Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Exciting Things and a Giveaway

To be clear, I'm just going to reiterate it, I love Baby Saffron more than life itself, but, I'm currently working on setting up my first work project since she was born, which project would take place in a few months, and I'm so excited. I can't say what it is yet, but I can give you a hint:
Fox Glacier, New Zealand
This is on Fox Glacier on the South island of New Zealand. You'd think, from how much I hate the drab London weather, that climbing up one of of these things would not be my cup of tea, but you'd be wrong.
Fox Glacier, New Zealand

Anyway, I thought that to celebrate good things it would be nice to do a giveaway: If you feel so inclined, you can vie for an Ottolenghi cookbook.
Ottolenghi Just in case you haven't heard of it somehow, Ottolenghi is a lovely restaurant/delicatessen with 4 outposts in London, the main and largest one being in Islington. The food is genuine, hearty fare heavily influenced by Mediterranean cuisine, such as the red rice and quinoa salad posted by Heidi (101 Cookbooks) here, and the desserts range from their signature cinnamon hazelnut meringues to the best granola EVER (I used to eat it almost daily while pregnant). To read a bit about the two chefs, Yotam Ottolenghi and Sami Tamimi, you can read Keiko's (Nordljus) post about the cookbook.
Ottolenghi If there's enough time between adding the icing and its disappearance in company's tummies, I'll add pictures of the apple and olive oil cake with maple icing to this post tomorrow. Revised: The recipe and proper pictures will go up when I announce the winner. It's too good not to post it, seriously.
Apple and olive oil cake with maple icing

To win the cookbook, all you have to do is leave me a comment by midnight on Monday October 12th telling me about something good that's happened to you recently or something good you'd like to happen to you. Maybe if we all band together, only good things will happen to us all.

PS: I will send this cookbook anywhere in the world, so don't be shy because you live far away.

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85 comments:

La Tartine Gourmande said...

Are you going to New Zealand South Island? Oh, yes! Memorie of wonderful times! Well I'm sure I don't have to tell you what's the best thing that ever happened to me recently! Lulu is the one! It's magical how it happens, non?

Jamie said...

Oh, Hilda, that is marvelous news and I can't wait to hear more about it. Good things indeed! And I'd love to win this fab cookbook! You know that bad things have happened lately, so now is the time for good things to happen to me: winning Euromillions, moving to Italy, someone asking me to write a book, or maybe, more simply, being able to meet face to face in real life some of the people I've gotten to be such dear friends with lately over the internet :-)

Tiffany said...

Something good that will happen to me is I'm going backpacking in Europe this Winter with some friends from high school :)

Colloquial Cook said...

A great thing that could happen to me. Bumping into you at G.Detou's :-) [and that's my biggest ear-to-ear Gromit smile]

Ben said...

Something good that happened to me was the chance to study in South Korea for a semester. I learned a lot about the language and culture and met tons of amazing people.

bethany (Dirty Kitchen Secrets) said...

I absolutely love Ottolenghi. I used to go all the time when i lived in london. A good thing and farfetched thing is world peace but i'll go for a vaca with my hubby somewhere sunny; no internet or a new computer. <-what an oxymorone

The Cooking Ninja said...

oh, New Zealand is simply breathtakingly beautiful. :) The best thing that happened to me recently is I finally made a friend in this new city - after 1 1/2 years of trying. :)

Asha said...

Hilda, I am sooo envious of you!!! I have been planning on a trip to NZ forever, only living in US makes it more and more distant every year!! sighh.. Anyway, have a fab time! :))

And yes, please, I would love the book :D

Liz C said...

It's about time for something good to happen to me. I've been working and going to culinary school nonstop for the past 6 months and have had a bad strain of luck. Maybe this is my turnaround...?

Rachel Rhodes said...

I would obviously like to get rid of my thyroid cancer. That would be an awesome thing. Recently, I called you and got to hear your voice and that of Baby Saffron. That was a good thing. :) Shameless boot licking, but also true!

Ambika said...

Hey Hilda, I've never heard about Ottolenghi! But just some googling was enough to kindle my interest. The best thing that's happened to me recently is my 7 weeks old puppy!! He's an extremely energetic Jack Russel Terrier. We are very happy!! We don't seem to get enough of him, he sleeps most of the time right now, so we wait for him to wake up and play with us!!

The Purple Foodie said...

I've heard nice things about Ottolenghi. Would love to own the cookbook. All the best with you new venture and thanks for the giveaway! :)

email: purplefoodie@gmail.com

Bron said...

oooh are you coming to visit me?
I'm having trouble thinking of 1 thing good that's happened to me recently, mentioning a new camera seems a bit too materialistic. I'm blessed in so many different ways, my girls cuddles are always good things!

Mowie @ Mowielicious said...

Hi Hilda! You told me about this project the last time we met and you already know I'm so excited for you - it's going to be so cool!

I think I'm the most excited and happy I've ever been in my life, just because of all the things happening to me and the opportunities that are presenting themselves. I strongly believe in the power of positive thinking and love your suggestion of banding together all our positivity =)

Always remember:
'Today is the best day of your life!'

Sneh Roy said...

Thanks for being generous enough to offer this fantastic cookbook :) You rock!

I am 32 and I have been scared of driving FOREVER, till 3 weeks ago I had never ever driven anything, I always walked and took the bgus everywhere and it was getting ridiculous especially with 2 little boys. Then 3 weeks ago my 5 year old said to me "When I go to school next year, will you drive me there?". I signed up for driving class the same day. 3 weeks later with 7 hours of driving under my belt, I drove my husband and boys for the very FIRST time around our suburb, and my boys went "wheeeeee" in the backseat as if they were on a joyride, the best thing that has happened to me in a long time :)

bethh said...

I got to meet a four-day-old baby last night, belonging to one of my friends. Holding him while he slept was really lovely! Providing a meal for my sleep-deprived friends was pretty great too.

Anonymous said...

Hilda, that's so great! I wish you all the luck with your new project.
Call me silly, but one of the best things recently was meeting wonderful people like you!
And well, I'd love to find a bag full of money so I could travel and meet my new friends in person... :)

Rebecca said...

What a great prize! My good thing - a year ago, in the midst of a terrible situation, a terrible location, a terrible job, sickness, and outlook on life.. my best friend came and whisked me away to Chicago. He helped me get back on my feet and realize that I was worth it - he just recently gave me a wedding band! I have never been so lucky and it really made it worth going through the bad times. Here's to sending some of the good things to all of your readers!

Mrs Ergül said...

I hopped over cuz out of the blue I remembered reading from the DB forum that you are pregnant and I am hoping of seeing photos of your little one! Thanks for the giveaway! Maternal instincts are kicking in. a good thing to happen to me/us will be us getting pregnant!

Y said...

What's this?? Are you going to NZ?? I love NZ! Any chance of stopping over in Sydney first? ;)

sweetalmond said...

I wish you good luck with your new project and more good things ahead!!
For me getting a new camera lens and a house with plenty of sunlight would be the best thing right now...

Anne said...

Ooh, sounds exciting! Winning that book would be a good indeed, as I've coveted it for ages :) But more seriously, the best thing lately - or ever - is my baby boy. Oh wow. I'm still ridiculously overwhelmed by how amazing it all feels. I never longed for motherhood and was therefor quite surprised :)

Anna said...

Good thing that happen to me lately is that I am sooo fortunate to do what I love! Own a cafe and teach kids cooking classes! I also have 3 beautiful girls that are happy! A great thing I would like to happen is that my friend Helen will get through the next 2 weeks before her surgery due to breast cancer.

sunita said...

Wish you all the best in your new venture, dear Hilda.

Something good? Hmmm,my husband and two little ones, without a doubt. They are the ones who keep me going.

Jen said...

How exciting, hilda!

and I hope to see you soon, too!! that would be fantastic! maybe we could even convince Doctor Fennelhead to come out to play as well! :)

Some Good Things: finished my last project for the year with success; am in great health; have enough food to stuff my fat face every day; i have wonderful friends/family with the opportunity to meet more every day; and i won a trip to medellin, colombia. things are great!

stichomythia said...

I'm exploring a new country with serendipiteously-found friends :)

Grace said...

Right now my cat, Muffy, is sitting on my lap, the sun is pouring through the window, all my friends and family are well and its Friday! Life doesn't get much better than that.

Julie R. said...

Something good? Well, Autumn has reached us, the weather is changing, and friends are coming to call. This weekend will involve much music and laughter, and even a recipe or two. Life is pretty golden right now. :)

Also- are you into ice climbing then? I'm new to rock climbing, but I have to admit I'm madly in love with it. Got to catch an ice-climbing demo a couple weeks ago and am utterly enthralled.

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilda!

I planned on just commenting on those delicious looking cinnamon hazelnut meringues, but since there's a lovely cookbook being offered...

Plenty of good things happens to me that I don't appreciate until way later because i'm too busy focusing on the negative or the "little things."

A good thing that happened to me recently was a friend of a friend urged me to start a dessert blog as "practice" for the dessert cookbook i'm trying to write. So I did it! It's been hard because I am not a computer/html person, and i've only had time to post a few things, but it's been so much fun and educational. And other bloggers have been so nice and encouraging!

Unknown said...

Something good would be a job in the baking industry for me. I dont have professional experience but I'm so passionate about baking. I would love to have my own cafe/bakery in Los Angeles and Denver someday and I would take requests for baked goods. :)

naughtyfox1983 said...

Hi there Hilda!

My account of 'recent good thing' is vastly different from the others; but, it is 'good' for me. Last Sunday, I signed the divorce papers to end a 6-month long marriage & a 22-month long relationship with a man, who not only abused me physically, but also mentally. (Yes! I was blinded by my love & trust!)

I always get solace in cooking, esp. baking, for my family: over the last two months, since I left him, I have spent my time in a storm of cookery! It is such a great comfort and that’s why I would love to receive the Ottolenghi Cookbook. It would help me very much to overcome my trouble.

Thank you.
Anahita

Anonymous said...

Hi Hilda!

It's already cold and rainy here in Russia. But I don't seem to notice the bad weather at all: I've got so much nice things going on in my life now. I've started living together with the man I'm in love with, and I love every single moment we spend together. In the morning, just before we get up, we tell each other little absurd things, like "Are you a vegan or a Gypsy?" - "Neither, I'm a biker" (Russian sense of humour is a peculiar one, no offense please). I love when he calls my office (I'm a translator) and we chat a little and then my colleagues ask about how things are. I love to have dinner together, going to the movies together, well, anything really =)

What I'd really love to have, is a picture of us on my work desk. The Director might object, but anyway I would love to have one.

Thank you Hilda, you've made me smile as I was typing this to you =)

Deeba PAB said...

What fabulous news Hilda...thrilled to bits for you. Must be like a dream come true. I know how much you love NZ!! Sticking myself in the middle of comments coz feel I might have a better chance sandwiched in here somewhere. The RIG doesn't love me though...but whatever!!
The best thing thats happened to me of late is meeting a rocking bunch of folk on twitter, who have become part of my 'daily bread', so as to say. Folk that make me giggle stupidly & drag me to twitter at insane hours! Of course that includes you, and little babooshka, whose bites of carrots keep us going! Love that olive oil cake and all the pictures. Remember me when you get famous, OK ?(wink wink). xoxoxo

Danielle said...

Hi Hilda! A good thing that happened to me this week was that I made a friend. I started an exchange program a month ago in a country halfway around the world where I barely speak the language and where it's really difficult to make good friends (not only because of the communication barrier, but because I'm starting at a new school all over again). I often feel very lonely, so I was very happy to make a friend.
I hope you keep blogging for a long time. I really enjoy your posts and recipes.

Anonymous said...

Hi!
A good thing thats happened is reading your blog...well so far just this post..but what are the chances..I'm planning a trip to New Zealand at the end of this year! Including climbing Fox Glacier!

Also, despite the large number of blogs I read, I rarely comment on them but I couldn't resist this time!

Fiber said...

ooh, what a great cookbook! I'd love a chance to win one.
And something good that's happened to me? I woke up this morning. It doesn't get any better than that.

Anonymous said...

Saw your post on tastespotting. I would love the cookbook! A good thing that happened to me recently was that my Kindle broke, but Amazon promptly replaced it for free. :)

whime said...

Hi, Hilda. I'd love a chance to win one of the cookbooks!

My husband lost his job at the end of April. Like so many others who are going through this... it's been pretty stressful as we deal and adjust. Some days are better than others... but we remain blessed that we have each other. We have family dinners together nightly with our thirteen year old son. It's a time for us to bond and laugh.

Through it all we are maintaining a good sense of humor and hoping "something good will happen." I'd love the chance to win the book and share some new recipes at the family dinner table over stories.

NikiTheo said...

My boyfriend told me he loved me. We've been dating about 5 months now and I've expressed my feelings to him, but he was very hesitant on expressing his feelings to me. Last night, right before we hung up the phone to go to bed, he said, "hey babes, I love you. I really do. I'm sorry it took so long to tell you and I wish I could say it to your face, but I just can't keep it inside me for another two days until I see you." I cried lots of happy tears last night and had my first full night's sleep in a couple of weeks. I'm floating on cloud nine in seventh heaven right now!

Lauren said...

It's parents weekend at school and my mom is coming to visit me today! She's bringing me cake, my coat, and moste importantly...herself!! She is still one of my best friends and I can't wait to see her :)

Anonymous said...

Something good that's happened to me recently is that our seventh year of homeschooling got off to a wonderful start without a hitch, unlike last year when we all came down with bronchitis the first week of school! Very happy about this :)

Helen said...

I'm patiently waiting for something good to happen. I would love to figure out what I want to do with my life. It's a tall order but I'm hoping for a sign or two!

ssomerville said...

Great Cookbook. Hubby and I just celebrated our 25th wedding anniversary recently, and it felt as though we were celebrating our first!

etherealpr said...

Just as my budget was stretching almost impossible thin, I was offered the chance to teach a course this spring. Hurrah!

Anonymous said...

LeeYong from New Jersey
Thanks for the giveaway... One wonderful thing that happened to me recently is I found out I DON"T have cancer! Not knowing and now knowing that I don't have the ugly disease makes me realize what's important in my life. So, all in all - life is quite damn good right now and it doesnt matter that I lost my job - things will come my way when it's suppose to.

Anonymous said...

My life at this moment is good per se, but it will be marvelous when I will manage to open my caffe.

Rachael said...

Oh, glaciers, your post makes the geologist and the baker in me very happy! This week has been great. I have had a couple of days off of work and I have been able to bake up a storm of bread!

Ria Mathew said...

Hi Hilda!

One of the best thing ever to happen to me is Jobin,my fiance! We have been dating for over 4 1/2 years now and we will be tying the knot on 15 Feb 2010!

Life just cant get more marvellous than this at the moment!! :)

Have a great time at NZ! Take pics and live each moment!!

xx
Ria
airmathew@gmail.com

Anonymous said...

my husband and I got married in june and have been putting off our honeymoon because he has been searching for jobs. on sept. 11, he drove me to work and said, "let's go on our honeymoon. i'll find a job when we get back." so, i went into work and booked our flight to italy that left on the 16th! It was an AMAZING trip. we booked everything on the go and had the best time doing it. we were on a tight budget but had no problem soaking everything in while laughing along the way. our honeymoon made me realize even more how perfect my husband is for me. i am so lucky to have found him and to have him in my life forever. my point in this comment is that my something good is my husband. :)

lauren michele said...

well, on top of having my birthday this week, my boyfriend proposed to me in a helicopter hovering over minneapolis.

Unknown said...

i fell in love this year!

kaitlin

LyB said...

I am so glad I discovered your blog (via Tastespotting), and I can't wait for you to post the recipe for that fantastic looking cake! I think my 3 gorgeous kiddos (and their dad) make good things happen in my life everyday. :)

Unknown said...

My good thing would be the joy of my children. I am blessed.

Topher said...

Seeing my parents over the weekend

Thanks.

Chris
zekks at yahoo dot com

MicheleKaplan said...

Sounds like a beautiful trip Hilda, enjoy! Something that continues to be good is my loving family. This book would be a great win. Thanks, Michele

Ashlie and Alfred said...

I am a graduate student with a passion for baking - it is my hobby and my true love. I recently did receive wonderful news that I passed all of my written Ph.D. exams; hoping for the same good news when I have my oral exam at the end of October. I would love to celebrate by baking something for this wonderful book:).

abelmore@purdue.edu

Kristen J said...

I finally have the opportunity and time to start writing my book, which I have patiently been waiting 3 years to do!

AlisonWonderland said...

Well, I finally opened an etsy shop, which I think is good. Now I'm eagerly anticipating my first sale...

gemini5757 at hotmail.com

Chao said...

something good that's happened to me:
hmm, i guess having three delicious dinners in a row :D.

- shino-mooformeplx@hotmail.com

Alyson said...

Let's see, I got the high score on my organic chemistry test!
wink0159@d.umn.edu

kaci + tom said...

my feet stayed warm and dry today in the autumn rain; that's something i can definitely hope for over the next six months here in new england!

lovely blog. :) this is my first visit, but i will definitely be back for more!

Karen Baking Soda said...

Fabulous news Hilda! Love those first two pictures. We climbed a glacier in Norway, whole family literally tied together hehe.
I found a little note by my son #2 taped to the washer this morning: "Oh right, I promised to do white laundry for son #2 (who subsequently hasn't got his gymshirt now)"
The good news is that the bloke has got a sense of humour, bad news is that he had to wear something else in gymclass...

Anne said...

Hilda - Those pictures are lovely! I can feel my heart being pulled along with you. Best of luck with your project and I can't wait to hear more about it!

The greatest thing that happened to me recently was a trip I took back home to Michigan. The natural beauty in the northern part of the lower peninsula is overwhelming. I soaked in every moment to last me through the winter down south - the warm, teal waters of the Great Lakes, the cherries glowing on their branches in the mid-afternoon light, the grasses whispering at the top of the dunes as you watch the sun set over the Manitou islands... it's almost too much to bear.

chow and chatter said...

I got a new blogging gig wow I adore your blog so happy I found it Rebecca

Anonymous said...

im making my mom and mother in law grandmas to a baby boy ;-)

danielle.ultimateevents@gmail.com

nimblewit said...

Gosh, to put it in words. Something I'd like to happen to me?
Recently, I phoned my father in Australia from my home in France. I could hear him speaking to his cousin, "Have to go, Crina's on the phone, think she's got good news for me." I cringed, it wasn't so, my agent in London had a no from the publisher.
Oh how I want to pick up the phone and call him now as he fights the battle of his life, and tell him so he can burst from the insides out, "Yes, Dad, they took it up, they're going to publish it." To know that he might be able to put the phone down and beam in happiness as he fights his monstruous battle right now.
That's the good thing I'm hoping for, the good thing I want to have a chance to share with him.
Chin, chin, for good things.

Allie said...

I aced my linear exam. It was a huge boost of confidence I needed the day I got my results.

Sean said...

Need to get an A on my pharmacology exam. Struggle!!!!!

Meeta K. Wolff said...

i cannot believe i missed this i've wanted that book for ages! oh bummer! you can imagine what i am gonna do now right? send you an email asking you to spill the beans!

Eric Woods said...

comment comment

Elizabeth said...

I can't get over what beautiful photos you've taken!

-Elizabeth

Stacy said...

Your photos are, truly, amazing!

Unknown said...

*sigh* It's probably better that I'm just reading about your food instead of being able to eat it, but it looks incredibly yummy.

Anonymous said...

I am too late to win, but I will share anyway. I finished my first marathon in 11 years! YAY me!!

Leah Wentzel said...

do you take your own pictures? you must right?

Patricia said...

So I guess Jan 17 is too late to enter the contest...but I can enter this comment for Haiti!

Beautiful photos.

Pat said...

I missed the giveaway but...the best thing that's happened to me lately...my daughter gave me a GPS for Christmas. I may never get lost again - yay!

Meg Kat said...

Checked out the restaurants website. The wild mushroom and thyme tart with goat’s cheese, chive and chilli sounds divine!

Dbe said...

I would have liked to lick that spatula!

Anonymous said...

I got into this blog via a link for the Haitian appeal and I think it's great. Keep up the good work.

Kat said...

Travel and good food- a perfect mix

Jeanne @ Cooksister said...

Completely in love with this cookbook and YES! That awesome granola... Was given some for a gift and have not been the same since. I spent time making my youngest nephew laugh and laugh by playing endless games of "Round and round the garden goes the teddy bear" with him. That was pretty good...

Sari @ Cook Your Dream said...

I have to get this cookbook! And of course I have to finally visit an Ottolenghi restaurant.

Unknown said...

#Haiti

Sounds absolutely gorgeous! Am sorry I am posting this so late, wish I had found your blog sooner Hilda :D)

Anonymous said...

comment comment. thanks for the good work.

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