Monday, November 9, 2009

Thanks AND giving

First: Thanks.

Thank you for the great response to guest posting. Very honored by your comments and emails. Stay tuned this week for the outcome.

And now: Giving

November turns the corner into one of my favorite times of year for cooking. With holiday soirees and family parties, I have plenty of reasons and opportunity to experiment in the kitchen. And it serves as a great time to review my favorite cookbooks and explore new ones.

And one fantastic cookbook is from The Food Network. With over 250 recipes from one of my favorite networks/sites, this cookbook has great tutorials and photos accompanying recipes ranging from lamb to baked eggs with farmhouse cheddar. And don't say you were never inspired to learn to strip lemongrass. You can show all your stripping skills after you read this book (and I do mean the lemongrass!)

So I am sending a copy to one of you. Leave me a comment by Friday and once again, we will employ the magic hat to produce a winner. The magic you create after that is up to you... good luck.

105 comments:

  1. People Who Know Me Would Say:November 9, 2009 at 6:38 AM

    I love stripping lemongrass! Do you get Cooks Illustrated? It's a magazine (America's Test Kitchen) filled with recipes and at the end of every year they print a cookbook with all that year's recipes (like Southern Living does). You'd like it!

    ReplyDelete
  2. People Who Know Me Would Say:November 9, 2009 at 6:39 AM

    Just ignore this one...I'm not sure my first comment went through, so I'm paying attention this time....

    ReplyDelete
  3. mommakinNovember 9, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    ALWAYS in the market for a new cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  4. LeeNovember 9, 2009 at 8:21 AM

    Cool....love cookbooks. Don't use em, but still love to look at them. I have something for you on my blog!

    ReplyDelete
  5. courtneyNovember 9, 2009 at 8:36 AM

    Cool! I love cookbooks (and Food Network) Plus I have no clue how to strip lemongrass...

    ReplyDelete
  6. UnknownNovember 9, 2009 at 8:38 AM

    OOoooh, this looks good. I have a cookbook addiction. I buy them from Amazon.com and it's a real problem. I'd love to win this one! I'm so excited for Thanksgiving and trying out some new recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Little Ms BloggerNovember 9, 2009 at 8:40 AM

    Ohhhhh....a cookbook....oddly enough it is not one I own (I own a lot). It needs a home....Pick me.

    ReplyDelete
  8. FancyPantsNovember 9, 2009 at 8:41 AM

    That would be awesome since I host about 40 people at our Thanksgiving and just in time for turkey day preparations!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Menopausal New MomNovember 9, 2009 at 8:49 AM

    Oh pick me, I need all the help I can get in the kitchen, other rooms in the house, not so much!

    ReplyDelete
  10. DoulaNovember 9, 2009 at 8:58 AM

    Awww this cookbook is actually on my "wish list" for Christmas!

    ReplyDelete
  11. UnknownNovember 9, 2009 at 9:00 AM

    This is exactly what I needed! Wow do I love blogging!

    ReplyDelete
  12. HollyNovember 9, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    I'm trying to collect cookbooks, because I only started cooking about a year and a half ago and I still need lots of help. I've pretty much got the basics down, so now I'd like to try out some fancy schmancy stuff. :-)

    ReplyDelete
  13. DandyNovember 9, 2009 at 9:01 AM

    I love the smell of crushed lemongrass!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Jules AFNovember 9, 2009 at 9:03 AM

    ooo pick me. I love cookbooks. And by love, I mean LOVE.

    ReplyDelete
  15. The Peach TartNovember 9, 2009 at 9:10 AM

    I've been wanting this cookbook. Yum.

    ReplyDelete
  16. ellen abbottNovember 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

    I've been wanting a new cookbook so, yes, please, I'm in.

    ReplyDelete
  17. AnonymousNovember 9, 2009 at 9:11 AM

    I love cookbooks. All the pictures and sometimes exotic recipes. It makes me think I can do anything just reading them.

    So yes, I would love to win a kickin cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Pandorah's BoxNovember 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    Oooo I would love this! I am hosting my very first Christmas dinner this year so it would come in handy!

    Thanks for the opportunity!

    Kato

    ReplyDelete
  19. sitting on the mood swing at the playgroundNovember 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    Oh, I have the perfect spot for that cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Tami GNovember 9, 2009 at 9:22 AM

    Mmmmmmmmmm - Thanksgiving!
    My Favorite time of the year!
    Lemongrass? really? you COOK with lemongrass?!!
    I might NEED that cookbook!
    ha ha

    Tami G

    ReplyDelete
  21. VanessaNovember 9, 2009 at 9:24 AM

    I wanna get lucky.

    ReplyDelete
  22. RaoulysgirlNovember 9, 2009 at 9:26 AM

    Awesome! I love to collect cookbooks!! And I don't have this one!!!

    ReplyDelete
  23. JenJenNovember 9, 2009 at 9:27 AM

    I collect cookbooks and I don't have this one.
    I love cookbooks with tips from the cook, and a list of substitutions.
    Can't wait to see who is the guest post..wait. Not that I don't like reading your words...don't get me wrong.
    Sigh.
    I'm shutting up.

    ReplyDelete
  24. AnonymousNovember 9, 2009 at 9:28 AM

    The stripping sounds like fun. What's lemongrass by the way? ;)

    ReplyDelete
  25. Sincerely IowaNovember 9, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    My husband and my kids apparently think I need to learn how to cook, so this might be just what I need!

    ReplyDelete
  26. MommyLovesStilettosNovember 9, 2009 at 9:44 AM

    I'm teaching myself to cook before I move in with my boyfriend so I definitely need a cookbook. :)

    ReplyDelete
  27. The Four Week VeganNovember 9, 2009 at 9:47 AM

    I love the Food Network and I am always looking for new recipes to scare my children, I mean nurish my children.

    ReplyDelete
  28. AnonymousNovember 9, 2009 at 10:02 AM

    The Food Network does such creative and fun shows! I'm sure the cookbook is FAB!

    ReplyDelete
  29. McValNovember 9, 2009 at 10:06 AM

    Awesome! Stick my name in the hat!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Margaret aka: Fact WomanNovember 9, 2009 at 10:06 AM

    I Love Food Network and would love this cookbook. Oh Your ricotta cheesecake recipe looks amazing. I can't wait to try it. I'll be doing the Progresso Gift drawing later today and I'll let you know if your name is drawn out of the magic hat.

    ReplyDelete
  31. strokeoflivingNovember 9, 2009 at 10:07 AM

    Okay, I'm throwing my hat into the ring. Why not?

    ReplyDelete
  32. Rita TempletonNovember 9, 2009 at 10:18 AM

    Oooh, I want to be entered! I love the Food Network. And I love cookbooks. So this one ought to be great! :)

    ReplyDelete
  33. BarbalootNovember 9, 2009 at 10:25 AM

    Ooh-I love the Food network! Crossing my fingers that you draw my name:)

    ReplyDelete
  34. TracieNovember 9, 2009 at 10:31 AM

    I have so many cookbooks. I would love to add another one to the collection.

    ReplyDelete
  35. Melanie @ Whimsical CreationsNovember 9, 2009 at 10:43 AM

    Thank you for the chance to win.

    ReplyDelete
  36. CandiceNovember 9, 2009 at 10:50 AM

    Ooh, Ooh, Me, Me... *hand in air waving frantically*

    ReplyDelete
  37. UnknownNovember 9, 2009 at 10:51 AM

    Is this a magical cookbook? Will it make me like to cook? No?
    I could always give it to my husband...

    ReplyDelete
  38. SummerNovember 9, 2009 at 11:05 AM

    Cookbooks are my FAVORITE!!! And, the Food Network always has some great ideas...

    ReplyDelete
  39. The SavageNovember 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Lemon grass is an awesome stuffer for whole roasted pig.... Guam style....

    ReplyDelete
  40. EmilyNovember 9, 2009 at 11:17 AM

    Yum. I love to try new recipes. Although generally I stay away from watching cooking shows on TV as they make me just want to eat everything in sight. Maybe I should just remove my fridge and put a elliptical in its place!

    ReplyDelete
  41. MommyLisaNovember 9, 2009 at 11:29 AM

    I am always on the Food Network site for recipes...awesome.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Kristina P.November 9, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    I love to cook! And to potentially burn my fingers off.

    ReplyDelete
  43. AlyssaNovember 9, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    It would be my first cookbook! I would love to win this!

    ReplyDelete
  44. ChiefNovember 9, 2009 at 11:39 AM

    ooo...such yumminess

    ReplyDelete
  45. UnknownNovember 9, 2009 at 11:40 AM

    I have always collected cookbooks, and now that I'm retired I have more time to browse through them and try out recipes. I would love another!

    ReplyDelete
  46. Herding CatsNovember 9, 2009 at 12:01 PM

    Ohhhh! Pick me! I'm an aspiring disaster in the kitchen, and I could use some new recipes to blow up!

    ReplyDelete
  47. LizaNovember 9, 2009 at 12:10 PM

    I'm in! My mother-in-law just signed me up for Food Network magazine and it's great! Love cookbooks, and love your blog!

    ReplyDelete
  48. Busy Bee SuzNovember 9, 2009 at 12:31 PM

    Pick ME! Pick ME!! I need some cooking inspiration and I have never stripped lemongrass. :)

    ReplyDelete
  49. JenNovember 9, 2009 at 12:39 PM

    I would love that book. I have wanted one for some time. I hope that my name just jumps out of your magic hat!

    ReplyDelete
  50. MsDarkstarNovember 9, 2009 at 12:57 PM

    I am not the primary cook in the house but this would make an AWESOME holiday gift for the person who is.

    I'd never heard of stripping lemongrass...apparently I have some skills to acquire.

    ReplyDelete
  51. Vivienne @ the V SpotNovember 9, 2009 at 1:08 PM

    This is definitely my favorite time of year and the time I enjoy cooking the most.
    :)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jami - XOimagineNovember 9, 2009 at 1:11 PM

    Awesome! What a great giveaway! I'm compiling a cookbook of my favorite healthy recipes that I clip from magazines. Have a great Monday!

    ReplyDelete
  53. brokenteepeeNovember 9, 2009 at 1:16 PM

    This goat loves to cook.
    thank you

    ReplyDelete
  54. Connie KNovember 9, 2009 at 1:20 PM

    Cookbook lover !! And Cook ! Great giveaway !!

    ReplyDelete
  55. CourtNovember 9, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    I want that! Fingers crossed! ;)

    ReplyDelete
  56. MarcyNovember 9, 2009 at 1:31 PM

    Great giveaway! I would love to win! I'm always in the market for good cookbooks.

    ReplyDelete
  57. CathiNovember 9, 2009 at 1:38 PM

    Would love that cookbook....!! :) Have a great day!

    ReplyDelete
  58. brainellaNovember 9, 2009 at 1:43 PM

    Stripping lemongrass sounds painful. This is why restaurants exist...so I don't feel the need to do something that traumatic.

    Baking is my thing. I'll bake you some brownies if I can have the cookbook... :)

    ReplyDelete
  59. JenNovember 9, 2009 at 1:57 PM

    Such an awesome giveaway JennyMac! And wouldn't you know that I don't own a single cookbook?!? So, I think I need one, and this one would be perfect to start my collection now that I have my own kitchen!

    ~ Jen

    ReplyDelete
  60. MandyNovember 9, 2009 at 2:23 PM

    Okay, if I don't win this cookbook, then I'll be ordering takeout from Cracker Barrel. Oh, who I am kidding? I'll probably order takeout either way but I can practice for 2010....

    Thanks for offering up the chance!

    ReplyDelete
  61. Liz MaysNovember 9, 2009 at 2:35 PM

    Oh yum! The Food Network knows what they're doing!

    ReplyDelete
  62. Andrea McKayNovember 9, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    Well, I definitely need some help in the kitchen!

    Just how big is this magic hat of yours, anyway?

    Andrea
    http://alittlebitrocknroll.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  63. Heather@WHMBNovember 9, 2009 at 3:18 PM

    Oooh, I love to cook! It totally relaxes me and I'm always trying new things. Cookbook wouldn't go to waste in my house! :)

    ReplyDelete
  64. JoshuaNovember 9, 2009 at 3:40 PM

    OH!!! I need this book. Need it, need it, need it. I do all the cooking in the house and am always looking for new stuff. I've actually poached a few recipes recently -- and always giving credit to the original -- over at http://www.phoo-d.com. I just made the granola bars she talks about yesterday. They were damn easy to make and taste fantastic. She can explain better than I, since it's from her family.

    -Joshua

    ReplyDelete
  65. EveNovember 9, 2009 at 3:41 PM

    Ooh come on magic hat!! Push Eve to the top! You can never have enough cookbooks, and I am SO desperate for an American cookbook, and a bit of tasty "my mama use to make this" cooking.

    ReplyDelete
  66. Lady DiNovember 9, 2009 at 3:58 PM

    Oh come on JennyMac...we can only strip the lemongrass??? Anyway, I have to agree that this time of year is my favorite for cooking and baking as well. In fact, just spent all day yesterday baking..yummy.

    ReplyDelete
  67. conquer The MonkeyNovember 9, 2009 at 3:59 PM

    obsessed with the food network, what a fantabbbuuu idea for a giveaway.

    don't forget to share what your go to holiday recipe is!!!

    Cheers,
    Cameron

    ReplyDelete
  68. Simply Mel {Reverie}November 9, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    Stripping and cooking sounds like a magical dance to me!

    ReplyDelete
  69. AmoNovember 9, 2009 at 4:09 PM

    I love love love cookbooks because I have to have one in order to cook! I am one of those people who have to follow a recipe! So, i want it! I need it! Very exciting!

    ReplyDelete
  70. Carma SezNovember 9, 2009 at 4:19 PM

    I could use some big time help with my cooking - please sign me up!

    ReplyDelete
  71. UnknownNovember 9, 2009 at 4:38 PM

    I LOVE foodnetwork! Pick em magical hat!

    ReplyDelete
  72. The Daily ConnoisseurNovember 9, 2009 at 4:52 PM

    I adore the food network... looks like a great cookbook! xo

    ReplyDelete
  73. StephanieNovember 9, 2009 at 4:53 PM

    Oh, I would love a new cookbook! Surely my husband would appreciate something concrete teaching me to cook. :)

    ReplyDelete
  74. AliciaNovember 9, 2009 at 4:55 PM

    ohhh food network is like porn.... haa!! not really but close... its just so addicting! lol.... but that cookbook looks awesome!

    ReplyDelete
  75. Mrs. MNovember 9, 2009 at 5:27 PM

    I'd love to win that book!

    ReplyDelete
  76. MegNovember 9, 2009 at 6:13 PM

    Umm... again, duh! I love cookbooks! Pages and pages of tasty things to make - yes, please.

    Thanks for being such a giver. If I had a spare cent, I'd consider this whole giveaway concept... someday, someday ;)

    ReplyDelete
  77. Jane Kennedy SuttonNovember 9, 2009 at 6:28 PM

    There is no time of year that I'm inspired to cook. Hmmm...I wonder if that's because I don't have the right cookbook.

    ReplyDelete
  78. Tam and JohnNovember 9, 2009 at 7:10 PM

    Cooking is one of my new passions so I try all your recipes! And I'm always looking for great new cookbooks!

    ReplyDelete
  79. LunaNovember 9, 2009 at 7:21 PM

    what a great giveaway. i loke the food network and cooking. i hope i win this book.

    ReplyDelete
  80. AnonymousNovember 9, 2009 at 7:23 PM

    Wait, if I win this, does that mean I have to cook????

    ReplyDelete
  81. lisa and lauraNovember 9, 2009 at 7:24 PM

    Yum! Who doesn't need new recipes. Great giveaway!

    Have you commented on our Kindle contest yet??? Come on...you know you want to! AND you get an extra entry if you blog about it. Just sayin'.

    ReplyDelete
  82. Michele RNovember 9, 2009 at 8:16 PM

    Looks like a great cookbook! And the perfect time of year to try out some new recipes.

    ReplyDelete
  83. BonBon Rose Girls KristinNovember 9, 2009 at 8:18 PM

    I totally bought my Mom that cookbook and she loves it!

    ReplyDelete
  84. The SharerNovember 9, 2009 at 8:40 PM

    Two of my favorite things....the words of Jennomacinator and the Food Network!!!!! Ohhhhh magic hat PLEASE pick me!

    S

    ReplyDelete
  85. JenNovember 9, 2009 at 10:09 PM

    Ooh, pick me! Me me me me me! I heart cookbooks :) (and I'm completely at a loss at meal planning lately)

    ReplyDelete
  86. Corrie HoweNovember 9, 2009 at 10:33 PM

    Food Network! I fall asleep at night to them. It would be nice to have a cookbook since I don't always hear the end of the wonderful food.

    ReplyDelete
  87. ThatsBaloneyNovember 9, 2009 at 11:22 PM

    I never win anything.
    You are my favorite blogger.

    Does that help??
    Pick ME!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  88. SultanNovember 9, 2009 at 11:30 PM

    It is hard not to love lemongrass.

    ReplyDelete
  89. Lawyer MomNovember 10, 2009 at 12:18 AM

    Since content isn't a factor and it's comment only, here I am. Comment, comment, comment!

    ReplyDelete
  90. chocolatecovereddaydreams.blogspot.comNovember 10, 2009 at 12:59 AM

    I tend to make a menu a mile long and then have such a hard time narrowing my choices down. Maybe this cookbook will help???

    ReplyDelete
  91. UnknownNovember 10, 2009 at 9:13 AM

    I already have this one on my wish list!

    ReplyDelete
  92. FunnyGal KATNovember 10, 2009 at 3:12 PM

    I've never tried stripping (lemongrass), but I'm certainly willing to try. What a great pre-holiday giveaway!

    ReplyDelete
  93. tiburonNovember 10, 2009 at 3:48 PM

    Oh man how I would love this bad boy! I need all the help that I can get!

    ReplyDelete
  94. SherriNovember 10, 2009 at 4:47 PM

    Oh....that just looks like the best ever cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  95. HalfAsstic.comNovember 10, 2009 at 6:23 PM

    Ooooooh, I would love a new cookbook, JennyMac! Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  96. mCatNovember 10, 2009 at 9:09 PM

    I'll comment just cause I like ya, but for the love of all that's holy, I don't wanna win. A recipe book implies that I might cook.

    ReplyDelete
  97. Sunshine In The CityNovember 11, 2009 at 10:03 AM

    I would LOVE to win a new cookbook!!!

    ReplyDelete
  98. StaceyNovember 11, 2009 at 12:40 PM

    yay! i'm new to your blog via m-cat and shark bait. love LOVE the story about the 22 year old vet. you're a great writer! Pick me for the win!!

    ReplyDelete
  99. Tiffany and the MunchkinsNovember 11, 2009 at 4:35 PM

    I am such a cookbook junkie! I love getting/buying new cookbooks and planning meals for the next few weeks. :)

    ReplyDelete
  100. Alexis AKA MOMNovember 12, 2009 at 12:57 AM

    Oh Pick me please, I'll send you something I make ... LOL :)

    What an awesome book, I so excited to try out something from it and show it off. :)

    ReplyDelete
  101. No Longer 25November 12, 2009 at 3:49 AM

    Hmm I didn't even know you were supposed to strip lemongrass!! Looks like this book could teach me a thing or two. I also love the idea of cooking at this time of year - lots of warming meals.
    Jade

    ReplyDelete
  102. Passion FruitNovember 12, 2009 at 2:54 PM

    I redecorated my kitchen a little just yesterday and finally made room for my cookbooks! Oh was I happy to bring them to where they belong at last! But I have no doubt they would love some company now that they have their own space.

    ReplyDelete
  103. Live.Love.EatNovember 12, 2009 at 4:51 PM

    That book looks awesome!!!!!!! One of my fav shows -the Food Network. I'd be happy to take this off your hands :)

    ReplyDelete
  104. DeanneNovember 12, 2009 at 5:17 PM

    My family needs me to win this cookbook!

    ReplyDelete
  105. KathleenNovember 12, 2009 at 7:01 PM

    Looks like I discovered your blog just in time! Hope that magic hat produces my name! :) Love your blog, by the way!

    ReplyDelete

Now, let's talk about your feelings....