It’s been a while I know but the food challenge is back!  When I did a recent survey, much of the feedback had requested that I bring the food challenge back into play.  It was a lot of fun but at the time, I had a lot going on personally but am excited to get it going again and thanks to some amazing sponsors already, it’s gonna be a blast! I cannot wait to see your creativity so lets get this food challenge started!

**You DO NOT have to be a blogger to enter. There will be a form that non-bloggers can fill out to enter their recipe so everyone is welcomed to join in!

ABOUT THE FOOD CHALLENGE

Participants will be asked to create an original recipe using the required ingredients in the current month’s challenge.  Participants will need to follow all the rules below.

JANUARY’S FOOD CHALLENGE

Mandatory ingredients for January’s food challenge are:

• Beer
• Ham
• Rosemary

DEADLINE

Recipe submission deadline is January 28th, 2011 at 12pm CST. Voting begins on January 28th, 2011 at 12:01CST.

THE RULES & JUDGING/VOTING

• You must use ALL 3 of the ingredients given in the challenge with any other ingredients you want.
• A photo is required of the final dish.
• The recipe needs to be original, not copied.
• Would love for all bloggers  participating to provide a link back to the homepage or to the Food Challenge post.  Grab code is available for you to use if you like.  All bloggers will need to leave their entry link in the linky below.

Once the contest closes, it reopens for voting. When the voting closes, three judges will pick from the top 5 recipes with the highest votes. Winner will be announced win the next Food Challenge begins!

THE PRIZE & SPONSOR

The winner of the Food Challenge for January will receive a KitchenAid Waffle Baker from the Pro Line Series, valued at  $199, thanks to our sponsor, KitchenAid! FEATURES:

• Baker produces two 7 1/2-inch diameter by 1 1/4 inch thick waffles
• Double-sided, clamshell baking unit flips to provide uniform waffles with superb consistency
• Stainless Steel and Die Cast Metal Construction
• Constant Baking Temperature
• Simple Controls
• Non-stick waffle plates
• Digital countdown timer
• Automatic Shutoff
• COOL REACH™ Design
• 2 Year Hassle Free Replacement Warranty

KitchenAid is a household name that has been trusted or years because of the quality and sophisication of their products. I own several KitchenAid products myself including the sleek refrigerator, hand mixer, and of course the all mighty stand mixer. They offer everything a foodie would love.  Check out KitchenAid on Twitter | Facebook | Website

If you would like to sponsor a Food Challenge month, you can email me at sponsor@mywoodenspoon.com with food challenge in the subject.

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*NONBLOGGERS -If you do not have a blog but want to participate, you may submit your recipe here if you don’t have a place to upload your photo (or know how).  Flickr and Photobucket are great thought if you do want to have your own place to upload photos. Then you can just upload, write the recipe with your photo and grab the URL and add to the linky.  Either way, I’ll help you all I can.

*BLOGGERS -Leave the url to your recipe in the linky below.

LINKY

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Good luck to all who enter! Can’t wait to see your recipe creations!

Have you seen the new Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles?  You know what it would be perfect in?  CHEESE DIP! And perfect for football!!

If you have your own original recipe idea using the Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles, then you might just win yourself a trip to New York City to see a live taping of Rachael Ray.   The winner will receive airfare and accommodations for two, as will one of the bloggers who are hosting this contest (there are 10 of us!!).  How? Because the blogger who brought in the winning recipe, will also win the same prize!!

I can think of a million ways to use this so I cannot wait to see who comes up with what!!! Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles are fully cooked and low carb! A great alternative to say…donuts? hehe

HOW TO ENTER:

1. You are to submit TWO recipes using the Jimmy Dean Hearty Sausage Crumbles.  One MUST be a breakfast recipe and the other recipe can be whatever you come up with!
2. Email your two recipes to crumblerumble@mww.com along with your contact information AND–>please mention that you saw this contest on My Wooden Spoon (it might help me win a trip to NYC too!!).

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND WHEN SUBMITTING

• Appeal: Does it sound good? Will it make readers want to try the recipe?
• Originality: Is the recipe itself new and/or creative? Does the recipe stand out?
• Use of Crumbles: Is it an appropriate use of the product? Do they use the sausage well or in an innovative way in the recipe?
• Simplicity and Ease: Is the recipe easy to follow? Is the prep time reasonable? Ease of prep. Are the ingredients easy to find? Is the ingredient list reasonable?
• Clarity and accuracy: Accuracy of the recipe. Clarity in the ingredient list (i.e. if onions are listed, state whether they are red, yellow, pearl, green, white that are called for in the recipe); clarity in the production steps (i.e. if something is cut, approximately
• what size: roughly chopped, minced, small dice, etc.); Steps written and/or numbered in a logical sequence.

Entry is open from 10/25 – 11/26 and judging by Sara Lee chefs and the winner will be notified by 12/3/10

I’d love to hear your ideas and thoughts about the Jimmy Dean Crumbles but remember, official entries must be emailed to count.  Good luck y’all!!  I can’t wait to see the winning recipe!

Jimmy Dean on Facebook where by the way, if you “Like” them, you can get a coupon for $1 off any Jimmy Dean Product!!!  AWESOME!

Official Rules

Have you seen my post where Truett helps me bake a ton of cupcakes?  I LOVE cooking and baking with my kids, always have.  Even if it’s just them helping me stir something or grabbing a potato and handing it to me, it’s all special because they are moments between me and them.

I want to see moments like this from you.  Maybe you’re a Mom, know a Mom, or know someone who has the heart of a Mom, whatever the situation, I want you to share a photo of a Mom and child baking.  By sharing a baking with mom photo, you will be entered to win this lovely kitchen helper, aka the Breville Stand Mixer.

I’ve been told that it’s comparable to that other brand (you know who I’m talking about) and my review of it will come later but for now, I’ll give you some basic specs on it and then more about the contest.

• The 10-minute backlit LCD timer can be set to count either down or up to accommodate recipes with specific mixing times.
• Twelve speeds with easy-to-follow descriptions ranging from folding and kneading to whipping and aerating.
• The innovative scraper beater has flexible edges that continuously scrape the bowl’s interior, reducing mixing times by up to 60 percent
• An additional reverse speed mixes dry ingredients or loosens dough.
• The head moves in a planetary dual rotation for professional results.
• Lock the head in the tilt-back position for unobstructed access to the beater and bowl.
• Durable die-cast housing with brushed-stainless-steel finish.
• Auto-shutoff with sound alert prevents ingredients from being overbeaten.
• An attachment guide provides recommendations for attachment selection and mixer speed, ensuring foolproof results for a variety of tasks.
• For clutter-free countertops, the hideaway cord is conveniently stored inside the base.
• Includes 5-qt. stainless-steel mixing bowl, splash guard, flat beater, dough hook and wire whisk attachments.

Who wouldn’t want to win this baby!

HOW TO ENTER

—–>SUBMIT A BAKING WITH MOM PHOTO MOMENT to be entered into this contest and for a chance to win the above Breville Stand Mixer.  You can find the rules on the entry page. You’ll also be able to browse other entries and even vote for your favorites, although the voting will not determine the winner.  It’s just for fun

It’s very easy to enter.  Once you get to the entry page, you can either browse other entries or enter.  You’ll be taken to a page that includes the rules and a form to fill out and upload your photo. Once done, come back to this post and leave a comment telling me you entered.

So let’s recap:

1. Submit a Baking with Mom photo.
2. Come back to THIS post and leave a comment telling me you entered.

I would love for you to share this with your friends and family!  Also, if you have a baking story you’d like to share, I’d love to hear it!!

Since I’m on a new computer, the only photo I could find of me and Truett whipping something up in the kitchen is this one which is actually a video that I took a screenshot of.

.

Now find a photo to submit or get to bakin’ and create a baking with mom photo moment!

Disclosure: Contest is sponsored by Breville.  Breville also sent me a stand mixer to review (which will be soon). As always, my opinions are my own, always have been and always will be.  Read more about my blogging ethics in my full disclosure. Find and follow -> Breville on Flickr | Breville on Twitter | Breville on Facebook

I’ve had so many special cooking moments with my kids but one of my favorite moments is when me and Truett baked tons of cupcakes! We baked, iced, and decorated with fun and colorful icing and cupcake toppings. It was so special. I want to see that type of moment from you guys! Whether you are the mom, know a mom, or know someone with the heart of a mom, I’d love to see a special baking moment from you guys!!.

ENTER CONTEST HERE | SEE PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Post photos | Recently added | Most views | Top rated

Me and Breville want you to share your Mom moments with a photo of Moms baking with kids. Whether you’re a Mom, have a Mom, or know someone who has the heart of a Mom, then we want to see a photo of a Mom moment with that theme!

It has been a long 3mths people and to be honest, I am SO ready for these giveaways to be over.  I’m ready to get back to real food blogging and REAL comments.  I appreciate everyone’s support, participation and I’m thankful for getting to meet some really wonderful new people. I will still be holding random giveaways as usual but not like this..whew…it’s a lot of work!  So stay tuned and subscribe so you don’t miss out on awesome food talk, recipes, and giveaways!

Before we get to the finale prizes, YOU MUST GO AND ENTER IN MY OTHER GIVEAWAYS GOING ON RIGHT NOW!!!!!  BEAUTIFUL KNIVES, CREATE YOUR OWN TASTEBOOK COOKBOOK, AND AN AWESOME FIESTA PARTY PACK FROM PACE!!!! They all end on July 31st!

Today’s giveaway consists of 3 prizes which equals 3 winners!  The 3 prizes are:

• $300 Gift Certificate to Amazon
• $100 Gift Card to Williams Sonoma
• $50 cash via Paypal

WOOHOO:) Let’s get this party started!

I’ve made it super simple to enter.  You can do one or all.  You will get 1 entry for each one you do, with the exception of the banner.  Please try to leave everything you’ve done in ONE comment.  It makes it easier for me to keep up with;)

• Leave a comment. EDITED: Only ONE comment per person will count!  I seem to have one particular person that thinks he can leave several comments for additional entries.  NOT THE CASE!
• Blog about the current week’s giveaway linking to this prize page OR my home page.
• Stumble this post.  You must be a member of Stumbleupon.  Don’t lie and say you did because I can track everyone who stumbles.  Besides that’s not fair to the others  who really did stumble.  Don’t know what Stumbleupon is?  Read about stumbling here.
• Just pick a recipe you like and tell me here in the comments.
  

BONUS entry:  Add a banner to your sidebar for the duration of the giveaways (which is 3mths) and I’ll automatically give you 5 extra entries into each giveaway that you choose to enter!  I MADE FOUR BANNERS THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM.  CLICK HERE!  Remember, if you already have a banner up, just let me know in the comments to remind me.

This contest ends on July 31st!

Okay guys!  It’s been fun, it’s been real, comment to win for a final thrill!  WOOHOO:)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL!!!!!!

Well, it’s been a LOOOOONG 7 days without internet and I’m soooo sorry I left you all hanging.  I know everyone has been anxiously awaiting the results of the stand mixer contest, as well as the membership to emealsforyou.com.  Be sure and read to the end too because I have a surprise for you loyal readers for sticking with me through my absence.

First, the winner of the Kitchenaid Stand Mixer donated by Food Connect (read more about Food Connect) is…………….SADIE from Redifining Perfect

Now for the 2 winners of the 10yr memberships to emealsforyou.com!!  The 2 winners are…………….Heather (hslater***@aol.com(no blog & I didn’t post the whole email for security reasons;) and Kristinia from Loving Heart Memory.

All 3 winners need to contact me ASAP to claim your prize   You have one week!

Now for the surprise.  Since you all were so patient during my absense, I decided to give you the chance to win a $50 gift certificate to the Container Store! WOOHOO:)

All you have to do is leave a comment telling me what you would like to see here at My Wooden Spoon!  That’s it!!!  Contest ends on Sunday the 29th and winner will be announced on Monday!

This is over!!  Will announce the winner soon.

First, I’m so happy that I have fast Internet!! WOOHOO:)  It’s good to be back!  Second, don’t forget to enter my Kitchenaid Stand Mixer contest.  It’s super easy to enter…just register and ask or answer a question! 
Third, it’s time for my next giveaway!
Every week from today until July 31, I’ll be giving away a prize.  Let me tell you people, you won’t wanna miss this.  I gathered up some great prizes from cash, gift sets, magazine subscriptions, and even a KITCHENAID FOOD PROCESSOR:) !!! 
The best way for you to keep track of each weekly giveaway, is to subscribe to my feed via RSS reader or by EMAIL.  If you choose email, you MUST confirm your subscription or you won’t get any updates.   I promise you will receive NO spam!  Only email updates when I make a new post here. 
I’ve made it VERY easy to enter so everyone can win.  What is that you ask?  Do I ship anywhere?  ABSOLUTELY!  I have always made my contests & giveaways eligible to everyone no matter where you live.  If UPS or USPS can deliver there, I’ll mail it there. 

WHAT YOU GET!

• 2 WILTON JUMBO muffin pans! Not one but two!  And you get muffin liners!
• 3 Very nice dish towels
• A Wooden Spoon, of course
• and a coupon for a free Reynolds Handi Vac Vacuum Sealer, courtesy of the Reynolds Co.!

HOW TO ENTER:

I’ve made it super simple to enter.  You can do one or all.  You get 1 entry for each one you do, with the exception of the banner.  Please try to leave everything you’ve done in ONE comment.  It makes it easier for me to keep up with;)

1. Leave a comment telling me how awesome I am what Wilton pans you own, if any.  EDITED: Only ONE comment per person will count!  I seem to have one particular person that thinks he can leave several comments for additional entries.  NOT THE CASE!
2. Blog about this week’s giveaway linking to this prize page OR my home page.
3. Stumble this post.  You must be a member of Stumbleupon.  Don’t lie and say you did because I can track everyone who stumbles.  Besides that’s not fair to the others  who really did stumble.  Don’t know what Stumbleupon is?  Read about stumbling here. 
4. Add My Wooden Spoon to your blogroll if you have one:) 

BONUS entry:  Add a banner  to your sidebar for the duration of the giveaways (which is 3mths) and I’ll automatically give you 5 extra entries into each giveaway that you choose to enter!  I MADE FOUR BANNERS THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM.  CLICK HERE!
The Fine Print
Every week, the 4th (optional) entry will vary.  Number 1,2, and 3 will always remain the same.   If you choose to blog about it, you must do this for each prize, each week.  Each winner (each week) will be selected randomly.  The winner will have 1 week to claim his or her prize.   You MUST contact me to claim your prize!!
THIS WEEK’S PRIZE GIVEAWAY WILL END ON JUNE 11TH, 2008 AT ABOUT 10:00PM CST. 
 Good luck to all who enter!!

HOLY Cow! I can’t believe all the entries:) Winner announced soon;)

Hey folks!  I told you I had a surprise for you in my previous post about The Next Food Network Star and today’s the day to find out what it is!   All fans need to be aware that the show has a premiere date of June 1st!  I can’t wait to watch it and hopefully learn a few things;)  If you haven’t seen the new cast and read the press release, you can do that in one of my most recents posts.

Okay, okay…..now for the prize.  One winner will receive a prize package consisting of 5 items:

1. Cookbook – “Bobby Flay’s Grill It!”
2. Food Network Keychain
3. Next Food Network Star Poster
4. Next Food Network Star Postcard
5. Next Food Network Star T-shirt

WOOHOOOOOOOO!!!! I love this set and my husband would LOVE to have that cookbook.  Too bad he can’t enter.  YOU can though:) 

Here’s how:

Leave a comment telling me YOUR favorite show on the Food Network channel!  Yep, it’s that easy to enter people! 

This giveaway will close on June 2nd so enter now!

First, woohoo, we have a winner for the Kitchenaid Food Mill Gift set!  SEE IF YOU WON!!!  Again, there were sooooo many entries!!  Thanks so much for entering:) 

May 1st officially kick started my 3 month long giveaway!  Every week from May 1st until July 31, I’ll be giving away a prize.  Let me tell you people, you won’t wanna miss this.  I’ve already given away a Cuisinart Food Processor and I currently have a Kitchenaid Stand Mixer giveaway going on right now!

The best way for you to keep track of each weekly giveaway, is to subscribe to my feed via RSS reader or by EMAIL.  If you choose email, you MUST confirm your subscription or you won’t get any updates.   I promise you will receive NO spam!  Only email updates when I make a new post here. 

I’ve made it VERY easy to enter so everyone can win.  What is that you ask?  Do I ship anywhere?  ABSOLUTELY!  I have always made my contests & giveaways eligible to everyone no matter where you live.  If UPS or USPS can deliver there, I’ll mail it there. 

TODAY’S PRIZE is from the ValueMags.com website!  I’m giving away a magazine subscription of YOUR choice with a Wooden Spoon;) to 3 WINNERS!!

I’m giving you YOUR choice of any magazine subscription they offer and let me tell you, they have the best magazines out there!  They have some wonderful cooking/food related magazines like:

• Cooks Illustrated
• Taste of Home (one of my faves:)
• Cooking Light
• Weight Watchers
• Bon Appetit
• and many, many more!

You DON’T have to pick a food/cooking one if you dont want to.  You can choose from any of them including Oprah, Family Circle, People, and more!  Of course, I will be including the ever so famous WOODEN SPOON!  They will be shipped seperately of course but you’ll get them both.  With Valuemags.com, there are never any auto renewals! The live support is awesome too.  I get all my subscriptions from there and I get A LOT!!..LOL. 

HOW TO WIN:

I’ve made it super simple to enter.  You can do one or all.  You get 1 entry for each one you do, with the exception of the banner.  Please try to leave everything you’ve done in ONE comment.  It makes it easier for me to keep up with;)

1. Click here and tell me your favorite category and what magazine you would choose if you were the winner of this awesome prize! Come back here and tell me in the comments. EDITED: Only ONE comment per person will count!  I seem to have one particular person that thinks he can leave several comments for additional entries.  NOT THE CASE!
2. Blog about this week’s giveaway linking to this prize page OR my home page.
3. Stumble this post.  You must be a member of Stumbleupon.  Don’t lie and say you did because I can track everyone who stumbles.  Besides that’s not fair to the others  who really did stumble.  Don’t know what Stumbleupon is?  Read about stumbling here.
4. Rate & review my blog over at Blogged.com.  Let me know your profile name for verification.

BONUS entry:  Add a banner  to your sidebar for the duration of the giveaways (which is 3mths) and I’ll automatically give you 5 extra entries into each giveaway that you choose to enter!  I MADE FOUR BANNERS THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE FROM.  CLICK HERE!  Remember, if you already have a banner up, just let me know in the comments to remind me.

The Fine Print

Every week, the 4th entry will vary.  Number 1,2, and 3 will always remain the same.   If you choose to blog about it, you must do this for each prize, each week.  Each winner (each week) will be selected randomly.  The winner will have 1 week to claim his or her prize.   You MUST contact me to claim your prize!!

THIS WEEK’S PRIZE GIVEAWAY WILL END ON MAY 23RD, 2008 AT ABOUT 10:00PM CST. 

 Good luck to all who enter!!