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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

    • Leonora Afuyog

    Merry Christmas

    • Gregory Lentz

    Happy Holidays! Thanks for the Give Away and reminder about these organizations and people who are always in need! I am very much interested in volunteering and promoting aid, and cultural understanding around the world! I started the Vicarious Vagabond Project on Facebook in hopes of generating support and awareness, and hopefully to be able to fund an initial trip to volunteer and start writing about world needs and education, something I’d like to see become a life long project for myself and for so many others to be able to participate with, even if it’s just through supporting me and learning from me.

    • Kris

    Merry Christmas David! :)

    • Amy Theorin

    Another good charity that I had my children give to this year is Heifer.org– they loved giving a flock of chickens and a goat to someone! Have a Merry Christmas!

    • Mary

    I LOVE Le Creuset! I don’t have any of those pieces so they would be a welcome addition in my kitchen. Thanks for the chance to win these!

    • Pam C-H

    Wonderful idea! Doctors Without Borders is my choice, partially because my daughter is in training to be a doctor and is planning on working with people in underserved countries.
    Happy Holidays to you!

    • Surayya Taranum

    Happy holidays! I would love to win this prize, Le Creuset is wonderful! I am moving to Paris in January and would be delighted to cook with the set!

    • Bonnie Clark

    Wishing you a wonderful holiday! Thank you for sharing your talent and creativity.

    • Lynda Mounts

    long time supporter of doctors without borders and you have prompted me to make a holiday contribution.
    by the way, thanks for fig and raspberry tart recipe in your cookbook. a show stopper!

    • Juli Walters

    I choose Doctors Without Broders as well, love the work they do. I have some friends this season that are really struggling and it makes my problems seem incredibly petty.

    • Wendy Lamb

    What a great site! Thanks for the great giveaway!

    • Nadine

    They are all great charities doing wonderful work. Thanks for the reminder and Happy Holidays!

    • jennifer

    I too am longtime supporter of Doctors without Borders…great idea and wonderful generosity on the part of Le Creuset !

    • Kim Statham

    Joyeux Noel David!

    • Cameron S.

    All the best to you David – I give to cancer research, MS research, and doctors without borders every year.

    Cameron

    • Lynley

    Love reading your website each day – a few of my Christmas gifts were inspired by your recommendations. And love that you are promoting philanthropy – as a fundraiser for a non-profit, I know that even the smallest gifts can make a difference in someone’s life. Merry Christmas!

    • Emily Gardner

    Merry Christmas David!

    • Claudia

    Love your blog, DL! I read it compulsively, wishing I was as fabulous!

    • Cindy

    I’m a fan of Doctors Without Borders – many thanks for recommending other organizations that I did not know about. Wishing a most wonderful Yule season to all –

    • Jean

    Thanks for the links. Merry Christmas!

    • Amanda Hurd

    I would absolutely love to donate to any of the organizations you mention David, but having recently divorced I find myself in the position of having to find ways to collect household essentials for myself and for my children.

    • Troy

    thanks daveleb. youre a great inspiration in so many ways.

    • Meredith Gonzales

    Doctors without Borders is a great charity.

    Happy Holidays to everyone- and here’s to a great 2011!

    • Pam Park

    I love this blog – just found it – great things here. My favorite charity listed here is Smile Train. Having a cleft palate repaired changes a child’s life! Thanks again for making people aware of these charities.

    • Jamie

    Such a great post, David. Thank you for the reminder that there are brave and loving people out there trying to make the world a better place—my part is to help them succeed!

    • Carol Hammond

    Love this set!

    • Tina Delany

    Happy holidays!

    • Marge Gasnick

    I enjoy your blog and appreciate your generous give-away! Happy Holidays!

    • Frances

    Thank you for another year of wonderful posts. Happy Holidays.

    • Cassandra Grzybowski

    Merry Christmas David! Love your blog!!!

    • Theresa N

    I would really love some Le Creuset as everyone who cooks alot knows, we go through a lot of cooking products. Fast.

    • Corrin

    Drs w/o Boarders is such an amazing charity. We are spending our year in Africa, and it doesn’t take long to see through many of the bazillion NGOs, but DWOB is the exception to the rule. Thank you for shining your light on this organization. Merry Christmas David.

    I would LOVE this gift! And in red, my favorite!

    • caroline ducato

    merry christmas david! thank you for your wonderful site!

    • Lynn

    I love how World Vision helps people around the world and you can select the area of giving that’s closest to your heart – school supplies for kids in Africa, clean water, rescuing child prostitutes and teaching them job skills, etc. It’s wonderful!

    Thank you, David, for thinking of others!

    • Eliza Walsh

    Joyeux Noël from Charleston, South Carolina. Just returned from Paris a few weeks ago loaded down with Bernachon (that I’m saving for Christmas Eve). Thanks for all the great tips!

    • Mary

    Merry Christmas David! :) What a lovely give away, I’ve always hugely supported and admired everyone involved with Doctors Without Borders and it’s great to see them get some recognition.

    • Jill

    Best wishes for a tasty Christmas David. I support doctors without borders and heifer.org!

    • Patrick K

    Joyeux Nöel! Thanks for the great blog.

    • Dora Costa

    I used to have a blue set! I love this color. Happy Holidays!

    • Laura Branby

    LOVE that you’re helping people remember that not everyone is celebrating the holiday(s) with great food and lots of presents. So important to help where we can. Best wishes to you and yours!!

    • Kelsey

    Thanks for the wonderful giveaway! And you’re spot on with the charity donations this time of year…donating to a great charity in someone’s name makes a wonderful (and thoughtful) gift for the person who has everything!

    • Liesl Barnardt

    Joyeux Noel David, love your Blog & FB!

    • Vita

    ”Kissing don’t last, cookery do!” (George Meredith)

    • Emily

    Merry Christmas! I have enjoyed following your blog and look forward for many posts to come!

    • Annie

    Le Creuset! My favorite! Best wedding gift ever? I think yes!

    • Kimberly

    Happy Holidays!

    • Robi

    Happy Holidays!

    • April

    Thanks, David. I support Partners In Health, which is also a worthy charity. They have a long record of providing support in Haiti.

    Happy holidays!

    PS: Can’t wait to make your Fresh Ginger Cake again this year.

    • Geralyn

    I always try to remember a local organization that helps the homeless obtain and maintain housing. Especially this time of year, it breaks my heart to think that people are without the simple pleasures of home and hearth! Feliz Navidad!

    • brandon buckner

    Why, yes, I would like these please! Thanks for not just keeping the set for yourself (like I probably would’ve). Happy Holidays!

    • Celina

    Merry Christmas David! Love the blog and all the authentic French recipes.

    • Julia McCue

    Tanzanian Children’s Fund is a great place to give to. I enjoy your blog. Many thanks for it!

    • Nina Wichman

    Hope you have a wonderful holiday season! This time of year, your Caramel Matzoh Crunch is known as “Christmas Crack” and it’s becoming “famous” among my friends locally and on FB!

    Thanks for doing the giveaway…what a fun idea!

    Cheers,
    Nina Wichman

    • clbtx

    These are all great charities. For the past few years, I’ve been supporting the local foodbank in my city. It’s easy to get consumed in the petty details of the holidays (oh no! no more gift bows! tragedy!). It’s important to remember that if you have the time to worry about something like that, you are very very blessed. Working with the foodbank is a good reminder that not everyone is so fortunate and when you can, you should help out.

    Thanks for all the great post this year David! Happy holidays to you and yours!

    • Sara

    I really enjoy your website and it sincerely makes me miss Paris (I used to live there, as well!). Thanks for all the wonderful ideas over the years and thanks for the great links to the charities. It is always better to give than receive this time of year!

    • corine

    David, I will post this on your FB page, but I just want to wish you a beautiful Christmas and a very happy New Year. When comes Christmas, you make my life so easy. I just log on Amazon and order your books for my friends, and moi, of course. I would love more “Sweet Life in…” somewhere, anywhere, in France!
    You are the best.

    • Felicia Friesema

    Kiva is my favorite. I didn’t know there was 101 Cookbooks group for it though. Thanks for the info.

    • Alison

    Thanks for this! I love the website and the links from FB – Happy Holidays to you!

    • Jill Lewis

    I love those vintage cheese ads you posted on Facebook today!

    • Mary

    Happy Holidays!

    • Kathy

    Happy Holidays!

    • Barbara Bedick

    Love your blog. Happy Holidays!

    • Barbara Bedick

    Love your blog. Happy Holidays!

    • Lig

    Really enjoy your blog and your book…

    • Cheryl A

    Merry Christmas!

    • safiyya

    happy holidays and a merry christmas :)

    • TracyLH

    This looks wonderful, David, and thanks for the links to the charities! I met a doctor once who volunteered for the Smile Train and I was so touched by the work that they do.

    • Sarina

    So festive! The culinary possibilities are endless. : ) Happy Christmas, everyone!

    • Joan Axthelm

    All the best to you and yours. Our local chapter of NACTA National Associate of Career Travel Agents donated monthly chapter fundraising proceeds a number of times this year to Doctors Without Borders. But our holiday donations went to Thyroid Cancer Research and for Leukemia research

    Great idea
    Joan

    • Valerie K

    Merry Christmas David! I’m an avid reader of your blog, but first time commenter. Thank you for all the wonderful posts, photos, recipes and the opportunity to win this set!

    • Amber

    All my life I wanted a Le Creuset French oven (3.5 QT) in Dijon yellow. Pick me! : )
    Happy holidays.

    • MrsKruse

    Happy Holidays, David!

    • betsy

    joyeux noel!

    • Chuck

    Coming to the party 6,000 people late, oh well. Great idea David, we can all use a little reminder of how important it is to help others.

    • Salena

    Happy holidays, David! Thanks for the links and the gentle reminder. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in one’s own little bubble of family life. Best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

    • Stephanie

    Thank you for offering this contest, David, and happy holidays to you as well! This red cookware looks so cheerful. I enjoy your website with all your news, ideas and insights.

    • Dana Cox

    All are wonderful charities.
    My 17 y /o son had cerebral palsy (spastic quad). His favorite thing to do is cook!
    Happy Holidays!

    • alejandra

    Happy holidays to all. My aunt once told me: there’s never any extra time, or extra money, so give away what you want to give away first, before you deal with your own wants and needs.
    This year I’m volunteering with a group that brings young women into contact with science, and writing (for free) for the local research institutions. It’s fun and awesome!
    Anyway, happy holidays again!

    • Ellen M

    Thank you for reminding everyone about charity. In all of the frenzy of the holiday season it is very important to remember to give back.
    Love Le Creuset and so cool of you to have this contest.
    Happy Holidays!

    • Kelly Bragg

    Happy holidays, David! I hope your post reminds us all of people less fortunate than we are, and will encourage them to contribute. If people don’t have money, volunteering your time is also a wonderful charitable gift!

    • Anne

    Happy Holidays! Your gentle reminder to give to others less fortunate, is just another reason why I love your blog so much.

    • Deb

    Happy, happy holidays, David!

    • Mariann Vandenberg

    Merry Christmas from the “Land of OZ”

    • Will

    wait — what are the other two components of the 6-pieces set?
    pretty exciting prospect, thanks

    • Gayle

    Merry Christmas!

    • Maria

    Merry Christmas, David !

    • Anne

    Merry Christmas! Thanks for this post. Love your blog.

    • Bryon

    Have a very happy holiday season, David !

    • francisco

    feliz navidad

    • Andy

    The 24th is my birthday and I could use some Creuset. Joyeux Noel

    • Leigh

    Merry Christmas

    • Gillian

    This looks lovely. Love your blog.

    • Mary Knoll

    May you have a happy and healthy new year that includes lots of inspiration for creating more fabulous recipes — especially ice creams because yours are the best!!!

    • Roxana Jullapat

    Merry Christmas!

    • Marshanna Fendley

    Happy Holidays – I enjoy your blog every day – and what a great way to help people – Thanks!!!

    • Jessica

    Oh, I could make fine se of these Le Crueset pieces! Xo David and joyeaux noel!

    • Casey Pitts

    David,
    Thank you for sharing all of your posts, wisdom and parts of your life with us during 2010. I look forward to reading more from you in 2011!

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
    Casey

    • asma chabbi

    OMG I would love to win one of these! It will make an awsome Christmas present.
    It will be a great addition to my kitchen set.

    • Theresa S.

    What a generous giveaway! Thank you for the links to some of your favorite charities as well-I work in a nonprofit agency, and I know that every little bit helps! :) Happy holidays! :)
    -Theresa

    • chris rogers

    Love your site- thank you.
    M Xsmas!Chris

    • Evelyn Lu

    I love your blog David. Thank you for your recipes and inspirations! With all of my best wishes to you and happy holidays!

    • Amy C

    I second the awesome Christmas present for me! My cookware is sad (still using the nonstick set my parents got me for Christmas almost 13 years ago at this point!) Thank you and happy holiday.

    • Marcy Alexander

    David – Your delightful blog was just called to my attention – and I have added it to a few other equally lovely blogs about . . . . Life, and Love, and Peace. My daughter is in Paris this year and I hope to be able to visit in the spring. Such difficult times for so many people. In our little community here in west Georgia so many people are struggling to put food on their tables. We do a fair amount of baking and always home cooing – and we will be bringing extra portions to a family we just learned about who are struggling to keep their household together. Cooking can be the salve that keeps us all together! Merry Christmas and Joyeaux Noel!

    Marcy

    • samy Chabbi

    Happy Holiday and New Year!

    • Peter Lyons-Lewis

    Lovely pots!

    • Julia

    DROOL. Thank you so much for reminding us of these charities. It’s important to remember what the holiday spirit truly is about: giving and good food… and the right for everyone to have good food and services. Happy Holidays! xoxo

    • Kim Taylor

    Repost many of your posts, as they make me happy to see what you are doing here and in Paris. Joyeux Noel!

    • Amy Dew

    Ooo, those would look so good hanging in my kitchen, simmering on my stove top, baking in my oven AND sitting on my dining room table! I need to go plan a menu now!

    • Victoria

    Love seeing the charities that different people choose this time of year. We always focus on local ones, nice to see others!

    • Anne Marie Picard

    Excellent choices–all of them!

    • Amanda

    Happy Holidays :)

    • Alexa

    Bonnes fetes de fin d’annee et meilleurs voeux pour 2011! And thank you for a wonderful read and inspiring recipes!

    • Jill Vinsant

    You can never have too much cast iron and the Le Creuset are so very pretty!

    • Stacy Young

    Médecins Sans Frontières and Women for Women International…one long-time admired and one a new favorite.

    • B. Holliday

    Happy Holidays to you and thanks for introducing me to these great organizations.

    • Susan (Sullivan) Mall

    Thanks so much for reminding us that giving is so needed in this years economy. Who knew our paths would cross again starting at Zuni Cafe…and now here. I also am knitting with Therese Shere! Small world!

    Happy Happy!

    • Bryan

    Share Our Strength is an amazing organization, I try to attend their fundraiser here in Portland every spring. Lots of amazing food.
    Thanks for all the wonderful recipes.

    • Gaby J.

    Happy Holidays!!

    • Julia

    Joyeux Noël! Thank you for all the great links and recipies!

    • Jodi

    Happy Christmas!

    • Sare

    Oooh. What a lovely Christmas gift!

    • Katie

    Thank you for the excellent reminder about charities and, of course, your fantastic blog.

    • Janet

    Our family supports Doctors Without Borders with an annual donation. They are heroes for what they do!

    • Tasha S.

    Christmas is all about giving, sharing and, being with the ones you love. I love to cook and give by way of sharing my culinary talents with loved ones.

    • Ann Carroll

    Thanks for entertaining us all year– and occasionally reminding us of what’s important!
    Merry Christmas!

    • Rachel Lippoldt

    Free Stuff!!!

    • Aleta Jupille

    It is such a pleasure reading your articles and seeing your travels through your humorous and knowledgeable eyes. Your recipes are inviting and the pictures allow us to feel as if we are in the kitchen with you. Thank you for your love of food and your wonderful ability to write !

    Joyeux Noel et Bonne Annee

    • Lori Glennon

    Christmas is a great time to remember all we have to be grateful for, and to pay it forward to others.

    • Erika Lippoldt

    Nice…

    • Kathy

    Happy holidays. Your blog keeps inspiring me to find ways to cook in small Parisian apartments!

    • anna

    …your chocolate mousse cake is our christmas desert this year- very likely to become a new tradition! thank you for sharing and inspiring!

    • Brandi M.

    Crossing fingers!!!! Have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!!!

    • Wende

    The spirit of Christmas is about giving, and between the charities and Le Creuset, you have most admirably nailed that aspect. Wishing you a deliciously Merry Christmas!

    • Sherry H.

    Happy Holidays! Thanks for the blog posts and FB updates all through the year, much appreciated!

    • claire

    Oooh just what I asked santa for in my letter! Happy holidays!

    • Elana Essers

    Happy holidays. Thank you for your beautiful blog that continues to fuel my love of food!

    • Yue Tao

    Happy Holidays!

    • Alex

    What a great post! Doctors Without Borders is a great charity.

    • HeatherMel

    I asked for Le Creuset for Christmas but really doubt I’m getting any so this would be perfect!

    • Andrew Smith

    Thanks for the contest. A joyous Christmas to everyone.

    • kylie

    Happy Holidays!

    • Jeromy French

    I would love to teach my daughter how to cook in such lovely pans. Le Creuset is on my ultimate cooking wishlist – just haven’t gotten them yet :-(

    • Monika Abodishish

    I’ve always wanted to own some Le Creuset cookware. Thanks for the chance to possibly get some, David. Love your site. Merry Christmas!

    • Isabel Gallegos

    Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

    • Carl Sampson

    Joyeux Noël!

    • Alejandra Guzman

    Happy Holidays, and it is great to support these groups always, but it does seem easier this time of year.

    • Robin

    David, great charities. My husband and I have consistently donated to Médecins Sans Frontières for years and I’ve recently enjoyed donating to Kiva. I would also recommend DonorsChoose.org, a group that allows school teachers to submit proposals for funding in their classrooms, as well as Heifer International, who donate livestock to families in need to help lift them out of poverty. I bought flocks of chicks as “family” presents for extended family members this Christmas.

    By the way, hope the weather’s OK for you right now! I’ll be in the UK and Paris in a few weeks and I’m hoping I won’t freeze to death!

    • Robin

    I almost forgot – my favorite way to act locally around Christmas time is telling anyone who asks me what I want for Christmas to instead use that money to buy food to donate to a local food bank. Last year I had 6 people donate at least a bag of groceries each to their various local food banks!

    • Ruth Lackore

    Merry Christmas,Joyeux Noël to all!

    • Mayara

    happy holidays!

A

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