pig http://www.noblepig.com/ is hosted by Cathy. Cathy, her husband and two sons moved from CA to OREGON where they have a vineyard and produce Noble Pig Wine.





I always find great recipes at the Pig and I am sure you will too.

CURRIED PUMPKIN SOUP

I AM BACK

It took 5 months, 3 surgeries and 7 weeks of daily radiation but my last xray showed no cancer. I will not know for sure until my next mammogram in January 2011. Then I need to have a mammogram every 3 months for the next 5 years. I WAS IN THE BATTLE OF MY LIFE BUT I WON. Please, please get your mammogram every year. If cought early you will, in all probability, have a successful outcome.

In the next day or two I will update the blog.

In the meantime Noble Pig is giving away a $250.00 GC.

http://noblepig.com/2010/10/29/a-giveaway-for-you.aspx

I will return shortly

I have undergone 3 surgeries in the past 4 weeks and am happy to report the all the cancer is gone. I still have to go through 5 weeks of daily (M-F) radiation to zap any stray cancer cells which may have moved outside the margins. This will begin on 8/16. From what I understand the first few weeks are fairly simple although I will get tired. I may experience some burning during the last two weeks but they will give me creams and gels.

I will post when I can if only to keep you up to date

JUST TO LET YOU KNOW

My oncologist called this morning. Seems my cancer is back. It is very early and the mass is very small. He thinks if he cuts it out and I have a round of radiation I will be fine.

Radiation is very tiring so it may be a litte while before I have any more contests or post any sites to explore. BUT, I WILL RETURN.

I'M BACK

At least for awhile. I will know on Tuesday if my breast cancer is back. If I do not have cancer I will begin posting again. Hopefully, i will be able to posr a new sweepstakes within the next few days. If my cancer is back my postings will be spotty.

In the meantime, I have entered a drink contest which requires that I post the recipe and a picture on my blog. So, here it is.

Gorilla Martini
2 medium ripe, but firm, bananas, sliced
2 cups banana ice cream, homemade or purchased
1 Tablespoon Cream De Cacao
2 Tablespoons chocolate syrup, homemade or purchased
2 Tablespoons caramel syrup, homemade or purchased
In the jar of a large blender combine the sliced bananas, the ice cream and the Cream De Cacao. Pulse until the mixture is thick and well blended.
Drizzle the chocolate and caramel syrups down the sides of four (4) chilled martini glasses, dividing equally. Divide the ice cream mixture between the dressed martini glasses. Serve immediately.
Serves 4
To make this a mocktail substitute an additional Tablespoon of chocolate syrup for the Cream De Cacao.

AL'S RECIPE

My friend, Al Singer, has entered a recipe contest which requires him to post it to a blog. Since he does not have his own blog he is posting it to mine.

Avocado and Chickpea Salad with Pomegranate-Lime Dressing
　
1 large ripe, but firm Mexican avocado (peeled, pitted and cut into bite-sized chunks)
2 cups canned chickpeas, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
1/4 cup green bell pepper (seeded, ribbed and finely diced
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
2 Tablespoons fresh lime juice
2 Tablespoons pomegranate juice
1 small garlic clove, finely diced
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
3/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
　
In a large bowl combine the avocado, the chickpeas, the onion, the bell pepper and the cilantro. Toss to combine and set aside.
In a small bowl combine the lime juice, the pomegranate juice, the garlic, the sugar, the salt and the pepper. Stir to blend. Whisk in the olive oil until well blended.
Pour the dressing over the avocado salad and gently toss to coat.
Serve chilled or at room temperature.
Serves 4 - 6

THE CULLINARY CELLER

The Cullinary Celler http://www.theculinarycellar.com/ is hosted by my friend Debbi Vanni. Debbi and I share a passion for collecting cookbooks. Debbi does post some recipes but the blog is mostly cookbook reviews.

If you need any cookbook information you can email Debbi.

MILLION DOLLAR WINNER

This is the $1,000,000.00 winner of the 2010 Pillsbury Bakeoff. I would be terrified to use ice cream in a judged recipe. Afraid I would not get it to the judges while it was intact. More power to the NJ lady.

MINI ICE CREAM COOKIE CUPS

HAPPY TAX DAY

The winner of this month's giveaway is Amber. Amber, your gc is on its way

DON'T FORGET TO PAY YOUR TAXES

To help ease you past tax day I will have a little sweep in which the prize will be a $20.00 Amazon.com gift certificate. From. Monday April 5, 2010 until 11:59 PM (eastern on Wednesday, April 14, 2010 leave a comment with your email under this post.

On Thursday April 15, 2010 I will use random.org to select the winner.

GIVEAWAY

My buddiy Karen Harris at Eat, Drink Wash Up http://eatdrinkwashup.blogspot.com/ is giving away a Cuisinart7 hand mixer. Go to the blog, find the post about lizzards and mashed potatoes (posted today) and leave a comment to be entered.

MOWIELICIOUS

Mowielicious http://www.mowielicious.com/ is hosted by Mowie in London. This is a total dessert blog. In addition to baking, Mowie is into photography and only shoots in natural daylight.

THE WINNER IS.......

This month's winner of the $20.00 amazon.com gift card is Timbo. I have notified Timbo and as soon as I get the required information I will send the gift card.

Happy St. Patrick's Day, everyone.

WIN A $50.OO SHOPPING SPREE

Win a $50.00 shopping spree to plates and napkins. Even if you don't win remember Easter is almost here. Also, graduations

http://www.thecakeblog.com/2010/03/plates-and-napkins-giveaway.html

A SWEEP FOR ALL TO ENTER

Win a $50.00 GC to BJ'S

http://analisays.blogspot.com/

WIN A BENIHANA GIFT CERTIFICATE

Please visit my friend Lisa's blog, Jersey Girl Cooks http://jerseygirlcooks.blogspot.com/2010/03/benihana-gift-card-giveaway.html and register to win one of two gift certificates to Benihana.

TOP OF THE MORNING

March giveaway. In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, Passover and the beginning of Spring I am giving a $20.00 gift certificate to amazon.com.


From 11:01 am on Sunday, March 7, 2010 until 11:59: pm on Tuesday, March 16, 2010 leave a comment with your email under this post. I NEED AN EMAIL SO I CAN CONTACT THE WINNER.
On Wednesday. March 17, 2010 I will use random.org to select the winner.

Happy March

My new sweep will be posted in a few days. I am working on some Irish and St. Patrick posts.

OUR NEWEST WINNER

Almost forgot to post this. April was the winner of the latest sweep. I have already contacted April and sent the amazon.com gift card.

JANE'S SWEETS AND BAKING JOURNAL

This is a fun blog http://janessweets.blogspot.com/ if your looking for sweet treats.

VANILLA CUPCAKES WITH RASPBERRY WHIPPED CREAM

VELCRO NEEDS YOUR VOTE

My two-year-old puppy, Velcro, is a finalist in the attached contest. She (we) would appreciate your support. Please go to the following link, vote for Velcro and pass the link on.

http://www.snobbydogs.com/vote.cfm?id=000EF15D-7DDF-1B42-A0258873D18E006C

HAPPY VALENTINES DAY

In honor of Valentine's Day and my Birthday (2/11) I am announcing my February sweeps

From Friday, February 5, 2010 until 11:59 PM on Sunday, February 14, 2010 leave a comment with your email (I need the email so I can contact the winner) under this post to be entered into a drawing for a $20.00 Amazon.com gift card.

Good luck to all.

WELCOME, FEBRUARY

It is almost February. January's posts were all soups to warm you up on cold days. In honor of Valentine's Day this month will be sweet treats,

February's sweep will be posted later in the month.

THE PERFECT PANTRY

I have reviewed The Perfect Pantry b efore but this recipe looks great as well as healthy.

SQUASH, SWEET POTATO AND CARROT SOUP

TBD (THE BEST DISHES)

I know nothing about TBD http://www.frenchietbd.com/ except that she is French and her recipes look good. Have a look at the wide variety of recipes.

SWEET POTATO CAULIFLOWER SOUP

THE WINNER IS

The latest sweepstakes winner is Cindy. I will post a new sweeps toward the end of the month.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DR. KING!!!!

t

Pink Parsley: Chile-Cheese Bread

Pink Parsley: Chile-Cheese Bread

THE ITALIAN DISH

The Italian Dish http://theitaliandishblog.com/ is hosted by Elaine who lives in MI with her husband and three sons

TUSCAN BEAN SOUP

GOOD FOOD, GOOD WINE AND A BAD GIRL

Good Food, Good Wine and a Bad Girl (aka Messy Cook) http://messycook.blogspot.com/ is hosted by Isabelle in Toronto, Canada. She claims to be a medicore housekeeper and shoe addict.

TOASTED GARLIC SOUP

THE BITTEN WORD

The Bitten Word http://thebittenword.typepad.com/ is hosted by Clay and Zach in Washington, DC They get most of there recipes from a variety of cooking magazines.

CHESTNUT SOUP WITH CRISPY PROSCIUTTO

PHOO-D

Phoo-d http://www.phoo-d.com/ is hosted by someone in one of the Dakotas. Married with 3 children.

CHIPOLTE CORN CHOWDER

THE URBAN SPORK

The Urban Spork http://theurbanspork.com/ is somewhere in Chicago. I could not find a name or any other bio informatio but the recipes look great.

THE PERFECT PANTRY

Happy New Year to all. Ok the holidays are over, all or most of the cookies have been eaten -- same for the rich, holiday treats. Time to Get back to basic, wholesome eating.

The Perfect Pantry http://www.theperfectpantry.com/ is hosted by Lydia in Rhode Island. Lydia is a food writer who holds cooking classes in her large home kitchen. She uses everyday ingredients in her cooking and talks about them on her blog.

POTATO, LEEK AND SALMON SOUP