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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

    • Florence

    Thank you for sharing your awareness about these charities. Happy holidays!

    • Scott Nevin

    Wonderful! This is the season to give.

    Joyeux Noel!

    • Jessica Braz

    As a Speech Pathologist I am utterly stoked to see the Smile Train on your list of worthy charitable organisations.

    I might just add that many children with clefts have significant difficulty feeding which can lead to all sorts of major medical problems. So it’s not just about the smiles, it also has a lot to do with nutrition.

    Cheers!

    • Timothy McCoy

    David,
    Great idea to help these charities through your blog.
    Love reading your articles.
    We also love le Creuset!
    Best of the season to you.

    • cheri duzanica

    Giving of oneself is a lesson in love. May we all learn that way. Thank you David for a wonderful, honest and funny blog. Merry Christmas

    • Joshua Cohen

    Happy Holidays!

    • Fred Carpenter

    I love this blog and it is one of the few blogs that I follow continuously. It has provided valuable guidance in cooking and reading.

    • Arum

    Thanks for another year of great writing! I always enjoy seeing your email at the end of my work day. It’s the perfect transition into my evening. Happy Christmas and New Year!

    • Nina

    just tried your madeleine recipe and it was delicious! happy holidays!!

    • Jennifer

    Thanks for reminding me to remeber how truly blessed I am!

    Love the blog

    • Harry Saltzman

    I first read your blog during a three month stay in Paris. You were right about the coq au vin at La Biche au Bois. Best wishes for a very Happy New Year

    • Mac

    jollity holiday to all!

    mac

    • Linda

    This is the perfect way to get into the Christmas spirit. All of the charities David listed are incredibly worthy and so in need. Even if you only can spare $5 or $10, please do so. Every little bit helps.

    Thanks David!

    • Marcia

    Thanks for the added incentive to give!

    • Patricia

    Thank you for your wonderful blog and offer for the beautiful gift! Best holiday wishes to you.

    • Inwerds

    GREAT SITE – THANKS!!

    • John

    I enjoy this blog very much. thank you

    • Sarah

    Thank you for the stories and the delicious recipes this year. French Apple Cake has become a family favorite.

    • Eryca

    Thank you for the Blog and the cookware David. The charities you chose are wonderful organizations. You are so lucky to have a forum that allows you to bring them to a better awareness level than any of us could. Merry Christmas to everyone!

    • Nancy Schacht

    David, In thanksgiving for the pleasure you bring to my life, I will give to my local food bank and Stoves for Darfur. Thank you for helping focus us on others. You Rock!

    • Amy

    Thanks David!

    • Connie McGehee

    Thanks for this David.

    • Leo

    whoo hoo – thanks

    • Tee Sims

    Thanks to you, I will be traveling to Tunisia this coming year and cannot wait! Happy Holidays!

    • Pauline

    Happy Holidays!

    • Nina

    XO XO XO

    • Ky Ha

    Thanks for all the posts! Happy Holidays!

    • Mary

    This is the Christmas spirit! God Bless you and thanks for writing such an amazing blog.

    • JS

    Happy Holidays are what terrorists say – Jack Donaghy 2010

    • Lisa

    Happy holidays! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and recipes!

    • Lourdes Lopez

    Yikes! Over 4,000 comments! I will take my chances! Happy Holidays!!!

    • nancy

    I give to share our strenth every year. Happy holidays and enjoy the Paris snow!

    • mei

    good luck getting whatever your heart desires in the coming year!

    • Tab

    Great blog and giveaway!

    • Elizabeth Garcia

    Wishing you a warm and happy holiday~

    • Quyen Tran

    Love your blog!

    • Jennifer

    Thanks, David. I love your blog and your cookbooks.

    • Elaine

    Reading your blog has become like enjoying a chocolate truffle – a delicious treat! And thanks for sending the links – wouldn’t have known about some of these groups without your post – Best wishes to everyone in 2011!

    • Shawn

    My Le Creuset pot is my favorite kitchem item!

    • Natalie

    happy holidays, and thanks for hosting this giveaway

    • Kathleen Brennan

    Thanks for the opportunity….Merry Christmas!

    • Tina

    I think I’m falling in love w/ you David lol!

    • Michael

    Your combination of patience and humor is a delight.

    • Katelin O’Hare

    happy holidays love your blog I make so many of recipes and my friends and family rave about them

    • Linda H

    Thank you, David, for the years of entertainment, information, and delicious recipes. Merry Christmas and Happy 2011!

    • Terri

    Love “The Sweet Life…” David. It sits on my bedside table. Hilarious, and great recipes. I also read your blog religiously, but have never commented. Thanks for all of the free advice, recipes, and hilarity you provide to us. We love you!

    • Barbara Takashima

    What a great idea, David, and as you have demonstrated again and again in your blog, a thoughtful, creative and totally fun way to support charities! I love reading your postings and letting me live a secret parallel life with you abroad!

    • Fallon

    Love your blog and books David! I would love to give this to my mother, she loves to cook but could never justify spending the money on these peices for herself!

    Happy Holidays!!

    Fallon

    • Sheila

    Thank you for the wonderful stories and recipes! Happy Holidays!

    • Sandra Hanawalt

    Love your blog and your books!

    • Beth McKay

    Love, love, love your blog!! I’m living out my dreams of France through you- thanks!

    • Kathy Sykes

    Dear David, I donate to a number of charities and this time of year am overwhelmed with requests. I have been trying to find a few minutes to decide where I want to send a contribution. Doctors without Borders is such a good charity – 87% goes directly into the program. Thanks for reminding me of it. That’s where my contribution is going.

    Kathy S

    • Neal

    I’m ready for it!

    • Dominique Baptiste

    I NEED this cookware…Happy Holidays!

    • Lisa Segal

    Your reminder is fitting – charity begins at home, but doesn’t stop there. A friend shared your blog with me, and I’ve been hooked ever since. Happy New Year!

    • Emily

    I really love this blog. Makes me want to go to Paris!

    • MaryBeth Matthews

    Thank you not only for your generosity but your intriguing, insightful, and entertaining blogs throughout the year.

    Happy Holidays to you!

    • Deborah Janetos

    Thank you, David, for the most readable blog I’ve found thus far! I especially enjoy your comments on life, your photos, and reading about your travels. Here’s wishing you and yours a wonderful year ahead!

    • layla

    What wonderful causes. It’s hard not to feel grateful when we get the chance to appreciate how much we have!
    Thanks so much for all the wonderful posts this year, I’m half-Irish, half-iranian and it was thrilling to see both cuisine’s featured on your site!!
    Hope you, and all of the readers, have a lovely christmas and new year!

    • Ava

    I appreciate your love of all things sweet & good. When are you going to have classses in Chicago? Texas is too far away.

    Peace

    • Peter

    David-
    thanks for reminding everyone that ‘giving’ is indeed the best gift…
    keep warm and we hope you have a wonderful Christmas!

    • Christina

    Love your blog and all your writings. As a non-profit administrator, I appreciate your encouragement of supporting worthy causes at this time of year. Merci, David!

    • nina

    Happy holidays!!!

    • Suze Lewis

    Getting your blog by email everyday is the best part of my day! I love the recipes, stories and comments on Paris! Your Facebook posts are always interesting and I find myself clicking to read your links there too. I wish you well for the upcoming year! and I thank you for sharing with all of us so generously.

    • Ed Duhamel

    I love just about everything about this blog. Happy holidays!! :)

    • Wintor

    Happy Holidays! Thank you for a wonderful opportunity and for the charitable links. See you in Texas soon!

    • Pilar

    Thank you so much for the charity suggestions. It can be overwhelming, sometimes, trying to figure out where to channel our energies and donations. This post was very helpful.

    Happy Holidays!

    • BethAnnW

    Thank you for the opportunity and the reminder of how good it can feel to give as well. I’d like to offer a recommendation for one of my favorite charities, Donors Choose. You can give as much or as little as you’d like, and it goes directly to students in need.

    • Sarah Pearse

    David- your blog is always a joy to read and giving back and giving to us is just too good of a combo. Thank you!

    • Karen Rosenberg

    Wonderful way of supporting charities! I love this blog.

    • Carol Halliburton

    What would I do without you? I’m not saying I’m a stalker but I sure am happy when your blog pops up and I’m even happier when you’re in town promoting your books!

    • Frank Pacoe

    Thoughtful idea, David. We have much to be thankful for and it’s a helpful reminder this time of year to give back. I’ll donate to Kiva. Have for some time and admire the program. All of your suggestions are good ones tho.
    I’ll be in Paris Jan 11 to 30, 2011. Suggestions from all are welcome, but have also saved ideas from David’s blog. Food and art related news especially welcome.
    Thanks for your upbeat and informative blog. Best wishes for the new year.

    P.S. My birthday is 12/24 so I’m feeling lucky.

    • Cortney

    What a great holiday suggestion and what a wonderful giveaway!

    • LaDonna Sue Artis

    Thanks for your blog and your big heart!

    • Steve-Anna

    Great suggestion on the holiday giving! Will contribute to DWB today.

    Happy Holidays to you and Romain!
    xoxo

    • Karen

    Love your blog and recipes, keep ’em coming. Merry Christmas!

    • cbw

    While it’s important to remember that people need help all around the world, don’t forget to also help those in your local community.

    • jeremy bringardner

    Thanks, David, for another year of inspiring food pics and recipes!! My family decided to forfeit our gifts to one another this year and instead is giving money to a charity that pays to send goats and chickens to impoverished communities in third world countries.

    Happy Holidays!

    • cec

    Thanks for the suggestions! It’s easy to forget about those in need with the hustle and bustle of the holiday…

    • David A. M. Farris

    I support Heifer International, another good place to help people all year round. Love your blog and books, enjoy the season!

    • Sharon Casey

    Thanks for this fun opportunity and I appreciate your blog and your whimsical thoughts on food!

    • Patrick Macke

    I thoroughly enjoy your postings and look forward to more in 2011. May you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

    • Deborah Siverson

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I find the greatest gift of all, is the joy I get from giving. My neighbour works with Doctors without Borders and appreciates your endorsment.

    • Sophia

    Wow–what a great giveaway. Hope you are surviving the snowiest Paris winter on record.

    Bonne Fetes!

    Sophia

    • Emma J Guglielmelli

    Le Creuset is the finest cookware on the market! I have many sizes including one I bought in the “70’s and it’s still “cooking.” They have a lifetime guarantee! The best!!!

    • Karen Thiesen

    Happy Holidays! Love your site!

    • nicole

    love your blog! happy holidays!!

    • Samantha

    Thanks for your generosity on both fronts. I’m looking forward to making many of your desserts for the holidays. Joyeux fêtes!

    • Celia

    Happy holidays! Thanks for another wonderful year of culinary inspiration.

    • Elizabeth V

    What a scrumptious giveaway! Fingers crossed!

    • Amanda Miles

    The Christmas season is all about giving. Lets spread the joy in any way we can.

    • Emily

    I got Ready for Dessert as a Christmas present this year, and I can’t wait to start baking from it! Thanks for supporting some great organizations-

    • caleb

    love the blog! Merry Christmas

    • Brian

    Thanks for your service to the culinary community — and now, the world at large. I look forward to your foodthoughts in 2011.

    • Tiffany

    Long time lurker. My daily routine includes a check to see if you’ve posted something new – thanks for the reading pleasure!
    Happy holidays!

    • Erica Roberts

    What a great idea for doing good all around!

    • Jenny Oh

    It’s great that the food bloggers rally together during the holidays to spread the word about these helpful groups (and I hope it continues during the non-holiday times, too!). Thanks for recommending those charities and I hope people pass on the holiday spirit (and donations) to those in need!

    • Patty K

    I enjoy your recipes and check your site every day. Merry Christmas.

    • Angela P

    Just recently found your blog and added it to my reader, LOVE following you on all your culinary adventures!! Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

    • Nicole

    Happy Holidays!

    • Stuart Emmons

    I would love to use that Le Creuset set! Cooking would be that more enjoyable. Merry Xmas!

    • leslie

    lovely blog and thanks for introducing us to some great charities.
    happy holidays!

    • Jessica Schultz-Reynolds

    what a great give away!

    • Kristen Balonek

    I love your spicy pretzel mix and it is a big hit at our parties. Happy holidays!

    • Rob Folendorf

    More thanks for an always interesting site!

    • Barbara L Hecker

    Happy holidays! Wish I were there!

    • Meredith Bieber

    Joyeux Noel Dah-veed!

    • Sean

    Entered

    • Maria Tomlinson

    I love hearing about Paris on a regular basis and have made many of the recipes. They all have turned out great!! Joyeux Noel from on francophile to another.

    • Jamie Eppenauer

    what a great giveaway. My family is support charity:water this season. ’tis the season to give!

    • Colleen

    You are pretty awesome Mr. Lebovitz, and your cooking skills divine. Now you’ve topped the generosity category, too. Happy Holidays!

    • Deborah Binder

    I really enjoy your blog and love the recipes. Since I love traveling but don’t get to Paris as much as I would like, you allow me to “live” vicariously in that wonderful city. Thanks for sharing your life! Best wishes for the holidays. Happy New Year!

    Deborah in Seattle, Washington

    • Tari Obannon

    Thank you,thank you,thank you! Your blog is consistently a bright point of my week.

    • Mia Psorn

    This is a fantastic giveaway. It combines some of my favorite things: your blog, Le Creuset, and food. Thanks David!

    • Kevin Finkelstein

    Happy Holidays, David. Great post.

    • l ryan

    your blog makes me want to visit paris again and giving truly is the best part of the holidays. happy holidays to you and yours!

    • Debra Edwards

    Merry Christmas David!
    Thanks for all the wonderful posts all year – you always keep me entertained (and entertaining!)
    Deb

    • Miranda

    Great site! Thanks!

    • Julia Sanders

    What an incredibly great idea! I have had a chance to see some of these things in action! I have a a friend whose Father and herself spent time in the D.R. with ‘Doctors Without Borders’ and they raved about the experience. Christmas is such an important time to remember those who are less fortunate and that can’t just run out to the local Target and buy something for the people on their list! Thanks for this post!

    As far as the Le Creuset cookware. I have a dream of owning Le Creuset cookware! I am a cookaholic with a dime store budget for extras. I would be so STOKED to win these amazing pieces! Thanks for considering me!!!!!!

    • Casey Carlson

    Thank you for your wonderful recipes. I have been making financiers for everyone this Christmas. Also, your recipe for the “hot butter in the oven” tart is amazing! It really works, and I’ve been using it to make the tantric tart from the Esalen cookbook
    with orange zest added. Have you tried that? Its chocolate with ginger and cayenne pepper. Happy Christmas from La Selva Beach, near Santa Cruz.

    • Jenny

    On my first visit to Paris this October, I carried your recommendations with me for a unforgettable trip. Merci. Joyeux Noel.

    • Steven

    Thanks for advertising these great charities!

    • Andrea Jacques

    David,

    Have thoroughly enjoyed this window into Paris and France. I hope to get there one day and taste it for myself! Thanks for the giveaway. Joyeux Noël et le nouvel an heureux !

    • Svetlana

    Just wanted to say I love your blog. Thank you for writing it and brightening up my day a little. Happy Everything and I hope Paris treats you next year even better than this.

    • Mary C. Davis

    Love all your posts and information…you are the best. What a great way to promote worthwhile charities…the spirit of giving is what the holidays are all about…and appreciating the gifts we have of family, friends and good health.

    • Laura

    Thank you for the opportunities!

    • Sam Levine

    Thank you for this blog! Happy holidays!

    • renee scott

    david, i love reading your blog! makes me miss paris sooo much! pick me! pick me! i’d love to have this set! Merry Christmas!

    • Kelsy

    What a great giveaway! Your blog brightens my week; happy holidays!

    • Christie Davis

    I live vicariously in France through your blog. I will be making the chocolate persimmon muffins for Christmas brunch. Thanks for a delightful and informative blog!

    • Anna

    W00 sign me up please!

    • Rt

    WOW! How amazing…. i dream of owning nice cookware…and to live in Paris! Love your blog so very much! Thanks so much for this giveaway and informing us ab these nice charities! Merry Christmas!

    • Gloria

    Really love your blog. We have enjoyed buying fewer/spending less on gifts and donating the difference. Merry Christmas!

    • Katie

    Beautiful set! Happy holidays!

    • Michael Moran

    Delicious!

    • Joseph LeCates

    Cookware and charity: a Christmas miracle! Have a great one!

    • Kate Robertson

    I received your “Just Desserts” for a gift, and have made your chocolate cake, brownies and port-chocolate truffles, all to great acclaim. Thank you!

    • Chris brandow

    Giving to kiva group

    • Peggy

    Merry Christmas! I love reading your blog and trying the recipes.

    • Betty

    This blog is ne plus ultra! Happy holidays to everyone!

    • Kristal Lawson

    Looks beautiful! What a wonderful Christmas treat, thank you for the contest and the opportunity to help a good charity this time of year.

    • EB Black

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    • Melissa

    Love the blog and what a great giveaway! Thanks!

    • Suzanne Barker

    Love your commentaries on Paris. I want to come back – but then I think how will I ever get those dried cherries and other food items to you – drop them off at your favorite bakery? Would love some new Le Creuset. Have a good holiday.

    • emily

    lovely set! happy holidays!

    • Meggie

    Gracias David, Merry Christmas!

    • Heather

    *crosses fingers* Le Creuset + David Lebovitz’ recipes = scrumtion!! And I love the encouragement for charitable donations. Doctors without Borders is a wonderful beneficiary, as are the others I am sure. Happy Holidays!

    • Reza F.

    Thanks, David! It has been a wonderful year full of yummy discoveries!

    • Holly Morgan

    I love your blog and use your recipes on a regular basis, always with success! I know I’m incredibly lucky to have been born in the United States where I have access to good food and clean water and do not have to spend my Christmas in a tent city or a war zone. Giving to non profits at this time of year helps keep the excess of the holidays in perspective. http://www.heifer.org is another great organization.

A

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