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As holiday thanks readers, through the generosity of Le Creuset, I’m giving away a six piece set of classic French cookware in cherry red. This colorful set goes from oven to table effortlessly and includes a large 5 1/2-quart round covered French oven, a 2 1/4-quart covered saucier, a 10-inch square skillet grill, and an 8- x 11-inch rectangular roasting dish.

This time of year traditionally food bloggers get together to raise money for charity.

So I’d like to offer these charities up as places where you can give this holiday season. No donation is required to enter for a chance to get this fantastic set of cookware. But just the other day, I was watching television on the devastation in many parts of the world, and was sitting in my heated apartment with a refrigerator full of food, and realized how fortunate I am.

It’s easy to forget or to click away to something more entertaining when we see a natural disaster or a face filled with misery. But instead I sat down at my desk and sent a donation to Doctors Without Borders, an international aid organization. It took just a few minutes and no matter how much you can contribute, any amount would be greatly appreciated.


Five charities that I would like to point out that could use help this year:

Doctors Without Borders: This organization provides urgent medical care to people in areas struck by emergencies.

Share Our Strength: Carol at Alinea at Home is starting her annual campaign for Share Our Strength to help feel hungry kids.

101 Cookbooks Kiva Group: This organization helps distribute loans to small businesses in underdeveloped countries and you can loan money to help a specific individual begin a new life.

Stoves for Darfur: This is an amazing initiative started by a young American teenager to provide low-cost stoves for women who normally gather wood, walking at great lengths and often getting assaulted (or worse), just trying to feed themselves and their families.

The Smile Train: The Smile Train provides free surgical procedures to children to fix cleft palates, which gives kids around the world a reason to smile.

Although a donation isn’t required for a chance to win this fantastic set of Le Creuset cookware for your kitchen, please do consider helping out one of these charities if you possibly can this holiday season.


NOTE: The give-away has ended (see #1, below) and comments have been closed. The winner will be notified by e-mail on Christmas Day. Thanks to everyone who participated and hope you all have a terrific holiday! -dl

To Enter

1. Simply leave a comment below. When you leave a comment, please include your correct e-mail address in the field that asks for it. It will not be visible to the public there, so do not leave it in the actual comment area.

I will close comments promptly on December 24, 2010 at noon Paris time, and the person who will receive this set of cookware will be chosen by a random number generator, then contacted by e-mail on Christmas Day. Winner must respond by December 31, 2010 noon Paris time, or forfeit the cookware. No exceptions.

2. Le Creuset can only ship this set to a winner in the United States due to customs and other restrictions. (If you want to gripe about things available in the states that aren’t available elsewhere, the line begins here…) Shipping is included to all 50 states although winner is responsible for any local taxes or charges levied, if applicable.

If you live abroad and you wish to bid, you can do so only if you: 1) Have a mailing address in the US that accepts parcels, or 2) Use a mail and parcel forwarding service. If you choose to use one, you will be responsible for any and all fees, including customs, duties, and taxes that may be levied. I have no experience using one but you can find one by searching Google, using the search words “International Forward Shipping.”

3. Only one entry per person. Multiple entries will all be disqualified and you will get a lump of coal in your Christmas stocking. (Or worse.) When you enter, you agree to the delivery terms listed above. No purchase required.

4. Bonne chance! (Good luck!)


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6,697 comments

    • Amelia Telc

    Happy Holidays to everyone and thanks for the reminder about donating to some of the many great charities out there!

    • Christine

    Those look great!

    • Tara Campbell

    Great reminder to be giving to charities!
    Thanks

    • Haley Y

    I’m excited to enter this giveaway! Thanks David for all the entertainment and recipes you provide year-round.

    • RF

    Thanks for doing this :)

    • Sarah

    Merry Christmas!!!

    • Piemancer

    May the new owner of this set make yummy food to the improved health of those around him or her. :)

    • Karen Collins

    thanks for the reminder to support those organizations. donating is really a gift to ourselves. and thanks for your incentive!

    • Danielle

    I’m making your coconut macaroons again, to give to neighbors this Christmas. Thank you for all the yummy recipes!

    • Melissa

    I would love this!

    • Lisa D.

    Merci David et Joyeux Noel

    • Molly

    Thank you for the many posts this year (I just met you a few months ago). I love the idea of donating to special charities that are near to your mission. What a great gift for everyone involved!

    Merry Christmas!

    • dave

    very cool! I’ve cooked many recipes from your site. merci bien

    • AJW

    Merry Christmas David.

    • Jonathan

    My girlfriend makes your recipes and I love them! Thank you!

    • Emily H

    I’ve heard the Le Creuset stuff is amazing but I’ve never used it before…Fingers crossed!

    • Rosanne

    Hi David! Love the blog and your ruminations on living on the Continent! Thanks for the giveaway!

    • Lisa Cason

    Hi David,
    Love your post, and charitable suggestions and donations. Merci Beaucoup.

    Lisa

    • Kyra

    :D

    • Chris

    My wife and I have been lusting for the Dutch oven especially for years. This would be an amazing win!

    • JB in San Diego

    Bonne chance a moi! Cheers!

    • elyse

    fantastico! holiday love to david and holiday wishes for le creuset! xo

    • Michelle Travens

    Smile Train has always been one of my favorite charities, thank you for
    mentioning them. Love and Peace.

    • Laurie

    I love your site – you are my Herb Caen with the added bonus of kickass recipes. Thanks David

    • Josh

    Yes, Please!!

    • Mandi

    Thanks for the heads up on the charities! ‘d love to throw a couple of dollars their way.

    • Erika S.

    Just made your chocolate biscotti, they are incredible, I’ll be taking them with me on Christmas day to the group home I work at for severely emotionally disturbed children. I’ll be able to share them with the kids that don’t have families to go to, and the staff that are spending their holiday with the kids. It doesn’t always take money to help a charity.

    • Tracy

    Amazing contest! Would love to win :D

    • Codi Crooks

    You have a fantastic blog and now I want to be a candy maker!

    • alexis

    please please please pick me!!!

    • danielle

    love your site and your recipes, my mom just made a batch of pain d’épices! thanks for the chance for such a great giveaway!

    • Roberta Johnson

    Found your site about 6 months ago and LOVE it. I can’t wait to make your “carmelized white chocolate ice cream” when summer rolls around again.

    Thank you for reminding us of the work that these wonderful charities do, which unfortunately, all too often flies under the radar.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from soggy Southern California.

    • Fiona

    What a thoughtful group of charities. Wishing everyone a sweet and delicious Holiday!

    • Brandon Leong

    oh yes, love the Le Creuset!

    • Natalia

    I was a part of a Share Our Strength bake sale that my sister-in-law organized earlier this year! It’s great to give back anyway we can.

    I would LOVE to own my first pieces of Le Creuset through this drawing!

    Merry Christmas!

    • Kristine Chiotti Angelo

    Hello David,
    I’m hoping that “Ready for Dessert” will be under the tree for me this year.
    I really enjoyed “The Sweet Life in Paris”, and always look forward to reading your blog as you always have something interesting to say along with fabulous recipes and new adventures. Bonnes fêtes!

    • Karen

    You are wonderful to promote charitable giving. Happy Holidays!

    • Meghann

    I just made your super-fantastic salted caramels, and they turned out fabulously!

    • Candace

    This is my first time here, I love this blog! I would love to win the cookware I have heart wonderful things about the brand!

    • Molly

    Thanks for a year of great recipes, good humor, and fascinating links. I’ve enjoyed them all.

    • josette

    J’adore cuisiner- les casseroles commes Le Creuset que l’on peut mettre sur le poêle et puis dans le four – c’est genial… en plus en rouge! Joyeux Noel!

    • Chris

    I’d love some of this great long lasting cookware

    • Kelly Pagnac

    We are giving sour cherry jam this Christmas–your recipe.Thank you for your thoughtful and wonderful blog!

    • Kimmee in SF

    Just found your blog in November when looking for a pumpkin ice cream recipe to make for my 7 year old. I quickly got my hands on 3 of your cookbooks and have been making your recipes all holiday season. You are my new favorite chef!

    • Jenn

    Merry Christmas, David. I so enjoy receiving your blog posts in my email and trying your recipes (why did the summer pudding disappear?) Happy 2011!

    • Amanda Kelley

    My Mom would go nuts for this cookware. She loves this stuff. I do not have any of my own, but I did buy my Mom a dutch oven. I’m thinking I need my own!

    • RC

    What a wonderful reminder to those who forget that the real meaning of Christmas is not “What am I getting this year?”

    • Kris

    Doctors Without Borders is just amazing. And every little bit helps; no matter how pinched we may think our own holiday budgets are (we folks with fancy internet access), there are far too many people in the world with painfully close to nothing.

    • Jonathan

    Wow! Lots of people interested in winning. Fingers crossed..

    • Sarah

    I started reading your blog faithfully when I moved to Paris after college and now that I’m back in the US, it’s my link to France.

    • Claudia

    I have made about a dozen of your ice cream recipes, and they were all delicious.

    • Holly

    I would love to own some Le Creuset someday!

    Thanks for the reminder about giving back, David. You’re right in that we too often forget just how lucky we are.

    • maria

    Brightest Solstice Blessings! May Light shine on the world!

    • Andrea Rappaport

    Happy Christmas.
    War is over, if you want it.
    Peace.

    • Alan Rader

    Thanks for everything you do!

    • Claire

    Oh my goodness. WANT. It’s great that you are using your renown to encourage people to donate to such wonderful causes. You’re lovely David Lebovitz, I don’t care what the French say! Have you thought about carrying around chocolate chip cookies with which to placate the grumpy cashiers and salespeople?

    • Kate

    Amazing!

    • Grant

    You can never have too much Le Creuset.

    • erica eshoo

    Living vicariously through you! Many thanks!

    • lizzie

    mercie!

    • Jennifer

    Merry Christmas :)

    • steve

    Love your blog. Happy holidays! I’ve making the spiced nuts and pretzels recipe while I type.

    • Liz

    F*ck yeah le cruset!

    • Adrien

    Love your blog and I would be absolutely THRILLED to receive this set. Fingers crossed, and thank you so much for hosting the giveaway! Happy holidays!

    • Joanna Barouch

    David, your white chocolate ice cream was a hit with my family. I put some peppermint crunch on it for a seasonal effect…turned it a weird salmon-pink but still tasted good.
    We had it with the “Dave and Kate” brownies, the easiest brownie recipe ever.

    • Shannon

    Thank you for observing the need for all of us who feel fortunate in our lives to find ways to give to those who feel that they are in need. A nudge toward selflessness is always appreciated.

    • Katherine Deumling

    Thanks for the great list of organizations and for making such a compelling pitch. I’ve been feeling the same way these days. So lucky and so many unmet needs in the world.

    • Candy

    Love Le Creuset!

    • Maria Manning

    Happy Holidays!

    • Jane

    Happy Holidays!!!

    • Libbi

    i just got a dutch oven for Christmas! i love all of Le Creuset!

    • Stephanie

    i love reading your site… thank you and merry christmas!

    • nina

    Hey David, just want to say thanks! I’ve recently come back from studying in Paris and it has been such a delightful experience thanks to your very awesome recommendations. The places you write about are real gems and I’m really glad to have experienced them first hand.

    Happy Holidays!

    • Chandana

    Good Luck!

    • Claire Johnson

    Thank you for bringing our attention to so many good causes.

    • Lisa Gettings

    Smile Train is my organization of choice. It’s such a simple, straightforward way to change a child’s life. Thanks for this post!

    • Cindi

    I did demo’s for le creuset..great cookware, lasts forever.

    If I win, my set will be donated to a local women’s shelter. They, surely could use the cookware!

    Thanks for all your great work, David-

    • Kristen M.

    Merry Christmas! On my mind right now is Haiti. I was able to go and serve the Haitian people this summer. The need there is still great for basics like food, shelter, clean water, proper sanitation and jobs. Thank you to all who give to organizations such as the ones listed.

    • Jerry Clemmer

    Thanks for the info on worthy charities. I already support three of the five and I’m interested in the other two. I really enjoy your blog and the recipes are delicious.

    • lala in nYc

    David, how did you know that I love Le Creuset and in Cherry Red, too?

    My donation will be to Doctor’s without Borders, regardless of winning/not winning.

    Thanks for turning your blog into a force for good for the holidays. Not only do I eat vicariously (throughout the year and the world) through you, I can now give as inspired by your blog too. Love the ripples of good deeds. Happy holidays!

    • Michelle

    Thank you for the recipes & insight. Happy holidays!

    • Stephanie Lairson

    I love your site…wish I was in Paris! Merry Christmas!

    • Cressida Gaukroger

    Thanks for a fantastic blog!

    • oksana

    you bring France to canada and I look forward to your blog
    with the selected charities, it is very commendable that you remind people to consider others outside our immediate circles

    • Jason Howd

    Thanks David, great ideas for donating this season.
    Feliz Navidad!

    • tara wachtel

    I am a fervent fan, really… I follow your posts religiously, and take your advice often. I am in the industry, and just thought you should know how valuable it is to know your recipes work – EVERY TIME. Yay! and thanks, I love the Smile Train

    • Alison

    This is the best blog giveaway by far, I’ve never had the chance to splurge on a piece of Le Creuset and this set (in red!) would set-me up for life! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to win. And, also thank you for the suggestions of places to donate, since the spirit of the holiday season can truly be found in what we have to give. I recently learned about Kiva and the social and financial capital created in funding micro-loans makes a real impact. I have not yet picked a loan to fund, but I will do that next!

    • baschwar

    Wonderful idea to share some gifts that will benefit a lot of people in need. We took our children to a local charity’s popup gift shop at the local mall. The gifts were all under $12 and they had volunteers take our children to shop for parents, grandparents and friends. All the proceeds for the gifts went to the child crisis nursery that was hosting the shop.

    • Doug in San Diego

    We have been contributing to Doctor’s Without Borders for many years. They provide an easy way to contribute – you can sign up to have a designated amount charged to a credit card on a monthly basis.

    • Sandy

    You are so right, David. We are so lucky to have a warm house and a job. Love your blog.

    • Linda Ware

    am thrilled to know about stoves for darfur. thanks.

    • argone

    great reminder – thank you. We are sooo lucky.

    • Irene Pleasure

    Peace on Earth for All!

    • Lori Coultas

    Happy holidays David ! Thanks for the opportunity to win such a wonderful gift! Though I would be very happy to receive, if I should be the happy recipient , I would actually be gifting it to my newest daughter in law. She is trying very diligently to become a good cook, & to do anything well you need good tools. Anyway I will be making a donation to the stoves for darfur, each of your charities are very deserving but the darfur one really touches my heart. Best wishes for the New Year! Lori

    • Yi

    Happy new year!

    • CL

    Wonderful reminder, David. You are the best.

    • Beth Bromfield

    Thank you, David, for reminding us that there are so many others in the world less fortunate than us and that we can always give more. I hope the random number generator generates my name. But if not, mazel tov, to whomever gets the prize. Best wishes for a very Merry Christmas and a very happy, healthy and love filled New Year.

    • christina

    Thank you David, for your inspiration, always and in all ways.
    Merry Christmas.

    • Linda at Pink Elephants coffee,LLC

    Every charity you mentioned is a way worthy one. Smile Train is awesome. The surgery can make the difference between a successful existence or the worst heartache ever.
    Merry Christmas, David.

    • laura james

    I am in love with my one Le Creuset pot. I could really cook with these. Just saying:)

    • Jen

    Thank you for plugging such great charities on your website. I’d never heard of Stoves for Dafur and am interested in learning more about it and contributing.

    • Barbara Hall

    Great post and a good reminder. I too support Medecins sans Frontières. Thank you David.

    • Andrea

    Every year I say that we are simply donating to charities in everyones name, but I buy other gifts instead. Looking forward to next year and following through!

    • joy

    Thanks for sharing some of your favorite charities – happy holidays!

    • Jen

    A great reminder to think of others this holiday season.

    • Claudia Dunitz

    All the charities are very worthy. Doctors without borders is one of my favorites. Happy Holidays!

    • Cathy

    I enjoy your site and recipes! Thank you, David!

    • Sue

    Merry Christmas, David

    • Lauren

    Love your blog. Happy Holidays!

    • Kellie Blossom

    Just found your blog and instantly fell in love. My best friend and I decided to try French recipes this New Year….am so excited to get started!
    Merry Christmas!

    • Peter Lambros

    Thank you for all you do. Happy Holidays to you.

    • Anita L. Arambula

    Even in the hardest of financial times, there is always a little something that we can do to give back be it financially or through volunteerism. My finances have taken a hit over the last two years so my commitment is definitely to give of myself by making time to help however I can as often as I can with various organizations in my neighborhood.

    Happy Holidays to all…

    • Gina

    i’ll own the fact that i’m only commenting to enter the drawing. but i would like to take the opportunity let you know how much i like your blog. it’s the only one i read. which means i like it a lot :) .

    • Nicole Hough

    Great post and great charities. That is what this time of year should be all about. Thank you!

    • Rhonda35

    What a great way to give us all a little nudge, David! I have a form for Smile Train on my desk and, thanks to this post, I am going to write the check now so it hits the mail tomorrow. Have a lovely holiday!

    • abigail

    this year my family has had some big money problems and we had to rely on others for presentsfor our kids. i don’t think anyone will ever know how humbling it is to be in this situation when you were the one giving last year. thank goodness for karma and goodwill of others.

    • Charles Fortner

    This, David is what I feel to be the real spirit of both Christmas and reat to be able to be part of it. Moving home to New Orleans in January-that “little Paris”. Joy to the World.

    • christine h.

    Thanks for the wonderful descriptions you offer up in your blog – I look forward to every update and recommendation! Have a wonderful holiday!

    • Jenifer Smith

    David,

    You always have such great informative posts on your blog. Thanks again, and Merry Christmas!

    • Jude Hawk

    Thank you,David

    • Betty A. Joyce

    Great idea to generate donations for charities, David, all of which deserve it!

    • Melissa

    This is such great cookware, who wouldn’t enter? Really enjoy the blog. It was your butterscotch pudding recipe that got me hooked.

    • Carolyn Z

    We enjoy contributing to the Smile Train each year. We don’t have children of our own, so it is good to be able to help those with cleft lip have a nicer appearance.

    Thanks for the opportunity to win such lovely cookware. Happy Holidays to all!!

    Carolyn Z

    • Vivian

    Bless you, David. i just today put money into the Salvation Army coffers. Every little bit goes out into the world.

    • manar

    I would love to get this presents I love your site

    • Laurel Rogers

    I truly enjoy your blog. I work for a non-profit food bank in Sacramento, Ca. – Senior Gleaners, Inc. We glean from every possible source for food. From grocery stores, farmer’s markets, directly at farms, and we’ll go to a residence to pick a fruit tree at the owner’s request. We service 130 charities throughout the Sacramento region and the need is only getting greater. I donate an average of 40 hours per week and cooking is how I relax. I can’t begin to tell you how much this wonderful cookset would be the ultimate Christmas gift to enjoy with my family and friends.
    I’ll keep reading you daily as long as you are posting. Merry Christmas David!

    • Bobbie Kramer

    Thanks for the great blog, David. Happy New Year!

    • Catherine Cappelletty

    Thanks for reminding us what is really important. I have contributed to
    Doctors Without Borders. I truly enjoy your blog and love your recipes as well.
    Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

    • Eli

    Thanks for posting this David! I think you can’t be a chef without thinking of others. We just like to see people happy.

    • paula brand

    dear david, thank you for listing these charities. they are perfect choices all in need
    of any and all assistance.
    oh david, you have made this last year wonderful. i look forward to your
    blog, your funny stories and most of all your delicious recepes!
    happy holidays and a blessed new year. i wish you would visit los angeles when
    you are in the states. i’m just waiting to take you to a great meal.
    best,
    paula

    • blissing

    Thanks for all you do!

    • Jane Ann Chien

    How generous of you to be someone’s santa like this! Love your blog and all the yummy recipes and stories you share — especially the Speculoos one!

    happy holidays!

    • Rhalee Hughes

    My fiance and I love trying your recommendations when we are in Paris– we love your blog. He also makes me wonderful ice-cream from “The Perfect Scoop.” A great idea to tie your give-away to a post about important charities. Happy holidays!

    • Brian Garrick

    What, no ice cream maker or one of your books? OK, I’ll take the Le Creuset instead.

    • Tara

    I just found your blog a few weeks ago and I am in love!! Your entries are so much fun to read and I love how your recipes use wholesome, natural ingredients. You make me want to live in Paris! Happy holidays!

    • Rebecca

    I’ve supported a few of these charities over the years but I appreciate your calling attention to some new ones I am not familiar with. I always appreciate those who give so others can live better.

    • Angela

    Thanks for the post! There are so many deserving people out there in need! Love your blog too – fantastic!

    • Parisa

    Merry Christmas from San Francisco!

    • Zeljka

    I love your blog! Thank you so much for inspiring us! Happy holidays!

    • Andie Brands

    Thanks David Lebovitz! You’re an inspiration in many ways.
    Happy New Year!

    • Ginger

    What a great prize! And a good reminder that the best part of the holidays is often in the giving.

    • Natalie

    Yours is my favorite food blog and you are a great inspiration to me. As a (lowly) pastry cook, I’d never be able to afford those pots on my own, thanks for the chance to upgrade my kitchenware!

    • Priagula

    This blog makes me so happy, and this post is no exception. Thanks for reminding us what the holidays are about!

    • Jena

    Well, if I get so lucky as to win, I’ll have to have it sent to my parents’ address (it wouldn’t be the first time), but I might be lucky to get it from my mom if she sees what it is. As for the line of gripers about the stuff that’s only available to the US, how long is it? I think I want to join.

    Thanks for keeping such a wonderful blog. It makes me hungry every time I check it.

    • Shaun M. C.

    Would be an awesome addition to my first kitchen.

    • Dena

    Thank you for the great donation ideas. I really love your work and wish you happy holidays!

    • Grace X.

    Merry Christmas from SoCal! Your blog is great and very entertaining to read. Keep up the good work!

    • Christyna

    Love Le Cruset, but I love that you’re using this give away to drum up donations for great causes. May I also add Greg Mortenson’s (author of 3 cups of tea) The Central Asia Institute, which helps build schools for girls in Pakistan, and Afghanistan, etc.

    • Marcus

    Happy Xmas days!

    • LaJean

    Thank you for your wonderful blog and for raising awareness of the deep and meaningful role that great food plays in our lives beyond simple nourishment. I plan to spend Christmas morning helping to prepare a truly memorable meal for my homeless brothers and sisters here.

A

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