And the winner is...

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:35Powered
Congratulations, Allison!  You're the winner of my latest giveaway, but you didn't leave an email address!  I hope you see this post in the next 48 hours...please contact me as soon as you do.

Allison said...

I would love to have someone cleaning up after me :) Does that count? Love your recipes!

August 26, 2011 9:34 AM 

Stay safe, all of my East Coast friends...it isn't pretty out there!  

Time for a giveaway!

It's been a while, hasn't it?

If you're anything like me, you can sometimes be a little harried in the kitchen...trying to juggle 5 things at once, moving at rapid speed, not always paying full attention...it's always nice to have items that can give you even one short cut to make things a little easier.

These Grab & Dry Gloves are one of those items.  Not only do they make dishes and other things easy to grab, but they dry them in a flash, too.


I have a pair for one lucky person in bright orange...you'll never misplace or lose them :)  To enter, simply leave a comment here, telling me what you wish you had in your kitchen to make your life easier.

For additional entries (one per item), you can:

- follow me on Twitter (@IWasBornToCook)
- mention this giveaway either on your Facebook page or in your blog (2 extra entries if you do both!)...don't forget to leave the link in your comment

No one's paying me or sponsoring me to do this, for the record...it's just me sharing a cool kitchen gadget with my loyal readers :)  And sorry, but this giveaway is only open to those in the Continental US.

You have until Saturday the 26th at 8pm EST to enter.  As always, I'll choose a winner using random.org.

Good luck and spread the word!

Who's the lucky winner?

So who wins the prize?  It's #48...Tyler!

Tyler said...

My Aunt makes this coconut cake- absolutely delicious!

tjbarber @ uga. edu

April 14, 2011 3:19 AM 

Congratulations!  Please reply to my email in the next 24 hours with your address, otherwise random.org will select another winner.

A Fun Spring Giveaway!

Bakers, bakers in training, or even those who think they can't bake...this giveaway is for you!  I put together some Wilton Easter/spring inspired baking goodies...2 cookie cutter sets (one standard, one mini) and cute cupcake liners!  They're all adorable and perfect for this time of year.

Enter fast, because this giveaway is going to end on Thursday, April 14th at noon EST!  I will announce the winner shortly thereafter, and he/she will have only 24 hours to respond to my email (DON'T forget to leave your email address!!) before another winner will be selected.  Gotta get the goods out in time for the winner to do some holiday baking :)

This giveaway is for US Residents only.  The rules are:

Mandatory entry: Leave a comment on this post telling me what your favorite SWEET Easter/Passover dish is.

For additional entries (one each):
- become a fan of I Was Born To Cook on Facebook (please leave your name in the comment field, or at least first name and last initial)
- post a link to this giveaway on your Facebook wall (and leave the link to your post in the comment field)...you can earn TWO extra entries if you do this!
- follow me on Twitter (@IWasBornToCook) and leave your twitter name in the comment field
- subscribe to my blog via email updates
- become a public follower via Google Friend Connect

Good luck! :)

We have another winner!

The first winner chosen had 48 hours to contact me (since she didn't leave her email) and didn't...so I just used random.org again and they selected another winner for my giveaway...

Congratulations to #7...sabloja!

sabloja said...

And I already follow you! I really want to win this giveaway!!!

March 10, 2011 10:01 AM 

I'll be sending you an email - you have 48 hours to respond, otherwise we're trying this again :)

We have a winner!

The winner of my latest giveaway is #12...Enza!

Enza said...

Definitely a funfetti cake with funfetti frosting!!!

March 10, 2011 9:19 PM 

Enza, you have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is randomly selected...you didn't leave me your email and your profile isn't visible.  Hope to hear from you!

A giveaway to celebrate my 100th post!

Happy 100th post to me, in less than 3 months of blogging!  Time flies when you're having fun :)

I'm having a blast with this blog and I hope you're enjoying it, too.  I love hearing comments from all of you regarding what you like, don't like, how I've inspired you, what you'd like to see more of...any input has been helpful and appreciated.

I thought a giveaway would be a great way to celebrate this milestone.  Here's a fun item for all the bakers (or wanna-be bakers) out there...

Here's a link for more information about this great checkerboard cake set!  Perfect for special occasions and super easy to use.

How to enter (Continental US Residents only):
Leave a comment under this post telling me what type of cake you'd request if I were baking one for you tomorrow.

For additional entries (each earns you one more entry):
- Become a fan of my Facebook page (if you already are, just leave another comment)
- Share the link to this giveaway post on your Facebook page (and leave the link in your comment)

PLEASE leave an email address if there isn't one linked to your profile when you comment.  Thank you!

You have until 3PM EST on Monday, March 14th to enter.  I'll announce the winner later that day.

Good luck, and thanks again for being the best readers ever! :)

A Valentine's Day dessert - and the winner of my latest giveaway!

Frank and I aren't big on Valentine's Day.  I've always made a more "special" meal at home, we exchange cards...that's about it.  The few times I've been out on the Hallmark holiday have resulted in rushed service, overpaying for mediocre food, or something equally as dreadful.  Just not worth it.

I'm not sure exactly when I'll be serving our Valentine's meal this time around - probably over the weekend - but it'll include a few of Frank's very favorite dishes (stay tuned!).  In the meantime, check out this decadent dessert that I made in advance...there's plenty of time for you to run out and get the ingredients, if you don't already have them in your pantry.

The star of the show - Nutella.  Drool.

Before I give you the recipe, I need to announce the winner of my latest giveaway!  Congratulations to Harriet!  She wins the prize :)  Harriet, you have 48 hours to respond to my email, otherwise I will conduct another random selection.

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:43Powered by RANDOM.ORG

harrietk said...
Red Velvet, without a doubt!

hkarkanias@optonline.net
February 10, 2011 3:54 PM

Nutella Cheesecake Brownies

from The Family Kitchen


For the Brownie Layer:
4 eggs
1 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup butter
3/4 cup cocoa powder
1/2 cup Nutella
1/3 cup flour

For Nutella Cheesecake Layer:

8 ounces cream cheese

1/2 cup Nutella

1/2 cup sugar

2 eggs

In one bowl, beat all the brownie ingredients together.  In a separate bowl, beat together all of the Nutella cheesecake ingredients.  Scrape the brownie batter into the bottom of an 8×8 pan (yes, it will be quite full.  these are thick brownies!)  Spoon little plops of the Nutella cheesecake all over the top of the brownie batter.  

Smooth the cheesecake carefully and completely over the brownie layer with a spatula.  Bake in an oven preheated to 350 degrees and bake for 50-55 minutes.  The center of the brownies will be set, but if you poke a toothpick into them, it won’t come out dry.  It's okay...the cheesecake layer needs to cool completely to set up.

Linked to:  This Week's Cravings - Chocolate, hosted by Mom's Crazy Cooking

Another fun giveaway!!

It's time again for me to show my appreciation to you all.  You don't know how happy it makes me to have such a loyal group of fans!  Without you, I wouldn't have come this far in the short time I've been writing this blog (under 2 months!)...you inspire me each and every day in the kitchen.  And I know I can speak for Frank when I say, he thanks you too :)

This is another fun-with-kids-in-the-kitchen gift.  It's the Roshco "Create and Celebrate" Butterfly Pull-Apart Cupcake Silicone Baking Pan.  It's a great little gadget to have for parties, playdates, or as part of a baking project with little ones.  Makes 12 cupcakes.

Once again, entering is easy!  You must "like" my Facebook blog page in order to qualify, then leave a comment below telling me what your favorite kind of cupcake is.

For a second entry, "share" my Facebook blog page on your Facebook wall and leave the link in an additional comment.  And, PLEASE leave your email address (if it's not in your profile) so I can contact you!

Entries must be received by 6PM EST on Friday, February 11th.  Continental US residents only.

That's it!  Good luck, and please keep spreading the word!

I'm feeling generous!

Since my last giveaway was such a big hit, I'm doing it again!  Same two items, same rules, ...except you should comment under this post.

To be clear, you must be a fan of my Facebook page...and if you share it on your Facebook wall, you get ANOTHER entry.  That makes two entries.  Some of you were letting me know that you posted on your FB wall in the same entry as your original one...don't do that!  In that case you've earned another!  Don't gyp yourself :)

Also, PLEASE leave your email address in your comment, and if you do share my page on your FB wall, please leave the link in the comment that corresponds with it.

So, to change it up a bit, please tell me what your FAVORITE kitchen chore is!  Or to put it differently, the one you hate the least :)

Good luck everyone!  Oh, this giveaway will end on Sunday at 5PM EST.  Spread the word!

Who's the lucky winner?

Heather Lynne, you win!  Congratulations!  You have 48 hours to respond back to my email (although, you didn't leave your email address - I'll have to see if I can contact you), otherwise we will pick another winner.  

Enjoy your Restoration Hardware apron and towels!

Heather Lynne said...

I hate washing the dishes after I've been baking.

January 26, 2011 8:56 AM 

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:45Powered by RANDOM.ORG

It's Giveaway Time again!

Thanks again for helping meet our newest goal!  We're over 350 fans now, much thanks to you.

This giveaway features something that can be used for cooking or for other types of chores around the house.  It's a utility apron from Restoration Hardware, and it's terrific.  It covers much of your body so there's no worries about getting dirty or staining clothes.  It has several pockets that allow you to keep things close and convenient.  Plus, It's one size fits all (adjustable) so the men can use it too!

With this I'm also adding a set of two glass towels, also from RH.  They're linen and cotton, and made specifically for drying crystal and glassware and leaving them super shiny.  They're magical...seriously.  Here's a picture of the set:



To enter, you must be a fan of my Facebook page - just comment on this post and mention what your least favorite kitchen chore is (we all have several, don't we?).  For an additional entry, simply "share" my Facebook page on your wall, then let me know you've done so with a link to your page.  PLEASE don't forget to leave your email address, too. 

This giveaway is for Continental US Residents only and will end on Wednesday, January 26th at 5pm. 

Thanks again...and please, keep spreading the word!

A friendly reminder :)

Please become a fan of my Facebook page if you haven't already done so!  And, if you could, please share my page with your friends on your Facebook wall.  I'd appreciate the "word of mouth" referrals that some of you have already been sending my way!

Only 36 more fans are needed before my next giveaway...woohoo!

Just for fun, here's a pic of my little angel being a "Rock Star", as she calls it...hope everyone's having a great day!  Check back later for another post :)

And the winner is... (plus 3rd giveaway info)

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:25Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations, Veronica!  The espresso set is yours!  Looks like I'll be making pignoli cookies very soon :)

Veronica said...

I liked your page on FB and I love to eat pignoli cookies with espresso.

January 15, 2011 1:51 PM 

Please respond to my email within 48 hours, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

The third giveaway will begin after my Facebook page hits 350 fans (currently at 279) so PLEASE, spread the word and "share" it on your wall with your friends.  I'd love to be able to do it next week, so move those blabbermouths of yours!

Check back later to see the delicious soup/panini combo I'll be making for dinner :)

Giveaway #2...REAL coffee drinkers, listen up!

I promised the second giveaway after we reached 250 fans...well, we're at 260 now, so here it is...the day after my first one.  Love my fans for all the support...thanks again!

This 9 piece espresso set by Gibson is great for the REAL coffee drinkers out there :)  It contains 4 white cups, 4 white saucers and a beautiful rack to display and store it with.  It's perfect for entertaining or for your evening cup...and best of all, it doesn't take up much room.  Bake one of my desserts for your next dinner party and the course will be complete.

The rules are the same as the first giveaway.  Open to Continental US residents only.

1- "Like" I Was Born To Cook on Facebook.  If you already do, great!  Then leave a comment below with a link to your Facebook page, telling me what your favorite Italian dessert is to pair with espresso (or American coffee, if that's what you drink).  This time, I will bake the winner's favorite very soon and blog it!

2- For an additional entry, "Share" my page with your friends on your Facebook page, and link my page to your post.  Then leave another comment below.

Contest ends on Saturday, January 15th at 3PM EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified via email (with 48 hours to respond).  PLEASE make sure you put your email address in your comment/s!

An AWESOME cake...and the winner of my first giveaway!

I frequently surf the net looking for new recipe ideas.  Last night I stumbled upon this one and KNEW I'd be baking it today...it's such a snow day treat.

Because immediate gratification is one of my weaknesses, I started baking and didn't even bother checking to see if I had all the ingredients.  So, I had to make a few minor adjustments, but no worries...it still was DELICIOUS.  And, the house smelled amazing!

Add this to your list - I know many of you also like to bake during snowstorms, and I'm sure we've got plenty more to come!

 Before I post the recipe, I'd like to announce the winner of my first giveaway!  Congratulations to Jennifer, aka "Jeneliz", the winner of the 3 piece childrens baking set by Patisse!  You have until 8PM on Friday to reply to my email, otherwise another winner will be chosen.

Jennifer aka "Jeneliz" said...

awesome blog!!! I cannot wait to start making some of your recipes!! Better yet, do you ship?

January 12, 2011 7:32 PM 

True Random Number GeneratorMin: Max: Result:44Powered by RANDOM.ORG

We only need TEN more fans on my Facebook page before we hit 250 and I announce my next giveaway!  So what are you waiting for?  Share it!  Spread the word!  Use those big mouths of yours...they have to be good for something besides eating!

Now for the delicious recipe...I'm off to heat up a piece for my man :)

Cinnamon Roll Cake with Cream Cheese Glaze
from My Baking Addiction

Cake:
Yellow Cake Mix

4 eggs
¾ cup oil (I used vegetable)
1 cup sour cream (I used fat free)
Mix by hand and pour in 13 x 9 greased baking pan.

1 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon
Mix and pour over cake batter. Swirl into batter with knife. Bake at 325 degrees for 30-40 minutes (I baked it for 35). Let cake cool 10 – 15 minutes before icing.

Cream Cheese Glaze: 

1 (3 ounce) package cream cheese, softened (I used approximately 2 oz. bar cream cheese and one oz. whipped)
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
4-5 tablespoons of milk (I used 3 tablespoons of 2% milk and 1 tablespoon heavy cream)

While the cake is cooling, beat together cream cheese, butter, confectioners’ sugar, vanilla extract and salt. Slowly add milk until you reach the desired consistency. Spread frosting on warm cake before serving.

Linked to: Sweets For A Saturday

My first giveaway!

Welcome to my first giveaway!  I never thought I'd be hosting one before I even had my one month blogiversary, but hey, over 200 fans on a Facebook page I just created a week ago is worth celebration, don't you think?  Again, thanks for your support!  And now, the details...

All of my readers like to cook and bake.  A good amount of you are parents and/or aunts and uncles.  We're not even halfway through January and have already been slammed with a ton of snow (and that goes for many parts of the country!).  

So, whether it's a snow day, a sick day, or just one of those days you need something fun to do at home with kids, this will interest you.  It's a 3-piece children's baker set by Patisse that includes a springform pan, a loaf pan, and a rolling pin.  It's adorable - and it's perfect for killing some time with cabin fever-induced children!  

Here's how to enter:  (Continental US Residents only)

1- "Like" I Was Born To Cook on Facebook.  If you already do, great!  Then leave a comment below with a link to your Facebook page, telling me what your favorite thing to cook or bake with little ones is.

2- For an additional entry, "Share" my page with your friends on your Facebook page, and link my page to your post.  Then leave another comment below.

Contest ends on Wednesday, January 12th at 8PM EST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and will be notified via email (with 48 hours to respond).  Please make sure you put your email address in your comment/s!

Good luck and thanks for playing!  

A delicious Giada side & my first giveaway!

Let me start by saying, THANK YOU for supporting me in this fun journey I decided to take LESS than a MONTH ago!  As promised, my first giveaway is going to take place now that my Facebook page hit 200 fans.  Details tomorrow (hint: kitchen fun for snow days!)...and once we hit 250, there will be another one...so please, keep spreading the word!

Now for tonight's dinner...I made use of the oven, stovetop and indoor grill, and the meal was still super easy.

First, I prepped the tomatoes (recipe below) and put them in the oven.  

Then, I put the broccoli rabe in the bowl that the tomatoes marinated in to use up the extra oil and garlic, mixed it around, and threw it in a dutch oven (with oil and garlic in it, along with a little crushed red pepper).  Top it with a bit of salt (helps reduce it down) and toss occasionally (tongs work best).

While the two sides were cooking, I put the pork chops on the grill.  I used thin boneless chops, but you could certainly use thick chops (which would need to cook longer) or bone-in.  All I did was put a tiny bit of EVOO on them, some garlic powder and oregano.  Period.  Squeeze lemon on them when they're finished.

The timing pretty much worked out so that all were done at the same time....even if the broccoli rabe cooks down before the pork is done, just take it off the heat and cover it.  It gets served at room temp anyway.

And to those who are "'afraid" of broccoli rabe...don't be.  It's awesome.  And it's very good for you.  If you really can't stand the bitterness, boil it before sauteing it...it takes some of the bite out.  Make sure to wash it thoroughly and cut the stems off before cooking.  Try it...you won't be disappointed!

Grilled Pork Chops with Sauteed Broccoli Rabe & Roasted Stuffed Tomatoes

(see above for details on the pork and broccoli rabe)

Roasted Tomatoes with Garlic, Gorgonzola and Herbs

adapted from Giada DeLaurentis

12 Roma tomatoes, sliced in half lengthwise (I used 4 tomatoes on the vine)

1/4 cup olive oil (I used 1/8 cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 cup plain breadcrumbs (I used much less, about 1/3 cup)
3/4 cup finely crumbled gorgonzola or grated Parmesan cheese  (I used gorgonzola)
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley (I omitted since I didn't have any)

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

Using a teaspoon or grapefruit spoon, remove the seeds from the tomatoes. Place the tomato halves, cut side down, on paper towels to drain, about 5 minutes.

In a large bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of the olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Using clean hands, gently toss the drained tomato halves in the oil mixture until coated. Marinate the tomatoes for 10 minutes.

In a small bowl mix together the breadcrumbs and gorgonzola cheese.

Place the marinated tomato halves, cut side up, on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Fill each tomato half with the breadcrumb filling. Drizzle with the remaining olive oil. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until slightly softened and the underside of the tomatoes are brown.  (I cooked mine for 17 minutes)

Arrange the cooked tomatoes on a serving platter. Sprinkle with the chopped parsley and serve immediately.