Another Contest...This Time Dessert!

One of the blogs I follow is that for Marx Foods.  This is an online company that has some amazing products for the home chef.  I drool just perusing their online store.  I have several of their samplers on my holiday wish list (in case you are reading Mr. Gooch, I think the Dried Chile Sampler and the Ritrovo's Artisan Salt Collection both would fit the bill!)

They are having a contest for 10 dozen molded ice cream desserts.  Just enter what you would do with the ice creams if you won in the comments section and you will be entered to win.  Good luck!

If I win, I will be serving these at a fancy dinner party Mr. Gooch and I are hosting for our immediate family after the holidays are over.  It is part of our Christmas present to them.

Blake Bakes Giveaway - Cherrybrook Kitchen

Many many many moons ago (back in October), Blake Bakes had a give away for a box of Cherrybrook Kitchen's cake mix and frosting. I was one of the lucky ones to sign up to receive what turned out to be a tasty tasty treat.

I used the mix and frosting to make a couple of things: cupcakes and petite fours. We served them as dessert at a lunch we hosted at out house. I thought that this would be a great opportunity to get opinions from others on the taste.

In terms of putting things together, it was easy peasy. The frosting needed to be warmed a bit in the microwave to make spreading easier but once that was accomplished, it went on so smoothly.

When the votes were tallied, everyone gave Cherrybrook Kitchen a HUGE thumbs up. No one could believe that this was nut free, egg free and dairy free. The cake was so moist and the frosting is so chocolaty.

I can say that if I run across this brand again, or if I need to make cupcakes for school or any other event where nuts are a concern.

Hmmm, writing this post makes me think that I need to get baking again.

Who Doesn't Like Fiestaware? And a Giveaway to Boot!

Who wouldn't want to win 4 sets of Fiestaware? In the colors of your choice? They are so bright and cheery and coordinate with just about any dinnerware. It looks nice with the basic white plates I currently have.

Visit "Ravings of a Mad Housewife" to get the details and to enter. You even get to pick the colors.

The drawing is Christmas eve.

We have a Winner! (Sorry for the Delay)

Sorry for the delay in announcing the winner of the giveaway. We had guests then I was under the weather.

But here it is...with the number generated by www.random.org is 13, the winner is quinn.

quinn, I need you to contact me via email at gooch100@gmail.com so I can get these tiles in the mail ASAP.

I hope you enjoy them and watch the blog for another giveaway after the first of the year.

My First Giveaway - Stamped Tile Coasters

As you saw in an earlier post, I am making stamped tile coasters to include in our Christmas gift baskets this year.

I love them so much, I want to share a set of 4 coasters with one lucky winner.

Leave a comment to this post between now and 11:59 pm on December 15, and I will draw the name of the lucky winner via the random integer number generator on random.com on December 16. That way you will have them in time for the holiday.

Good luck and happy holidays.

Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing a set(s), please email me at gooch100@gmail.com for more info on the designs available. The cost of a set of 4 coasters is $12 + shipping ($5 for first set and $2 for each additional set).

A Great Giveaway - A Flight of Salts

Everyone has heard of a flight of wine, right? This is one of my favorite things to be had at my local wine bar.

However, I just learned that there is such a thing as a flight of salts. What a great idea. I love salt and I love seasonings and spices so this is right up my alley. Even better, Marx Foods is having a salt giveaway. For more info on the salt flight giveaway and instructions on how to enter for yourself, please visit here.

The salt collection includes:

Truffle & Salt: A blend of dried Italian black truffle and sea salt, this flavor combination will enhance any dish with the aroma and flavor of Italian truffles including popcorn, mashed potatoes, pasta dishes, scrambled eggs and roasted meats.

Fiori & Salt: An aromatic blend of Italian sea salt and flowers including chamomile, poppy, mallow, marigold, lime, hawthorn, yarrow, wild orange peel, flower pollen, heather and lavender. This combination is a wonderful way to infuse olive oils, sprinkle over fresh mozzarella, finish cream soups and risotto or bake into breads.

Fennel &Salt: A combination of sea salt, fennel seed and orange peel this blend pairs well with sweet and savory dishes including wild salmon, goat cheese, chocolate truffles or caramel.

Sweet & Salt: A sweet and savory blend of Italian sea salt, dried & ground fruit, sweet spices, vanilla, chocolate and grape must, this combination pairs well with both aromatic and dessert dishes. Sweet & salt can be used as a rub for duck or pork, sprinkled on roasted squash, pumpkin soup, or buttery shortbread cookies.

Saffron & Salt: Red strands of saffron are blended with sea salt resulting in a flavor profile that is perfect for finishing paella, cioppino, pasta or fresh ricotta.

Sea & Salt: A combination of high-quality Sicilian bottarga, citrus, sun-dried tomato, and cardamom, this blend is ideal with pasta, steamed vegetables or used to cure seafood and enhance salad dressings.

Limited Edition Cervia Salt: From Cervia salt pans, this Italian moist fleur de sel is the crème de la crème of sea salts. With a light texture and rich flavor this salt can be used to finish meat, poultry and fruit dishes as well as sweets including white chocolate chip cookies and caramel chocolate combinations.