Welcome back and happy Monday! I hope you had a relaxing weekend. Mine was low-key but full of food-related fun, including a few get-togethers that were equal parts social and practical:
Cookbook & Housewares Swap – Friends brought gently used cookbooks and kitchen items to swap. It was a great way to pass along things we no longer needed and come home with something new to inspire the next meal.
In the Kitchen: Homemade Pasta – We spent an afternoon making fresh pasta from scratch. We tried several shapes and fillings, and I’ll be sharing the recipes here throughout the week.
This is a shorter week for me because I’ll be heading out of town on Friday — Boston, to be exact. A few friends from What’s Cookin, Chicago are joining me for a little culinary getaway. We’ll be exploring local food spots and tasting our way around the city. Even though I’ll be away, Foodie Freebie Friday will still happen, so check back if you usually stop by for the giveaway.
With cooler weather settling in, soup season is fully underway. While clear broths have their place, there’s something especially comforting about a smooth, creamy soup. One of the easiest ways to achieve that texture is with an immersion (stick) blender. It lets you purée soups directly in the pot, saving time and reducing dishes. Beyond soups, a hand blender is handy for smoothies, shakes, whipped cream, sauces, and more. This week’s giveaway winner will receive a Cuisinart Smart Stick hand blender:
The Cuisinart Smart Stick hand blender features a versatile stick design so you can blend ingredients right in pots, pitchers, bowls, or the included clear plastic beaker. A 200-watt motor runs with simple one-touch control. Use it to blend drinks, purée soups, or mix batters in seconds. The stainless-steel blending shaft and beaker are dishwasher-safe for easy cleanup.
- Immersion hand blender with a powerful 200-watt motor for reliable performance
- Sharp blade for smooth blending and a protective guard to reduce splattering
- Simple push-button controls and a lightweight body designed for one-handed use
- Dishwasher-safe stainless-steel blending shaft; includes a 2-cup plastic beaker
- Compact size (approximately 3 by 3 by 14-1/8 inches) and a 3-year limited warranty
Giveaway guidelines:
– Giveaway is open only to U.S. residents. I apologize to readers outside the United States.
– Winners must check back on my blog on Friday to see if their comment was selected and to claim the prize.
To enter the giveaway, leave a comment answering:
– What is your favorite kind of soup?
Deadline: Thursday, October 15, 2009 at 12 midnight CST.
ONE WINNER will be chosen at random using Random.org’s integer generator based on comment number and will be announced on Friday, October 16, 2009. Best of luck to everyone who enters!