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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

    • rebecca

    I’ve never owned or used this product but admire them when i see them in stores.

    • Suzanne

    Hi David,
    You are a gem in so many ways. Thanks for this blog and the reminder of those less fortunate. Hope to see you soon.

    • Aye Amranand

    Enjoy reading your blog.
    Love your ‘Sweet Life in Paris’ book.
    Please keep up the writing,

    Aye

    • Linda

    Thank you, David, for all you do with your blog and cookbooks.

    • Ronni

    Hi, hopefully this is not a double entry as I can’t find my earlier comment post and not sure if I did it write. Thanks for a chance to win this!

    Ronni – Singapore

    • Amelia

    ChildVoice International, a group that aids former child soldiers, is another great one to consider donating to. Thanks for encouraging philanthropy around the holidays,

    A.

    • Chana

    Wishing a wonderful holiday season to everyone!

    • Jonathan Berk

    Please enter me into the contest.

    My charitable donations are all taken care of.

    Thanks so much

    • Hannah Provenza

    The Le Creuset pots are so beautiful!

    The Smile Train is one of my favorite charities.

    • Helen Kimsey

    The first and only piece of Le Creuset I own was a lovely wedding gift. I use my saucier almost everyday and would love, love, love to add more pieces to my beginners kitchen!

    • Marcia

    Hi David, Thank you for the lively entertaining approach to cooking and great food.

    • Monica

    Happy Holidays! I love your site.

    • Tracy H.

    Here searching for last minute Christmas dessert idea, but please enter me in the drawing. Thanks for your cooking & your blog – you bail me out with some regularity.

    • Erin

    Hi David —

    Love your blog — thanks for all the inspiration!

    • Julia

    Good gracious, over 5000 comments! Le Creuset is certainly very enticing. If I were to win, I’ll hand the set over to a good friend in the US, for ease of shipping.

    • Rachita Sharma Pate

    Yes please, classic, beautiful stuff!

    • Hanne Ehlers Bertelsen

    A fabulous site and a fabulous give away! Happy Holidays everyone!

    • carrie lee

    Thanks for all of the great recipes, books, and blog posts!

    • Pamela

    Hello David:
    Please enter me in your contest. I was just thinking of donating to a charity a friend suggested and now I will!
    I enjoy reading your blog and hope to make the almond cake over the holidays.
    Your books are great—keep writing and baking.
    Happy Holidays,
    Pam

    • Jessica

    These are fantastic Non-profits to keep in mind at the holidays and all year round.

    • Janine

    Thanks so much for writing your blog and suggesting charities for donation, and, of course, for giving away fabulous cookware! Happy New Year!

    • Tony

    Just got The Sweet Life in Paris for Christmas and these would really be a great way to top off the holidays.

    • teri christman

    Happy Holidays to you! Wish I lived closer to be able to visit TX but those that are near are fortunate! Who would want to come to Indiana anyway!!!! Thanks for the opportunity for the cookware!

    • Kymberli Patterson

    Thank you David for the time that you take to educate and introduce us to a multitude of culinary fare. I look forward to reading your blog as it motivates me to pursue my passion in food.

    • Abby

    Thanks for your great blog. It’s been fun reading this year!

    • SomYungGuy

    I’m torn because I’d love to own the cookware shown above that I’ll never be able to afford. On the other hand, I’m indisputably better off than 100% of those helped by the charities listed above. The solution: a donation to each; a lottery ticket played here.

    • Jay Rozendaal

    Heaven = more Le Creuset. Or close to it, anyway.
    And donation to charity of choice is happening also.
    A very joyous Christmas to you!

    • Michelle

    David, I recently discovered your blog and it has quickly become one of my favorites. Thanks and keep posting!

    • eawilliams

    How exciting! By the way — our family just polished off your Chocolate Idiot Cake “garnished” with the Rich Caramel Sauce from your book — to die for!

    • Lisa S

    Fabulous site and a great reminder about giving during the holidays.

    • Elizabeth Towle

    David, your blog makes me long to be back in Paris. Thanks for giving me a little piece of it every day.

    • Leigh

    Joyeux Noelle!

    • Melanie

    Recently discovered your blog and love it.
    Thanks for the chance to win such an amazing set.
    Happy Holidays to you and yours.

    • Pat H.

    Merry Christmas, David. Thanks for making this gift possible and reminding us that in this season, we should remember to give.

    • aiex

    great blog!

    • Steve S

    Thanks for the consistently great blog and the reminder to be generous to those less fortunate!

    • Gwen

    Thanks for the chance to win – and Happy Holidays!

    • KBH

    keeping my fingers crossed!

    • Cathy

    Merry Christmas! Wonderful Giveaway!

    • C&K

    Thanks for the opportunity to win – and Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

    • C&K

    Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!

    • kayenne

    My father is a member of the local chapter of Lions Club International and they offer free cataract surgery to those who cannot afford it. His group shoulders all the expenses related to the operations.

    When I finally have my own shop, I want to start either a soup kitchen or a free training facility for those who cannot afford schooling but shows promise in the food industry.

    Does this mean there will not be a Menu for Hope this year? It was fun… and easy to gift friends in other countries that way. Especially fun when they get picked!

    • Heidi Devereaux

    Thanks so much for your blog…it is something I look forward to every day!

    • jackie huntzinger

    Love discovering Paris and other sites you visit during the year. Did get to visit the Le Creuset factory this summer with my daughter–loved it and bought one sauce pan–all I could afford and carry home to LA in my luggage.

    • Amanda Tarkowski

    David-I love your blog!! When i visited Paris for the first time three years ago, I left with the intention to eat, eat, eat–and your blog was immensely helpful in accomplishing that mission.

    Your first cookbook also happened to be my first cookbookk—many moons ago i remember seeing it in williams-sonoma and having my mother buy it for me, and it remains one of my most treasured. One of my favorite winter recipes to hake ia the spiced pears.

    So thank you for all the ways you have influenced my foodie life!!!

    • Marie Capossela/Cioffari O’Mahoney

    You have a great blog with recipes that I can never wait to try! As for LeCreuset, I only have ramekins (pottery) which I like very much, but cannot afford the traditional variety. Make my day, year, life!

    • Erik Larson

    My wife and I so enjoy reading your articles! With a son in Paris, it keeps us connected to that wonderful city.

    Thanks!

    Erik

    • Yair Bitton

    We love your articles!

    • janette

    je croise mes doigts…

    • Robin Love

    Thank you, David, for all you do with your blog and cookbooks. Happy Holidays!

    • Glenda Jordan

    I doubt I will get ever get to go to Europe…but I love you showing it to me. Everything you post is so beautifully done. Thank you for that.

    • Kelli Elliott

    This would be my dream! I have always wanting at least one cooking piece from this set! Yeah!

    • Jan

    If only I could count all the times your wonderful recipes have saved me… The Best! Happy Holidays!

    • SusanR

    Your blog is the only food blog I follow and I look forward to each post. Really transports me to another place and provides a welcome mini vacation with each one I read. Thank you so much for sharing your life in France, your unique, delicious food and wonderful writing with all of us. Merry Christmas and best wishes for a lovely 2011.

    • Kayla

    what a wonderful idea for the holidays

    • Tony Baczewski

    Thank you for a wonderful website and for nudging us to give generously.

    • Elena Chang

    Your blog is such a treat to read. Also enjoyed reading your book just this past month! Thank you for the reminder of those that are less fortunate than ourselves. Happy holidays to you.

    • Gregg Sanford

    The best. Plain & simple.

    • Cassie

    Thanks for all the wonderful recipes David. I regularly turn to your baba ganoush when I find beautiful, inexpensive eggplants!

    • Samantha Manley

    Happy Holidays. I have would love to own a le creuset set, I have wanted one of their dutch/french ovens for years.

    • Karen Lucas

    I have been thinking of all the children/families who wrote to Santa this year who will not receive a reply – there must be a way for those letters to reach a larger audience who would help if they could. Having to go into a participating post office to get a letter is not always possible. How heartbreaking to think of people who just asked for clothes for their sick mother or for food for Christmas and to have nothing. How good of you to think of charities who are also in such need. We live in the midst of such plenty and do not always think of how many people around the world who suffer every day.

    • Anna

    such a wonderful blog with wonderful photography….after reading it, I’m never not in the spirit for a food adventure of my own…..

    • Antonella

    Great Blog and super products from le Cresuset.

    Merry Christmas and a Wonderful New Year to everyone out there.

    • Maia

    What a wonderful idea. Thank you!

    • Amy

    I wish you a warm and very merry Christmas!!

    • Jana

    Happy Holidays to you and all!

    • Betsy

    Waiting for your dessert book to come. Happy Christmas!

    • sunny

    what a beautiful color choice! nice write up of your favorite charities as well. i spend the better part of a year preparing and fundraising for the MS Society’s MS 150.

    • Ana Liza Muravina

    Happy Holidays!

    • Diana

    I miss France when I read your blog. Thank you.

    • Neha Madhok

    Gorgeous cookware.

    • Trish Willard

    Happy Holidays!

    • Nicole Sessions

    Great causes (we already participate in kiva) and great giveaway!
    Peace, love and joy!

    • stacey leclerc

    Merry christmas and all the best for 2011.
    Love your blog and Le creuset.

    • Beth Kopley

    Love this blog, and your charitable suggestions for the season!
    And I love Le Creuset…great cookware and it lasts forever!

    • Rebecca Cook

    I’ve picked up a few pieces of Le Creuset cookware at estate sales through the years, but what a thrill it would be to own a matching set. Quite simply, it’s the best!

    • Paul Barton

    Merry Christmas!

    • Dragana Zoric

    Happy Holidays!

    • shelli mittmann

    Merry Christmas David! I so enjoy your witty writing and lovelly pictures. I have used a few of your recipes but am not so interested in cooking as I am eating! Nevertheless, I appreciate your humor and time. Also, thank you for the information on the charities. They would be good to donate to throughout the year!

    • Renee F

    My 6 yr old son and I give to the kids at the local hospital every year, to make their Christmas as bright as we can. Happy Holidays and thank you for the website and the inspired idea for the holidays.

    • Debra

    David, you brighten my day with your lovely blogs. Wish I had the courage, money, language skills to move to France, but I am thankful for what I have. Thanks for thinking of others… All are worthy charities.

    • Mark Treon

    Love your blog, and your ideas for the Xmas donations, especially Stoves for Darfur and MSF.

    • Melissa

    Beautiful cookware! Great Christmas donations–that’s the spirit of the season–just wonderful!

    • maria

    Wishing you the best this holiday season.

    • Su

    OH…how I want to…will someday make this chocolate…rich…dessert…love the photos and comments…i have had this cookware…a few pieces for 30 years….love it!

    • Teresa Bippen

    Nothing better than Le Creuset! Love it!

    • Maryjo

    Well-picked charities! I’m partial to MSF myself. And thank you for such an inspiring and helpful blog!!

    • Sommer@ASpicyPerspective

    What a wonderful giveaway! Hope I win!!!

    Merry Christmas!

    • Joan Edgar

    I love reading your works…your recipes never let me down! Keep up the good work!

    • bjorgk

    I enjoy your blog and recipes, saw this entry while searching for the brown bread icecream one… I own an old Le Creuset casserole and would certainly not say no to the chance of having more ;)
    Bonnes fêtes!

    • Susan S

    David – Thank you for the wonderful blog. I enjoy the recipes. My first time to France and Paris happened this past summer, and I hope to go back. I want to explore the foods in the French countryside. Geetting a set of Le Creuset cookware would be SO exciting. Some of your charitable suggestions were not not on my radar, and I love to share !! Thanks again, and Merry Christmas.

    • Lauren Haberly

    Joyeux Noel!
    I can’t wait to make the carrot cake!

    • BV

    I love reading your blog David.
    Happy holidays!

    • Margaret

    Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring blog :)

    • K Daitch

    I think it is great that you combined a giveaway with charitable information. Kudos!

    • Callie B.

    I love your books, your blog and Le Creuset! Have a very merry Christmas!

    • Christie Toolin

    I love your blog! Happy Holidays!

    • Rachael

    I love Le Creuset and your blog-I can’t wait to actually visit France and some of the places you write about one day. Have a Merry Christmas!

    • Ely

    I love checking in almost daily to see what you’ve come up with, happy holidays to you!

    • Kim A.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

    • Lisa

    Happy Holidays! Love your blog. Have never been to Paris, but hoping to visit next summer.

    • Marina

    Thanks for a terrific and yummy blog. I’ve tried a few of your recipes and have loved them all. Looking forward to trying some more. Happy Holidays!

    • Karen

    I laughed out loud so often on BART while reading The Sweet in Paris that I became one of Those People — you know, the ones others look at with wide eyes before scooting a few centimeters away from. Thanks for that! :) And happy holidays.

    • Andrea Western

    David,

    I always know that reading your blog will bring a smile to my face or give me something to think about. Trying to decide which recipe from Ready for Dessert I should prepare for Christmas dinner. Happy Holidays!

    • Stephanie

    Another great organization for those in need is Kiva (kiva.org) – microloans for entrepreneurs in Third World countries.

    Happy holidays!

    • Jen

    Happy holidays!

    • karen selby

    wonderful way to let us know about these charities. I loved your book and will read it again before I visit Paris – great helpful information – also love your blog – thank you!

    • Carrie Kellogg

    That Red just warms a kitchen for the Holidays

    • Yingci

    Love reading your blog, and I’m going to try your warm sticky toffee pudding recipe :) Happy holidays!

    • Jen L

    Hello! I found your blog through timesonline 50 of the Worlds Best Food Blogs. They are right, it is a great inspiration. Thank you for taking the time to share.

    Happy Holidays!

    • Karla Cherry

    I always look forward to reading your blog! Happy Holidays!

    • Kathy

    Love all of your suggested donations, but my favorite is Oxfam Ireland (lets help the grannies!!)

    • thegirlyouknewsomewhere

    the color of the set is wonderful, as are you david for making this giveaway possible! thank you

    • Molly

    Happy Holidays to you!

    • Kay-Kay

    I just stumbled upon your blog recently and have already tried a few of your fantastic recipes! Thanks for sharing and Happy Holidays!

    • Julia

    Your blog is something to really look forward to. I’m just checking on your Rome gelati tips for our holiday there over Christmas to treat my 5 year old and her broken arm (twice in 11 weeks :(( )

    • Johanna

    Happy holidays David! Thanks for the wonderful blog and this post in particular. They are all wonderful charities. Enjoy Paris!

    • Katie

    I’ve always loved your blog!

    But…some Le Creuset would be amazing. I’m currently cooking on some giveaway cookware from Tom Thumb….and baking on it’s friends. Real bake ware would be amazing.

    • Linda

    Happy Holidays. I am a regular reader of your blog and love it. Thanks.

    • lailani

    what a wonderful way to end the year! :)

    • Andrea Cabrales

    I love your blog. Thank you for listing and encouraging charitable contributions in the spirit of the holiday.

    • Jennifer Joseph

    Your blog never fails to inspire David. I love your fresh take on desserts and your unbridled passion for all things chocolate! Happy Holidays!

    • ChristineK

    Thank you for the listings and the give away.

    • Lauren

    I’ve been truly entertained and educated by your blog all year. I wish you nothing but the best holiday and happy new year!

    • Ji-Hyun

    Happy holidays!

    • Helene Glass

    This is one of only 3 food blogs I think is worthwhile – you are delightful, honest and incredibly wonderful! Happy Holidays

    • 1hotchefinva

    Love reading the blog throughout the week. I always give charity this time of year, and all year for that matter. Instead of the charities you listed, I am sending $100 to the Crohns and Colitis Foundation. Having suffered with Colitis for 10 years, I only hope they can find a cure soon. Have a great holiday everyone!!

    • Heather 6

    Thanks for the great giveaways!

    • Niki

    Happy Holidays! Thanks for the great blog.

    • Lauren

    I’m new to reading your blog, but love it! Wish I were in Paris too!!!

    • Sara R.

    I have been coveting Le Creuset pieces for years… Fingers Crossed!

    • Dan Gulya

    Thanks for doing this. I hope that your efforts are quite successful. My donated time and money goes to my local bicycle workshop- the FM Community Bike Workshop. We recycle and repurpose bikes, empowering individuals with a means of transportation and knowledge about keeping their bicycle going.

    • Michelle Sachar

    I hope you are enjoying the gorgeous winter season. Keep up the delicious work! The German’s chocolate cake has let me stake a claim in my family’s canon of monumental bakers!

    • Cienna

    Hey David, I’m long-time reader and first-time commenter. Just wanted to thank you for the charity links. I am a big supporter of Kiva, but it seems like not many others have heard of it, so thanks for the publicity. Merry Christmas!

    • stefina

    Thank you for the opportunity to win this beautiful set and congratulations on your inspiring blog!

    • Stacy

    What a lovely reminder to give to those less fortunate during the holidays.

    • sherry

    joyeaux noel! love your blog. hope to visit paris in the next year or so, i have a friend living there now!

    • rajashree

    Pick me, pick me!

    • Maggie Johnson

    Merci!

    • Jean Ligocki

    Joyeaux Noel. Inspiring blog and worthy charities. Thank you David.

    • Martha

    I’ve been enjoying your blog for a while, and it always manages to transport me! So thanks. And thanks for offering good suggestions for charitable giving — all worthy causes. I hope readers don’t forget some of their local organizations providing much needed food and shelter at this time of year too.
    And now, enough high-minded chatter! I’d love to receive the Le Creuset set!

    • Jean Treacy

    Your blog is the only food blog I read regularly and I thoroughly enjoy your sense of humor as well as your serious (well, seemingly serious) thoughts pertaining to the world of food. The coast of Maine where I live is a world away from Paris but the love of food is found everywhere and is a truly unifying force. Thanks for your good work.

    • Emily Butler

    Thank you for the inspiring recipes and this opportunity to enjoy quality cookware!
    Peace and holiday blissings to all!

    • Gina

    Crossing my fingers…

    • Jill

    Discovered your blog after a trip to Paris. Reading it brings me back there and reminds me of all the wonderful food. Your recipes have become some of our favorites. Thanks.

    • Mihaela

    Thank you for this post, David! Happy holidays!

    • Mary

    Love your writing–always good for a chuckle! Merry Christmas.

    • Sandra K

    Just came across your blog recent and enjoy it tremendously. Back to the Christmas baking

    • Melanie

    Your writing never ceases to inspire my cooking and life. I love your refreshing take on ex-pat life and appreciate your perspective on both the U.S. and France.
    Happy Holidays and all the best in 2011! – Melanie

    • James Holloway

    Happy Holidays! My wife introduced me to your work, and at first I said “I don’t feel like looking at another foodie blog.” But, then I found out that you are the real deal, I use your recipes everyday In my restaurant, thank you for your tried and true recipes.

A

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