top 12 recipes of 2012
happy thanksgiving!
roasted spaghetti squash with sausage
butternut squash with pecans and blue cheese
seeded maple granola
my berlin kitchen giveaway!
I have something very exciting up my sleeve today: a copy of the brand new book, My Berlin Kitchen: A Love Story (with Recipes)
My Berlin Kitchen tells the story of how Luisa grew up with her heart split between two places, shuttling back and forth between her dad in Boston and her Italian mother in Berlin. Luisa was working as a cookbook editor in New York when she decided to bake, roast and stew her way through a massive collection of newspaper clipped recipes, which she’s since documented on The Wednesday Chef.
The one place she could always look to for steadiness and comfort was the kitchen – something I think so many of us can relate to. I know that when I make shepherd’s pie or eat a really good bacon sandwich, I’m transported back to England in an instant. It’s a powerful thing.
It seems that Luisa (isn’t she cute?) never really stopped hankering for Berlin, and My Berlin Kitchen
If you’d like to win a copy, please leave a comment below telling me which two places (metaphorical or actual) your heart is torn between when it comes to cooking and baking.
For a maximum of two additional entries:
1. Tweet about the giveaway (e.g. “I’d love to win a copy of @wednesdaychef‘s new book from @angharad_guy! http://bit.ly/Rnn5L8″)
2. Link to the giveaway on Facebook (my facebook page is @EatingforEngland if you’d like to tag me in your post; Luisa’s is @The-Wednesday-Chef).
**Leave additional comments here telling me you posted it on facebook or twitter.**
This giveaway is only open to U.S. residents and will close on Tuesday, September 25. Good luck!
Update:
The winner is comment number 7 (generated by random.org): Annie!
“I’m continually torn between the meat and potatoes food model of my relatives from rural southwestern Minnesota and the vegan-ism I’ve come to appreciate in my current urban life!”
Congratulations Annie! Email me your address and I’ll get Luisa’s book out to you asap!
Category: food and culture, reading | Tags: giveaway 65 comments »
September 18th, 2012 at 10:08 am
Ooh ooh! I don’t know where my heart is torn – perhaps between eating kale and fried cheese curds? That counts, right? ;)
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:09 am
ooh ooh and i tweeted!
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:17 am
My heart is torn between the fun, adventurous, herb-y, experimental food that is so popular here in Austin, and the comforting, fattening, buttery, delicious, simple food of my native small-town Oklahoma.
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:33 am
My heart is torn between old standby Scandinavian classic comfort food that I grew up on like sauerkraut, dumplings, amazing sausage and now my enjoyment that comes from more whole grains, fresh produce, etc. They are both good and evoke memories for me…. I would love to win this book, sounds beautifully written.
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:33 am
I tweeted as well!
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:34 am
I’m expecting, so right now my heart is torn between eating healthy for my baby and eating macaroni and cheese because its the only thing that sounds good right now!
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September 18th, 2012 at 10:44 am
I’m continually torn between the meat and potatoes food model of my relatives from rural southwestern Minnesota and the vegan-ism I’ve come to appreciate in my current urban life!
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:11 am
I’m torn between wanting to only eat bread and cheese (literally there is nothing better) and, like, actual food.
(I tweeted @krydib)
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:12 am
I think I’m torn between my mother’s rural PA Dutch upbringing and all of the calories that come with it and the healthy lifestyle I’m continually struggling against. I want to eat/be healthy but I love eating pie!!
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:16 am
My heart is between all the great food I can get in Chicago but the absolutely dismal selection of Tex-Mex. :)
(I also tweeted!)
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:25 am
There is a definite divide with my knowledge of and desire to follow the nutrition guidelines I spout day in and day out as a Registered Dietitian, and my love of the home-y German desserts in my heritage!
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:26 am
Tweeted the giveaway (@squirrelbread).
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:42 am
im torn between my absolute love of steamies & poutine from montreal and all the fresh produce of california
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:45 am
My heart is torn between baking the old-fashioned, gloriously stodgy breads and cakes I grew up with in Ireland – soda farls, potato bread, ‘fifteens’ made with condensed milk, biscuits and marshmallows, wheaten bread, and traybakes – and the cosmopolitan, food-trend baking of London where I live now: Ottolenghi-style meringue nests and flourless cakes!
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Like you, my heart is torn between England and the States(I moved here when I was 12). I miss a good roast on Sundays, Ribena, Minstrels and a good steamed pudding and custard. In the past few years, I’ve also become a vegetarian and don’t do too much dairy either. So, there are days when I’m craving comfort food, and will go through more dairy in that one day than I have for the rest of the week. This winter, my goal is to make a vegetarian shepard’s pie.
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:48 am
Mexico and Italy – my two favorite places for inspiration in my humble kitchen in St. Paul.
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September 18th, 2012 at 11:52 am
I tweeted!
https://twitter.com/juliamielish/status/248101860123222017
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:10 pm
That is so easy for me…Italy (where I lived for 3 years) and Russia/Ukraine (where my husband’s family is from).
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:11 pm
And I am posting on facebook :)
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:25 pm
Is it okay if it’s a three-way? Cleveland, Ohio (where i was born & raised), Korea (where my parents were born & raised), and Yorkshire, GB (where I attended medical school!). :)
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:32 pm
I am torn between NYC and the Midwest (NE) where I grew up and returned to… but I miss NYC, oh the options – good bread, cheez and the fruits/veggies all year round.
liked on facebook
Jeni
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
Oh…my heart is torn between eating healthy, responsible meals that make me proud and then wanting that extra huge slice of chocolate cake afterwards. I always war with sugar. Sometimes it wins. Sometimes I do. I’d love to win this cookbook — it’s lovely!
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September 18th, 2012 at 12:41 pm
I tweeted, my dear. :)
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September 18th, 2012 at 1:58 pm
Mexico (though the closest I’ve been is when I lived in San Diego) and eating locally. I love my avocados and Mexican cooking, but try to make do with what’s available here in Virginia!
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September 18th, 2012 at 2:34 pm
I’m always torn between trying something new and adventurous (that might not turn out!) vs. sticking with recipes or chefs that I know & love. Tx for bringing this book & blog to my attention – I enjoy the few passages I’ve read!
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September 18th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
As a dedicated locavore, my kitchen is full of seasonal Minnesota food. But somedays I can’t help but want an avocado, a bowl of grapes or a fresh grapefruit! Makes me wonder why I wasn’t born a California locavore…
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Amy Reply:
September 18th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
fb too!
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September 18th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
Dear Angharad,
I spent my “uni” days in London and I’m a native Minnesotan, so when I found your blog I was in love – you are an expat in my home state while I was an expat in your home country :) Needless to say, my heart is torn between yummy English foods (notably comfort foods like shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, and even beans on toast) and the similar US versions. I’d love this book, as I also love German food and have fond memories of eating in Berlin during my uni days.
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September 18th, 2012 at 3:55 pm
I liked on facebook now too!
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September 18th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I am so excited about this giveaway! I was born and raised in the South (Arkansas) and when I graduated college I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. It’s been 7 years and now I live in Denver, Colorado. My sister has a new baby and I am terribly homesick for the South. I’ve been cooking cornbread, okra, and other things that make me think of home.
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September 18th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
I’m torn between the delicious comfort of the British food I was raised on and the healthy bright food I have learned to love through farm shares, farmers markets and endless food blogs that guide my new culinary adventures in Pennsylvania.
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September 18th, 2012 at 8:11 pm
My food heart is torn between a love of cooking big exciting meals (with leftovers!), and the absolute laziness of not wanting to dirty any dishes so I don’t want to cook.
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September 19th, 2012 at 9:41 am
Tough question! I’d have to say I’m torn between the local, wholesome & vegetarian food I came to live by here in New York’s Hudson Valley, and all the irresistible foods I grew up with on Long Island: Italian pastas up the wazoo, diner foods like cheese fries and grilled sandwiches, and loaded pizzas. My third pull is European desserts, no question :)
Thanks for the contest, I’m so excited!
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September 19th, 2012 at 10:01 am
My heart is torn between baking and the savory side of life. I could bake all day long with enough cakes and pastries to feed an army, only to switch gears and delve into preparing a flavor packed, nutritious dinner!
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September 19th, 2012 at 10:52 am
USA and Germany/Switzerland, where I spend a lot of time. Especially torn about cakes – American ones are sooo good, but sometimes too sweet for my taste, and German ones are often not sweet enough…. I need Louisa’s book to help me navigate this conundrum!
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September 19th, 2012 at 11:03 am
I am continuously torn between my family’s great cooking from Hong Kong, and the food I learn to make and love here in Washington D.C.
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September 19th, 2012 at 11:26 am
My heart is torn between the healthy cooking I have learned as an adult in Minneapolis and the Czech comfort food I grew up on. Chicken and dumplings just isn’t the same without a healthy dose of sour cream in it…
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September 19th, 2012 at 11:28 am
I posted this giveaway on Twitter!
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September 19th, 2012 at 11:30 am
I also posted this giveaway on Facebook. :-)
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September 19th, 2012 at 12:37 pm
I am perpetually torn between the food of Italy, with its peasant cuisine that I learned to love from the countless hours spent in the kitchen with my Italian grandmother (her meatballs were out of this world); and the food of England, which is where I learned to appreciate (and attempt to recreate) the art of the curry, and which changed my palate forever. I could never choose between the two!
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September 19th, 2012 at 12:38 pm
p.s. I posted to Twitter!
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September 19th, 2012 at 4:20 pm
I too am a Brit living in the US! I was born and lived in Wales for 23 years, but have lived in the US for more than that. You can’t beat a good Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding and why can’t I find Gammon here – my first dinner party entree – with pineapple! Love all the variety in the US and am blessed with a vibrant Local Farmers Market, but give me an iced custard slice over a doughnut any day!!
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September 19th, 2012 at 9:18 pm
My heart is torn between eating healthy because it makes me feel good and eating way too many sweets…and pizza…hmm. I would love to win! It looks like a beautiful book! :)
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September 20th, 2012 at 1:18 am
Wish this competition was open to UK entries too…I’d love to win a copy! Will just have to buy one instead :-)
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September 20th, 2012 at 10:49 am
Hi! I’m totally not a US citizen, but I’m going to comment anyway, especially since her story resonates so deeply with me. Recently getting out of a six year relationship, quitting my cushy well paying job at the end of the year. Yet I sit here struggling to decide if I should stay in Vancouver go to school to pursue Holistic Nutrition and healthy eating, become another person going day to day with work in the same place I know. Yet there’s something deep down in my heart and soul, that wants to go back to my routes. Go back to where my family came from in Ireland, be out in the country, learn to go back to my roots and go against the flow despite the economy and lack of jobs and money. Feels like a competition against brain and heart with both good pros and cons. Sigh … 100 so more days to figure it all out.
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September 20th, 2012 at 11:58 am
Between eating clean and plant-based, and eating a buttery French diet. Would love to get my hands on this book!
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September 20th, 2012 at 2:20 pm
I love Luisa. Wednesday Chef was one of the 1st food blogs I found and have followed her wonderful story.
Like Luisa, my heart is torn between my beautiful green, rich in food, friends, and love Minneapolis/St. Paul and the sun drenched fig and lemon paradise of Los Angeles. It’s a no win situation. I LOVE both, but can’t be in two places at the same time.
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September 20th, 2012 at 2:21 pm
I tweeted :)
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September 20th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Also posted the give away on my FB wall. https://www.facebook.com/pages/I-Had-A-Delicious-Time/126190924071362
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September 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
I was born and raised in Serbia, but I have lived in the U.S. since I graduated from college. Yes, I have two homes and my heart breaks every time I leave either one:)
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September 20th, 2012 at 2:32 pm
I have tweeted about your giveaway (@Bibberche)
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September 20th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
I grew up in India and constantly long for Indian food. I can cook decent Indian but I am always torn between trying all the wonderful cuisine option united states offers..:)
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September 20th, 2012 at 9:27 pm
I’m desperately torn between home-style “old world” basic cooking (like the German food my grandma makes) and french pastry: the most extravagant, fiddly and in the end expensive hobby i have!
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September 21st, 2012 at 12:19 pm
I’m torn between the southern U.S., where I was born and fondly recall any number of wonderful meals, and Paris, where I had some of the best food ever. Whenever I get spare time to cook, I find myself gravitating to these two types of cuisine.
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September 21st, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Oh gosh, it would have to be Italy. Anytime I make a sauce from scratch, I always imagine myself in a little house along the Amalfi coast, my window open, the ocean breeze wafting in, and a glass of fruity local wine in my hand. I definitely should have been born there!
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September 22nd, 2012 at 3:04 am
When it comes to cooking, baking, and life in general I am torn between the US and Tehran, which is where my family is from. I live on my own now and make a lot of traditional American/Western food but every once in a while I will go through the motions of making a labor intensive dish and share with my friends. Culture and comfort food all at once!
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September 22nd, 2012 at 4:53 pm
I’m always torn between the ultimate fattening things like the Scottish shortbread and soft buttery scones (not at all like the Irish harder ones) that my grandmother used to make and eating more plant based and healthy. It’s oh so tough!
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September 22nd, 2012 at 4:54 pm
I also tweeted so more can see this cookbook that sounds amazing!
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September 22nd, 2012 at 4:54 pm
I like it on FB as well :)
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September 24th, 2012 at 11:00 am
My heart is torn between my back-home favorites (good for my heart) and the desire to eat healthfully (good for my body).
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September 24th, 2012 at 11:49 am
I am a longtime follower of Luisa’s blog and am just dying to get my hands on her book…so this is the perfect giveaway!
I live in Colorado but hail from Malaysia but lived for 11 years in the UK, so the answers are easy: Malaysia and Scotland!
xx
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September 24th, 2012 at 3:20 pm
I tweeted (@baileyelauren).
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September 24th, 2012 at 5:56 pm
I am definitely torn between the cozy comfort food side of cooking and baking – macaroni and cheese, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, cakes, cookies, and pies – all that stuff that you just want to melt into and then cozy up with a blanket afterward. And then the other side is my love of fresh, local produce and a lighter, Mediterranean style of cooking that is also exquisite but in such a different way! Of course I feel much better when I go wih the latter, but my heart is so warmed by the former :) Such a fun and thought provoking question. And I would just be thrilled to bits if I was lucky enough to win this beautiful book!!
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Marisa Reply:
September 24th, 2012 at 10:38 pm
Just tweeted too :)
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September 25th, 2012 at 9:00 am
Would LOVE to win the book. My cooking is a combination of memories of growing up in Russia and all the travels I’ve done throughout the US and abroad.
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