Diet, Dessert and Dogs has Moved!

DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS HAS MOVED!

If you’re reading this post, you’ve landed on the last post on the old site.

Please follow us over to the shiny NEW Diet, Dessert and Dogs by clicking here. 

And if you arrive before March 31, 2009, you can enter to WIN SOME FREE MAPLE SYRUP OR A CUSTOM BAKED CAKE!

Hope to see you there!  Drop by at http://dietdessertndogs.com! 🙂

“Mum, the new home is so nice–very roomy and comfortable.  But we still haven’t managed to find the stash of treats. . . you didn’t forget to bring them along, did you?”

Advertisement

Raw Raw for Spring! Crimson Salad with Pecans and Pumpkin Seeds

THIS SITE HAS MOVED!

A vibrant and refreshing salad to help usher in the spring season. . .

To read the blog post and see the recipe, please come on over to my new blog home, Diet, Dessert and Dogs!  Just click here. 

There’s also a great giveaway over there you might like to find out about. . .  🙂

© 2009 Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Sweet (Freedom) Giveaway–and Blog News!

First, the blog news:  I’ve got a new blog home!  (Well, almost–we’re about 95% moved in and unpacked so far. . . we’ve still got to add a virtual top coat of paint, rearrange some html furniture and hang some digital pictures before the rest is up and running over the next week or so, but everything is on site and functional!).   Please drop by to check it out, and don’t forget to change your Google Reader, other subscription info and blogrolls  (it’s also much easier to subscribe to this new site, so hope that helps–and note that the page tabs are now across the top of the page, not on the right as in this site!). I’ll be transferring over there for good by next week.  And now–ta da!–here’s the new home of

Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

The site was set up and arranged by Blain Smith of 13 Infinite.  It’s been a pleasure to work with him on this–Blain’s communication style is easy and relaxed, yet always professional.  He’s also been very accommodating and incredibly quick about responding to all my emails regarding the site (not to mention very patient with my sometimes endless questions and requests!).  If you’re looking to set up a new blog, I’d highly recommend him.

Next, the cookbook news: my cookbook finally has a cover! 

(I’m guessing you might recognize some of those photos?  And I know, the red, white and blue looks very patriotic,no?) 😉

Finally, the Double Giveaway News!!

I am very excited for this giveaway because it’s the perfect melding of my new blog, my new cookbook, and a product I love!

In honor of the cookbook’s cover being finalized, I decided to throw another giveaway to celebrate–add a new blog home, and it’s really a reason to party! (Get those chandeliers and lampshades ready!)

So here’s the scoop:

WHAT YOU CAN WIN

PRIZE ONE:  ANYONE IN NORTH AMERICA CAN WIN (again, a HUGE apology to my overseas readers–shipping costs prohibit overseas delivery.  BUT I DO PROMISE THAT THE NEXT GIVEAWAY WILL ABSOLUTELY INCLUDE ANYONE ON THE PLANET!)

Win a quart-sized jug of Coombs Family Farms Pure Maple Syrup! 

[This is a photo of the glass bottle I received–the quart jug prize is four times this big!]

Yes, the prize is the same amazing maple syrup I wrote about in my previous post. And when the people at Coombs Family Farms heard how much I loved their syrup, and how much my readers wished they could taste some, they said, “Okay!  Let’s give some away!”  Who am I to argue?  I said, “YEEEE-AAH.” 

With a full quart (about a liter) of pure maple syrup, you can bake every maple-based recipe on this blog, and probably all the maple-based recipes in my new book, too!  And I can’t wait for one of you to sample this extraordinary product as well, and tell me what you think!

PRIZE  TWO: THOSE IN THE TORONTO AREA CAN WIN (to ensure freshness, it has to be within the general Toronto area, or you must be willing to meet me within Toronto–I am really sorry it can’t be everywhere!  sniff!)

A custom-baked chocolate layer cake from the Sweet Freedom recipe–made to your specifications!

After I posted about the cake I made for my friend Eternal Optimist’s birthday, I was touched by so many positive comments about the cake.  This is the same recipe I used for several years when I baked birthday cakes for kids with food sensitivities to wheat, eggs, dairy and refined sugar–and was a regular hit with the kids and adults alike (low-gluten, but not gluten free). The 9-inch layer cake serves 10-12 people comfortably.

Now, I’d love for a lucky reader to sample this chocolately, moist and light cake, too!  And you get to design the frosting/filling, plus whether you’d like a message on the cake as well.  (We’ll choose a mutually convenient delivery time so that you can even plan to serve the cake to family, friends, or party guests!)

Here’s what you can choose:

• Chocolate layers with vanilla pastry cream filling and chocolate buttercream frosting
• Chocolate layers with all chocolate–filling and frosting
• Chocolate layers with sweet potato truffle filling and chocolate frosting
• Chocolate layers with chocolate filling and sweet potato truffle frosting (the cake in the photo above)
• Message of your choice in any color frosting (or no message–it’s up to you).

I’ll deliver the cake freshly baked and frosted so it’s ready to serve!

HOW TO ENTER:

Entering couldn’t be easier–simply click on over to my new blog home, take a look around, then let me know either:

1) what more you’d like to see on the blog (any other features you’d like me to add?  Something you’re missing from the old blog? –etc.) OR

2) what you like best about the new blog if you can’t think of anything you’d like to be different. 

FOR A CHANCE AT TWO EXTRA ENTRIES, simply mention the contest on your own blog, if you have one, and link to this very page on the new blog (ie, this page).

Don’t have a blog?  You can still earn two extra entries!  Simply browse through the Recipe Index on the new DDD and choose a favorite recipe that uses maple syrup (some of the links haven’t been shifted to the new blog yet, so you might still be in the old blog when you click on a recipe title–I’m in the process of changing them all over).  Then comment again, letting me know which one you like best, and why–and you’ll be entered two more times.

Please be sure to include a valid email address so I can get in touch with you if you win.

That’s it! 

Please post your comments on the new site to be eligible to win (that way I can keep track of all the entries in one place).  🙂

HOW IT WILL WORK:

Once the contest closes, I’ll choose two winners from a bag of names.  The first Toronto-area name I withdraw will win the cake.  Then all the other names go back into the bag for the maple syrup draw, and the second name I choose wins that. 

DEADLINE AND ANNOUNCEMENT:

1. Deadline for entries is midnight, March 31, 2009, Toronto time. 
2. Winners will be announced first thing on April 2, 2009 (I wouldn’t dare post contest winners on April Fool’s Day!). 

I loved baking up a storm for the previous giveaway, and was thrilled with Lisa’s kind words about the Sweet Freedom goodies. 

I can’t wait to get baking on this cake for you this time round as well.  And even if you can’t win the cake, you’re still eligible to win the syrup–so you can then bake your own delectable treats!

HAPPY SPRING, EVERYONE!

Sweet Potato for My Sweetheart: Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles or Truffle Cups

[Diet, Dessert and Dogs has moved!  If you’re reading this page, you’ve landed on the old site.  Please visit the new location by clicking here–and don’t forget to update your readers and blogrolls!

As always, thanks for reading.  I look forward to seeing you at the shiny new Diet, Dessert and Dogs!

“Um, Mum, we are coming with you, aren’t we? Because (and sorry to have to tell you this), we actually have more fans than you do on this blog.”]  

Are you looking forward to V-Day next week?  Seems most people either love it or hate it.  Being from the “never too much schmaltz” school of romance, I love Valentine’s Day.  Even during all those years before I met the HH, I’d always endeavor to celebrate somehow.  I’d send cards to my friends or my sisters.  I’d invite a gal pal for dinner so we could sip Shiraz together and muse about how few good men there were out there.  One year, I think I even bought myself roses (must have been my “I am woman, hear me roar” phase).

Last year, I composed a fairly elaborate (and, as I recall, extremely disorderly) meal for the HH and me.  Given my frenetic schedule these days working on the book (the Index is done!  The book has officially moved from the “writing” to the “production” stage! Whoo!), I assumed I’d have no time to repeat last year’s amorous performance (I meant preparing the meal, silly!  You crazy romantics, you!). But then I saw Susan’s post about this year’s Vegetable Love contest, and how could I resist?  (Not that I find Fatfree Vegan Kitchen’s charms any more alluring than those of the HH, you understand). 

The contest asks you to create a romantic dish using one or more vegetables of your choice.  Last year, I came up with a Vegan Molten Chocolate Cake recipe using puréed zucchini and spinach.  I loved the taste of the cakes, but the molten filling was temperamental–sometimes it formed a lovely, floating cloud of lava in the center of the cake, as it was supposed to do; other times, the filling got sucked up by the batter and all that remained was a tiny disk of tar-like chocolate at its core.  You’d think I’d give up on sweets with veggies in them.  But no. . .

As I’m sure I’ve mentioned before, sweet potatoes are my favorite vegetable.  I love sweet potatoes in just about anything (or, as I’ve seen the phrase skipping around the blogosphere lately, I lurrrve sweet potatoes).  When I was on the anti-candida diet several years ago, sweet potatoes became my favorite veggie (and my favorite brekkie).  They’re a healthy vegetable.  They’re orange.  They’re sweet.  And their name sounds like a term of endearment:  “Oh, why so coy, my little Sweet Potato?  Come on over here and let me help you out of that peel.”  Why not use them as the basis for a sweet filling in a Valentine’s Day truffle, then?

This year’s recipe really should have made it into the cookbook–it’s that good.  What you’ll end up with is an insanely creamy, smooth, rich-tasting truffle filling,  vibrantly orange and steeped in citrus flavor. In fact, no one would ever guess it contained one of the world’s healthiest roots.  I fed 0ne of these beauties to the HH, and he literally licked his fingers clean, enthusing, “This tastes exactly like a really fine quality, high-end chocolate!”  This from a guy who’d normally consume chocolates with cream, butter and white sugar.  “There is no trace of sweet potato flavor in these,” he went on. “All you taste is the orange” (enhanced with a splash of Cointreau–though you can use orange juice if you prefer alcohol-free confections). 

Even if you’re not into chocolates, the filling on its own makes a fabulous, versatile frosting.  Rich and fluffy, sweetened with agave and boasting the added fiber of the sweet potato, I’m guessing that the total GI (glycemic index) of this  frosting is fairly low and could be used successfully by those on a variety of restricted diets. (See instructions in the Variation, below).

I’ll definitely be making these again for V-Day (the half-batch I concocted is already long gone). Even if you don’t celebrate the Big V, it’s worth making a batch of these.  Give yourself a little gift of Vegetable Love this year.

This is my submission to Susan’s contest.  You have until tomorrow at midnight to enter if you’re so inclined!

Spiked Sweet Potato Truffles or Truffle Cups

TO VIEW THE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

TO VIEW THE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

TO VIEW THE RECIPE, PLEASE VISIT THE NEW DIET, DESSERT AND DOGS, BY CLICKING HERE.

© 2009 Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Winners!

Well, the results are in and we have our winners of the Ritter Sport and Sweet Freedom goodie pack contest! 

Here’s how I selected them: First, I went to Random.org and asked for 6 random numbers between 1 and 120.  Then I went through the numbers in the order they appeared in the random list.  The first entry from Toronto won the baked goods; after that, everyone else (whether from Toronto or not) won a Peppermint Ritter Sport. 

I’ve copied and pasted the list here.  I’m afraid I don’t know how to capture the screen exactly as it looks on the Random. org page (can anyone help me with that?), but I promise that this is the actual list that appeared when I hit the “Get Numbers” button.  And if anyone can tell me how to copy the content from the original page onto my blog (for the next contest), I’d be much obliged!

(“Yes, we can vouch four our Mum  because we were in the room while she was on the computer. . . well, okay, maybe we were actually wrestling on the floor at the time, but we trust our Mum.  She always gives us treats when she says she will.”)

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

26
19
35
108
29
28

Timestamp: 2009-01-31 14:04:51 UTC

In other words, the winners are:

TA-DA!

19:  Shelby–Ritter Sport #1

26:  VEGAN LISA–YOU WIN THE TREATS!!

28:  Michelle–Ritter Sport #2

29:  Animal-Friendly–Ritter Sport #3

35:  Ellie–Ritter Sport #4

108: Joanne (Apple Crumbles)–Ritter Sport #5

Congratulations to all the winners!  I’ll be contacting you via email.  And if you happen to read this before you hear from me, please email me at dietdessertdogs AT gmail DOT com to get in touch!

This was really a fun contest for me.  I loved reading all the entries, and your enthusiasm was contagious! Thanks, everyone, for entering. 

And as I mentioned before, there will be one contest each month until the cookbook is published, so you can always enter again later for another chance to win!

Have a great weekend (and to my American friends, enjoy the Superbowl–but honestly, does anyone really enjoy the Superbowl??).

Ricki 🙂

Contests: Last Day to Enter!

I’m planning a “real” post on Polenta Appetizers for later today, but for now just wanted to remind everyone that this is the LAST DAY to enter my chocolate and baked goods giveaway contest! 

I’ve been blown away by the number of entries and am thrilled that so many people will have a chance to win–thanks so much for entering!  But if you haven’t entered yet, now’s the time (or score a second entry by linking to the contest on your own blog).

You can check all the details here.  

I’m looking forward to baking up a storm for y’all! 🙂

“Mum, it’s not fair that relatives can’t enter the contest.  Well, I guess there’s also the fact that we can’t eat chocolate or sugar.  But how about a dog treat contest?  I bet that cute Henry would enter. . . just a thought.”

© 2009 Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Yes, We Candy (Big Announcement Number Two*)

* (Originally Number One, but I was waylaid by Tuesday’s astounding news!)

Before I get to the “Big Announcement” originally scheduled for yesterday, I just want to say THANK YOU once again to every reader of this blog, to those of you who voted for me in the Food Blog Awards (and if you haven’t yet–please do!), and especially for your amazing, uplifting, supportive and heartfelt comments.  I’m still in a bit of shock, frankly, even being on the same list as those others, but one thing is certain:  DDD wins hands down for best readers of the five finalists.  So hugs to you all, and thank you.  (And if you’re here from the voting page, you might like to read this first to see some sample blog entries. )

Now, back to blogging.

Really, you guys are so great that I think YOU deserve an award.  And so, time for ME to offer a couple of prizes to YOU! 

YES, IT’S CONTEST TIME AT DDD!

In honor of Tuesday’s historically transformative event (Obama’s, not mine), I’ve decided to present my own little contribution to US-Canada relations. 

Some of you may have heard (though I doubt it) that CBC Radio compiled a list of the 49 top songs north of the 49th parallel (ie, by Canadian artists)  to bestow upon President Obama as a gift for his inauguration.  (Honestly, do they think he cares? I have a feeling the guy’s got other things on his mind at the moment).  I must admit, though, I was surprised to see how many iconic American songs were actually written by Canadians.

Well, in honour of the new Mr. and Mrs. President,  I’ve decided to offer my own little cross-border gift.  It’s my way of saying, “hey, neighbor!” to those of you south of the world’s longest undefended border (and those of you within the Canadian border, too, if you happen to win the contest).  Actually, I’m giving away six prizes!

***** THAT’S RIGHT: SIX (6) PRIZES TO BE WON!****** 

(There!  Are we all in a contest-induced frenzy yet? No?  Okay, you can go vote instead!)  And then, consider this:

***  THERE ARE SIX

–1-2-3-4-5-6!

SIX ! ! ! ! ! !

Un deux trois quatre cinq six

6 6 6 6 6 6

–PRIZES TO BE WON!   ***

 

Here’s what you can win:

I) FOR THOSE OF YOU IN CANADA AND THE CONTINENTAL U.S. :

(And I am really, REALLY sorry that I can’t send beyond that undefended border; but the Canadian postal system is pretty wacky and not all that efficient, and it would take far too long to get to you–not to mention it would cost me three months’ salary).

You may have read on Mihl’s blog a while back that the Ritter Sport people (who make a few very fine vegan chocolates) have, in their infinite wisdom, altered their peppermint formula so that it’s no longer vegan. 

Well, darned if there isn’t at least one advantage to living up here in the snowy north: since our stock doesn’t sell as fast as it does in the States (what with only 1/10 the population), those minty bars are all over the place on our grocery store shelves!  I double-checked the ingredients to be sure these were the “old” forumla, and then grabbed a whole stack of bars. 

And I can’t wait to send them along to FIVE (5) lucky readers! To win one, just follow the contest rules, at the end of this post.

I got this idea from Amey, who held the first contest a while back–and of which I was one of the lucky recipients.  So I can vouch that these bars are fabulous–dark, with a rich chocolate coating and smooth, creamy, sweet, pepperminty filling.  Mmmm.  Thanks again, Amey!  Hope you win one this time. 🙂

II) FOR THOSE OF YOU IN THE TORONTO AREA:

(Again, how I wish I could extend the boundaries of this one, but you’ll see why I can’t in a moment).

[Chocolate Mint Chocolate Chip Cookies]

As many of you know, I’ve just completed the manuscript for my upcoming cookbook, Sweet Freedom.  (According to my publisher, it should be available mid-April; I’m hoping that’s a firm date!). 

[Butterscotch Blondies with Chocolate Chips and Dried Cherries]

The recipes are all free of wheat, eggs, dairy and refined sweeteners–in other words, all are vegan, kosher-friendly, lactose free and casein free;  and many are gluten free. 

And here’s your chance to experience the delectable taste of goodies made with these whole,  healthy ingredients first hand!  

[Lemon-Blueberry Scones;  or variation of Orange Pistachio] 

To help you become familiar with the types of desserts in the book, I’m giving away a prize pack of homebaked (by yours truly) goodies from recipes in the book.  

[Raw Fig and Cherry Bars]

I’ll bake up any five types of cookie, bar, muffin or biscuit from those pictured on this page (and those listed at the bottom).  As the winner, you get to choose which five you’d like! Then, I’ll deliver them to you, within the general Toronto area (Lake Ontario to the south; Highway 427 to the west; Highway 9 to the north; Highway 48 to the east). 

[Fruity Cereal Chews]

If you live within those boundaries–or if you’re willing to meet me at an agreed-upon location within them–you’re eligible to win the prize pack! 

[GF Coconut Macaroons on the left; GF Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies on the right]

Because these are freshly baked and hand-delivered, I’m afraid I can’t send them through the mail.  (I did try, once, to send my goodies to the States and they were stale, broken and really unappetizing by the time they arrived, so I’ve ruled that out this time).

[Seed Jumble Cookies]

I actually have no idea how many of you live in the Toronto area (I’m woefully deficient in techy skills so don’t know those stats).  But think of it this way: if there are only three of you, your chances of winning just increased exponentially!  

 [Ultra Fudgy Brownies]

 OKAY, SO HERE ARE THE CONTEST RULES: 

[Triple- C Cookies (Cashew, Carob, Cardamom)]

To win either of the prizes, all you need to do is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, any time between now and January 30th. (Oh, and vote for me on the Food Blog Awards, or your entry is disqualified).

Kidding.

But you did look rather pale there for a second. 

[Chocolate Chip Cookies]

To be eligible for the Sweet Freedom package, please indicate your five choices in your comment so I know you’re entering for that prize (and you’re still eligible for the chocolate bars, too!)

You can also receive an additional entry, just by mentioning the contest on your own blog (with a link back to this post).  Be sure to let me know you’ve mentioned it, though, either through a trackback or through your comment here.

[Cinnamon Coffee Toffee Bars]

Remember, the contest will be open until midnight on January 30th.  Once a winner is selected, I’ll get in touch and we can determine the delivery date together (some time mid-February. . . a Valentine’s Day treat, perhaps?)

[Carrot Raisin Oatmeal Cookies]

And the recipes for every one of the treats pictured here will be in the book.

 

[Ginger-Coconut Cookies]

Here are a few other choices for the prize package: 

Maple-Walnut Cookies

GF Cashew Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pear and Ginger Mini Loaves or Muffins

Pumpkinseed Shortbread Cookies

Hazelnut Mocha Cookies

I’d love to bake for you!  So go ahead and leave those comments, and let me know which goodies you’d like in your gift pack! (And don’t forget, if you have a blog, you can enter again by mentioning the contest and linking to this page on your own blog).

And if you’re not in the Toronto area, don’t worry–I’ll be holding one Sweet Freedom-related contest every month, right up until the book comes out.

Oh, and I promise to post an actual recipe next time.

Last Year at this Time: Mini Sweet Potato and Chocolate Chip Muffins

© 2009 Diet, Dessert and Dogs

Yes, We Candy (Big Announcement Number One)

I’d planned my own giveaway announcement today in honor of Obama’s impending inauguration, but that will have to wait for later, because I just found this out:  

 FIRST ANNOUNCEMENT: DDD IS A FOOD BLOG AWARD FINALIST!

A huge THANK YOU to Tea of Tea and Cookies for letting me know that my l’il blog has been chosen as one of five finalists in the Well Fed Network’s Food Blog Awards for 2008–in the “Best Food Blog: Writing” category!  

WHOO HOO!!!! YIPPEEE!!!! YAY!!! WHEEEEEE!  ACHOOO!!!!  YOWZA!!!

(Sorry about the sneeze in there–just SO DARNED EXCITED!).

THANK YOU, to each and every one of you who visits this site regularly, who reads this blog and has provided such amazing encouragement and feedback over the past year, to those who suggested DDD for the award, and to the judges for choosing it.  I have no doubt that this nomination is a direct result of all your support and comments! I can’t tell you all how thrilled I am to be nominated!  (But I’m gonna try. . . ).

But the voting starts TODAY–so please vote!  Voting extends to 8:00 PM on Saturday, January 24th,  so you can celebrate Obama’s inauguration and still have time to vote!  

If you like DDD and think this blog deserves to win. . .

GO OUT AND VOTE!!  And even though DDD may be the underdog on the list (the Diet, Dessert and UnderDog?), it’s incredibly exciting even to be on the same list as those other blogs! Okay, before I get too “Academy Awards-speech” on you, here are the details:

Votes must be registered through the official Well Fed Network page, so be sure to click through from there.   And please spread the word in case others aren’t aware of the awards!

I’ll post my other (giveaway) announcement in the next day or two, after the excitement has worn off a little (mine, not Obama’s).  In the meantime, here’s that link again:

Vote for DDD for Best Food Blog: Writing

and the general page to vote for all other categories:

Well Fed Network Food Blogging Awards 2008

And one more time, THANK YOU.  Have I ever mentioned that I think food bloggers and readers are THE BEST? 

If you’re new to DDD or arrived via the Well Fed Network, welcome!  Thanks for stopping by.  You can probably gain a good sense of the writing from the following selection of posts:

• The Biscuit and the Scramble (to Woo Your Rake)
• Cuckoo for Coconut (Mini Coconut Loaves or Muffins)
• Encomium to the Soap Star Bloggers
• The Parable of the Steak
• A North American’s Anzac Biscuits (or, My Ode to the Antipodes)
• Dog Day: If Vodka is an Elsie, then Beer is a Chaser
• Tofu Omelet with Sauteed Apples and Sweet Curry Sauce
• French Toast Souffle with Summer Berries

Now, I’m off to watch history in the making (see, your votes DO count!!)

xo Ricki

“Sorry, Mum, we just can’t get excited about a blog award. . .oh, but wait–if you do win, does that mean you’ll be able to provide us with extra treats? Yay! Congratulations, Mum!”

Menu for Hope Winner!

 Just a quick note to let you know that the Menu for Hope results are in and the winners have been announced!  You can check out all the lucky people (and review the list of amazing prizes) at Chez Pim.

In the meantime, I thought you’d like to know who won my prize–the package of one year’s subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine, plus a 1-kilo (2.2 pound) jar of organic coconut oil from Omega Nutrition.

And the winner is.  .  . . .

* * * * Ms. Ligia Ortega * * * *

So, Ligia, “c’mon down” and claim your prize! Please contact me so I can arrange for a year’s delivery of the magazine, as well as a shipment of the oil.

I’ve still got my own little giveaway to announce and a regular blog post coming in the next day or two, so stay tuned!

 “Mum, you know that we like coconut oil!  It’s especially appetizing when slathered on dog treats, but we’re happy with the bits that fall on the floor, too.  So how come you never told us about this contest?”

Menu for Hope V

 Last year around this time, I had just barely dipped my toes into the worldwide ocean of blogging.  In no time, I started to see blog posts popping up for a fundraiser called Menu for Hope.   This is a fundraising event started five years ago by Pim of Chez Pim, initially to help the victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia, but later to provide help to anyone in need.  Last year, the initiative raised almost $100,000 to help feed needy people worldwide via the UN World Food Programme.

Here’s how it works:  for nine days in December, you have the chance to donate $10 and receive a virtual raffle ticket, to bid on an amazing prize of your choice (donated by food bloggers from all over the world).  At the end of the month, the tickets are drawn and prizes awarded (results announced on Chez Pim). Prizes, organized by geographic location, ranged from gourmet foods to cooking classes to wine and chocolates to magazine subscriptions to cookbooks to kitchen utensils and everything in between, with some truly jaw-dropping offerings.  (To learn about all the prizes being offered from Canada this year–including this one–visit Meena’s blog, Hooked on Heat; or go to Chez Pim for links to prizes from around the world).

Well, I knew immediately that I wanted to participate, but was too much a newbie to get in on the fun last year.  I bought some raffle tickets instead.

This time round, and especially with so many people in need this year, I’m happy to say I have a prize of my own to offer to help raise funds!  If you’d like to bid on my prize, here it is:

My Prize:  Code CA05 

       A Year’s Subscription to Martha Stewart Living Magazine and Organic Coconut Oil!

As a foodie, you love to do it:  sneak peeks at Martha’s gorgeous mag in the checkout line, the bookstore, or the waiting room.  It’s a beautiful, lush, impeccably-produced periodical with amazing recipes and photos–the kind of photos we food bloggers would love to reproduce ourselves. 

And Martha can always be counted on to provide delicious recipes made with fresh, real ingredients, with lots of allergen-free and vegetarian/vegan options in the mix.

Would you love to win a year’s subscription to the magazine, plus a huge jar (1 kilo or 2 pounds) of organic coconut oil to bake with? To bid on this prize (or any other prize), just head on over to the main donation page where you’ll see all the prizes listed.  Remember, the code for my prize is CA05.

Then just follow these instructions:

1. Choose your prize(s) from the main page at chez pim, or any of the regional pages (listed on her site).

2. Head over to  the donation site , and make a donation.

3. Each $10 you donate will give you one raffle ticket toward a prize of your choice. Please specify which prize you’d like in the ‘Personal Message’ section in the donation form when confirming your donation. You must write-in how many tickets per prize, and please use the prize code.

For example, a donation of $50 can be 2 tickets for CA 05 and 3 tickets for UW 13; please write 2xCA05, 3xUW 13 in the form. For other prizes, use the same format with their codes.

4. If your company matches your charity donation, please check the box and fill in the information so they can claim the corporate match.

5. Please allow the site to see your email address so they can contact you in case you win.  Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

Entering the raffle is a fun way to donate to those in need this year, and perhaps win some amazing prizes as well.  It’s only $10–still a fairly small sum for most of us–but it will make a world of difference to someone else.

And another prize to come. . . .

Because the Menu for Hope prizes are offered to everyone across the country or even the continent, they must be items that can be shipped to the winner, wherever s/he may be. 

But for those in the Greater Toronto area, I’ve got another prize up my sleeve (well, really, my potholder) that I’ll post about anon! 

In the meantime, get on over to the Menu for Hope donations page and buy some raffle tickets!

“Mum, that’s a great idea, really. . . but are there any canine-friendly prizes offered?  Maybe you should offer a signed photo of the two of us in the kitchen. . . well, it’s food related.”