Happy Holidays Cookbook Giveaway!

Happy holidays!  I have been busy baking cookies upon cookies this week.  I try to do it little by little by baking dough and freezing, but that never really works out exactly the way I want it to…as organized as I try to be.  Some doughs freeze well, some don’t.  Some cookies freeze well, and some don’t.  Some cookies will last forever in a tin, and some need to be eaten within a few days (this usually isn’t a problem with my Husband, the cookie monster, around).

Here’s a few tips before we get to the good stuff (the giveaway!):

• Invest in some airtight plastic containers, like the disposable Tupperware or Gladware.  This way you can organize your cookies and other treats.  You don’t want to store different varieties of cookies together as they’ll pickup the flavors and smells of each other.
• Layer parchment paper between your cookies when storing.  This will ensure they don’t stick together and keep them looking nice.  It will also make it easier to take out a few at a time when you’re putting together gifts for friends and family.
• When freezing dough, double wrap it, to prevent freezer burn and to keep other freezer odors at bay.  It’ll usually last around 2 months in the freezer.  When you’re ready to bake it, just let it thaw in the refrigerator for a few hours.
• When freezing baked cookies, they’ll keep for about a month.
• Cookie doughs that freeze the best:  shortbreads, gingersnaps, sugar cookies, slice and bake, peanut butter, and even chocolate chip!

And now for the fun stuff – the giveaway!  As most of you know, I’m a big fan of seasonal cooking, so this book is right up my alley!  This month’s Seasonal Potluck ingredient is pear.  I can’t wait to share some of the recipes I have planned.  Check out my Seasonal Potluck partner Betsy’s site for some great seasonal recipes as well.  She’s already started on pear ideas!  Stay tuned for some exciting changes to our Seasonal Potluck forum in 2012.

I will be giving away one copy of Martha Stewart’s Dinner at Home cookbook.  This book has 52 meals (over 200 recipes), and it is perfect for weeknight meals.  However, the recipes are nice enough to use for the weekends when you might be cooking for company also.  Another nice thing about this book is that is divided into meals, which makes planning your weekly grocery list that much easier!  It’s also divided further into seasons.  This will also help with your shopping and the ease of finding specific ingredients.

I will make sure you get this book by Christmas so you can enjoy it as an early present for yourself, or give it away as a gift!

*Note: this giveaway is now closed.

Here’s how to enter:

1.  Leave a comment below just to say HI or if you have a holiday baking tip that works well or keeps you organized.

2.  For extra entries, follow me on Twitter, and like The Culinary Enthusiast on Facebook.  Leave two separate comments for this below for extra entries.  If you already like me or follow me, let me know for entries as well!

Contest will end next Friday December 16th at 8pm CST.  The winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified via email.  This contest is only open to US residents.  Good luck!