Tate's Bake Shop Giveaway Winner

A BIG thank you to everyone for entering this fantastic giveaway from Tate's Bake Shop. I loved reading all about your favorite cookies and started getting excited about maybe baking a few myself. In case you are wondering what my favorite cookie during the holidays is, it's one of my sister's recipes called Nougat-Stangen. They're a chocolate hazelnut cookie that with a filling of Nutella and also a drizzle of chocolate. They're a lot of work to make, but the end-result is so worth it. 

To get back to the giveaway though, the winner of this great cookie gift-pack and the cookbook is:

Number 60 which happens to be Amanda from BakingWithoutaBox, who won with her entry of:
"I already follow you with Google!"

Congratulations Amanda! Please send me an email with your full name, address and phone number so Tate's Bake Shop can get this wonderful gift-pack send right out to you. 

Also keep in mind that Tate's Bake Shop is still offering a 15 % off coupon through December 31st, 2010 on their website. All you have to do is enter the code "cookie" during checkout.

Toffee Pecan Cookies and a Giveaway

Every once in a while an email lands in my inbox that gets me excited just by reading the subject line. This was the case when Elizabeth from Tate's Bake Shop contacted me to inquire if I was interested in reviewing some of their cookies and cookbook. Cookies and a cookbook, ummm, yes please! What made this even more exciting was the fact that I had known of Tate's Bake Shop cookies for quite some time, but have never had the pleasure of trying them myself. The bakery was founded by Kathleen King and is located in Southhampton, NY. The cookies are actually quite famous and have been featured in Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine, the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and InStyle Magazine, just to name a few.

The package arrived promptly and I couldn't wait to taste test. Of course, I had my trusty crew (my husband and kids) help me with this enormous "chore".  The first thing I recognized when opening the cookies was the fact that not one of them were broken or chipped, which might be due to the fact that they are all hand-packed with care. They contain all natural ingredients that you can taste with every bite. The cookies are actually quite flat and crispy compared to most cookies my family has been used to.  The smell is incredible on these cookies, they are buttery with lovely caramel undertones. Considering the cookies my family usually prefers, it was quite a surprise of how quickly they were gone, but they were quite addicting. The front runner by far were the White Chocolate Chip Macadamia Nut cookies, followed by the Chocolate Chip and then Oatmeal Raisin. My husband and I really loved the Oatmeal Raisin since it has the perfect amount of spice to it without any of them standing out or being overpowering, but the kids crowned both of the chocolate varieties the winner. 

I've also had the pleasure of reviewing Kathleen Kings cookbook. There are quite a few recipes inside that I have bookmarked already. All of the recipes are down to earth with readily available ingredients. When trying to figure out which one to bake first I was faced with quite a hard decision, but ended up picking the Toffee Pecan Cookies. They sounded perfect for the season and quite frankly, ended up being absolutely divine. My daughter, exclaimed that these cookies are so awesome you don't even miss the fact that they don't include chocolate, while my youngest proclaimed "now that is a good cookie, it tastes just like a cookie should", which is pretty much the highest compliment ever from a 9 year old boy ;o)

The cookie and cookbook review was made just a little sweeter since Tate's Bake Shop is also giving away the same cookie gift-pack and cookbook to one lucky reader. Keep them for yourself, or give them as a gift, the choice is yours.

*This Giveaway is Closed*

To enter the giveaway here is what you need to do (Please leave a SEPARATE comment for each entry):

To enter: Since 'tis the season, let me know your favorite cookie to eat or bake during the Holidays in the comments section

For Bonus Entries (again, please use separate comments):

• Like Tate's on facebook and let me know in the comments that you did
• Follow me on Google Friend connect and let me know that you do, or did
• Like Susi's Kochen und Backen Adventures on facebook and let me know that you do, or did
• Follow Susi's Kochen und Backen on Twitter @susiiscooking and let me know that you do, or   did
• Tweet about the giveaway yourself and let me know that you did

If you play along you can get up to 6 entries for this giveaway

• Giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only, no P.O. Boxes please
• Giveaway is open until Monday, December 13th at Midnight Pacific time
• I will pick a winner via Random.org and will announce the winner on Tuesday, December 14th

Also, Tate's Bake Shop has graciously offered a 15% off coupon for all of you readers through the 31st of December. All you have to do is enter the code "cookie" during check-out on their website

Toffee Pecan Cookies 

(Printable Version)

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 1/2 cups instant quick oats
1 cup salted butter, softened to room temperature
1 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar
1/4 cup white sugar
1 egg
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 cup pecans, chopped
2 cups toffee bits


Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease two cookie sheet or line them with Silpat (parchment paper will work as well).

In a large bowl, combine the flour, baking soda, and oatmeal. Set it aside.

In another large bowl, cream the butter and sugars till creamy. Add the egg and mix well. Add the vanilla and mix. Scrape down the sides of the bowl and mix again.

Add the flour mixture to the butter mixture and beat them till they are combined. Don't overmix. Stir in the toffee bits and pecans.

Using two tablespoons, drop the cookie dough two inches apart onto prepared cookie sheet.

Bake them for 12 to 15 minutes for chewy cookies and 18 to 20 minutes for crunchy cookies. The crunchy cookies will be browner in the middle and firmer to the touch.

Adapted from: Tate's Bake Shop Cookbook

And The Giveaway Winners Are ......

First off, I'd like to thank all of you for participating in this very special giveaway and once again express my gratitude to Lindsay Olives for supporting such an important food related cause. You are all fabulous and I'm so impressed with how charitable each and everyone of you is. I'm sure glad that the winners were picked via random.org as I could have not made a choice myself. In my opinion you are all winners and I truly wish I could give all of you one of these beautiful wreaths. Unfortunately, my connections are not that great (yet) ;o) However, if you did like the wreath and didn't end up winning, there is still time to order one from Lindsay Olives. They make for great gifts, beautiful decorations and best of all benefit the Meals on Wheels Association of America. In my opinion, that's about as good as it gets.

So without further ado, here are the two fabulous recipients.

Kim with her Number 4 entry 

"Went to facebook and liked MOWAA. Glad to see you on fb."

and 

Reeni with her Number 44 entry

 "The wreaths are so beautiful Susi! I am buying gifts for a child in need - I pick a tag (or two) off a tree at the mall with their list on it and then shop for them. I think meals on wheels is awesome! I know lots of people who benefit from their meals."

Congratulations to Kim and Reeni, I guess 4 was a lucky number for the both of you! Please send me an email with your full name, mailing address and phone number so that Lindsay Olives can ship the wreaths out to you as soon as possible.

Holiday Wreath Giveaway

With the holiday season finally here, the season of giving and being charitable has also arrived for many of us. So when the kind folks over at Lindsay Olives (you might remember my Bloody Olivia drink that was sponsored by them) approached me yet again with a wonderful giveaway for my readers, I did not hesitate. Lindsay Olives is selling beautiful fresh handmade wreaths made from olive, bay and eucalyptus branches on their website with all the proceeds going towards the The Meals on Wheels Association of America.

The Meals on Wheels Association of America (MOWAA) is the oldest and largest national organization in the United States representing those programs that provide meals to people in need. MOWAA's mission is to end senior hunger by 2020. With our economy still trying to recover, programs like these are definitely in high demand. To get more information about helping or how to locate a local Meals on Wheels program, visit the MOWAA website at www.mowaa.org. If this is a cause that you find worthy to support you can donate  directly (remember, no donation is ever to small, even a few dollars can help), or you can purchase one of the gorgeous wreaths from Lindsay Olives by either ordering online or by calling (800) 765-2029 . The wreaths come in two sizes, a 12-inch and a 16-inch, are reasonably priced, make for beautiful holiday decorations or gifts and best of all you can support a great cause.

For the giveaway, Lindsay Olives generously offered me two of their 16-inch wreaths to give away to two of my wonderful readers. I'm thinking that is certainly a fantastic way to kick off the season!

* This Giveaway is CLOSED*

As always, here are a few rules for entering:

- To enter, simply leave me a comment of what you are planning to do this season to help or support a worthy cause

- For a second (bonus) entry, go to facebook and "like" MOWAA, then let me know in a separate comment you did this

- For a third (bonus) entry, follow my blog on google friend connect, then let me know in a separate comment that you already do or did

- This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only (sorry my international friends)

- The wreath must be shipped to a physical street address, sorry no P.O. Boxes

- The giveaway will close on December 2nd at midnight pacific time.

I will pick two winners via Random.org, which will be announced on December 3rd. Lindsay Olives will then ship the wreaths to you before Christmas, so please make sure to contact me quickly with your address/shipping information if you are the winner.

Ice Cream Fridays: Coconut-Almond Gelato and Giveway Winner Announcement

Welcome to another edition of Ice Cream Fridays. Every Friday during the next few months (or until I get tired of it) you can look forward to a new ice cream recipe which will hopefully inspire you to break out your old dust covered ice cream maker that is hiding somewhere in a closet (yes, I'm talking about you). Since I'm always looking for inspiration and ideas, feel free to leave me a comment here on my blog or on my facebook page, and let me know what ice cream flavor you would like to see. Who knows, you might just get lucky and it will be featured the following week.

Remember when I told you a few weeks ago that I was so excited about my coconut ice cream flavor that I made two different ice creams containing coconut? Well, today I'm featuring the second one, an Almond Joy Gelato inspired by one of my favorite candy bars.

Really, is there any way to go wrong with coconut, almonds, and chocolate? I didn't think so, and when I found this recipe in yet another fantastic ice cream book, The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato and Sorbetto  I couldn't have been happier.

This recipe starts pretty much like most ice creams I've made in the last few weeks, with a cooked custard. Only difference is, the milk and cream proportions get reversed, which means less fat in the finished dessert. The cooked custard is then cooled in the refrigerator before adding almond extract and coconut. The base is then churned in your ice cream maker, and right before it finishes, toasted almonds and chopped up semi-sweet (or bitter-sweet) chocolate are added to the mix.

This is a great recipe that was really tasty. I enjoyed it and so did my two older kids. Unfortunately my youngest and husband didn't care for it as much as some of the other recipes I have made. If there is one tiny complaint about this recipe it is definitely the "chew-factor". A small portion goes a long way since your jaw will get quite the workout from all the add-ins, but then maybe I'm just a wimp who enjoys a smoother ice cream.

But if Almond Joy is your candy of choice, this is a definite must-make recipe!
(Recipe after the winner announcement)

And now for the  $40.00 csn stores Giveaway Winner which was picked by Random.org:

Congratulations to 

Jessica from Sugar High

csn stores will contact you by email with the certificate code, enjoy your shopping trip!

Coconut-Almond Gelato
(adapted from The Ciao Bella Book of Gelato and Sorbetto)
(Printable Recipe)


Ingredients:

Plain Base (recipe to follow)
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut flakes
1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
2 ounces coarsely chopped bitter or semi-sweet chocolate

Preparation:

Make the Plain Base and refrigerate as directed.

After the base has thoroughly chilled gently whisk in the almond extract, then stir in the coconut. Pour the mixture into the container of an ice cream machine and churn according to the manufacture's instructions. Add the almonds and chocolate 5 minutes before the churning is completed. Transfer to an airtight container and freeze for at least 2 hours before serving.



Plain Base

Ingredients:

2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
4 large egg yolks
2/3 cup sugar

Preparation:

In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine the milk and cream. Place over medium low heat and cook, stirring occasionally so a skin doesn't form, until tiny bubbles start to form around the edges and the mixture reaches a temperature of 170 degrees F.

Meanwhile, in a medium heat-proof bowl, whisk the egg yolks until smooth. Gradually whisk in the sugar until it is well incorporated and the mixture is thick and pale yellow. Temper the egg yolks by very slowly pouring in the hot milk mixture while whisking continuously. Return the custard to the saucepan and place over low heat. Cook, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon, until the custard is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and it reaches a temperature of 185 degrees F. Do not bring to a boil.

Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer into a clean bowl and let cool to room temperature, stirring every 5 minutes or so. to cool the custard quickly, make an ice bath by filling a large bowl with ice and water and placing the bowl with the custard in it; stir the custard until cooled. Once completely cooled, cover and refrigerate until very cold, at least 4 hours or overnight.

Last Chance Wednesday

Today is your very last chance to enter the great csn store giveaway which I featured on my blog last Wednesday. If you haven't entered, you have a few more hours left to get a chance at winning a fantastic $40.00 gift certificate to be spent at your own discretion.

Entering is simple, all the rules are in the original post, so hop on over there and get yourself a chance for some fun spending money. You will have until midnight pacific time to enter! 

The winner will be announced on Friday so stay tuned!

Giveaway Wednesday

*This giveaway is now closed*

If you've been reading my blog lately, you would have seen that the last couple of days that I have been promising a giveaway, and today is the big day.

The extremely nice folks over at csn stores (hi Jess) have graciously agreed to give one of my readers a $40 gift certificate to be used at ANY of their stores. How cool is that? And really, what better way to say thank you to all of you that come here day after day and read about my trials and errors in the kitchen and make me feel like a 1000 bucks with your comments.
So thank you, for all your support and a special thank you to all of my followers who have been here from the beginning!

In case you are not familiar with csn stores, they are a collection of over 200 stores and you can find any and everything on their websites.

It is truly a food bloggers paradise, and if you enjoy entertaining, this is definitely the place for you.

From dining room furniture, to the linens to dress your table with, and even all the place settings to go on top, you can find it all and more in their online stores.

To give you all a little glimpse of what $ 40 dollars can buy you on their website, I picked a few things I would have fun buying and would enjoy to have in my kitchen:

These lovely  LeCreuset baking dishes are on sale for $24.95

Or how about this extremely cool cake or appetizer pedestal for $31.95

I also like these really nice soup or pasta bowls in a lovely Southwestern pattern for $40.00

Aren't these goblets fantastic for the dinner table? I happen to think so, especially for $35.50

 

*This giveaway is now closed*

With any and every giveaway there are a few rules and stipulations:

- This giveaway is open to all U.S. and Canadian Residents only

-Shipping charges may apply, in the case of our Canadian friends, international rates will apply

-The giveaway is open until 07/07/2010 at midnight for you to enter
- I will pick a winner at random, through random.org

Now for the fun stuff and how to enter:

- you get one entry for leaving me a comment on this blog of what fun things you would buy for $40.00 over at csn stores along with your email address (if you are concerned about spam just write it out like johndoe at yahoo dot com)

- if you follow or start following my blog through Google Friend Connect (over on the right hand side of my blog) and let me know you do so, you get another entry just as a thank you

- and last but not least you can get a third entry for following me on my facebook site as well, and letting me know you have done so in your comment

So if you play along you can get up to 3(!) entries/chances to win this great prize

I will post the winner on this blog and my facebook page on 07/09/2010. csn stores will then contact you with the gift certificate code.

I hope you enjoy this giveaway, have fun browsing the csn stores website and stay tuned for more giveaways in the future!

Please remember to leave your email address in your entries!

* Disclosure: This is a csn stores sponsored giveaway and they are handling prize fulfillment. I'm not receiving compensation for this and all opinions are my own.