Suddenly UnScrooge-Like, Part 1

You’re such awesome readers. Not just because you visited codeSparrow like I asked, and some of you even played, but also need I remind you of the kind of content you’ve been subjected to over the years on this here blog and yet you still come back. Why? No one knows. So, I’m getting into the holiday spirit by raffling off some free stuff. See? I love you guys, whoever you are.

First up is a brand new copy of the Indian cookbook, 5 Spices, 50 Dishes by Ruta Kahate. It’s the cookbook I’ve used the most this year. I haven’t made everything in it, yet, but pretty close. The stir-fried cabbage is to-die-for, not to mention the railway potatoes, spice-rubbed lamb chops, chickpea curry with dill, sweet potatoes with ginger and lemon, beets with mustard seed, lentil rice pilaf, creamed farmer greens, red onion raita…I could go on.

As the title suggests, you only need five spices to make all the dishes, most of which you probably already have (cumin, coriander, cayenne, turmeric, mustard seed). That makes it a good gateway into the world of Indian home-cooking without having to commit to any other expensive spice relationships. I just reduce the amount of cayenne by half for my wussy, post-chemo taste buds. The other great thing about this cookbook is how many vegetable dishes there are, so if you’re in a CSA and looking for ideas, you can pretty much always find something. Oh yeah, and the recipes are relatively uncomplicated.

I thought you might enjoy it, so I contacted Chronicle Books and they generously offered to donate a book to one lucky reader. Since my copy is all splattered and singed with a broken binding from being flung all over the kitchen in a frenzied manner, I’m half-tempted to switch them out and give you the crappy one. But that would be Scrooge-like of me. I’m going for the opposite of Scrooge-like. Therefore, you will receive a pristine book with which to work your own singed, splattered magic.

To be entered in the raffle, simply comment on this post about anything, anything at all, whatever’s on your mind, before my next post goes up, which will probably be on Thursday. Then I’ll put all the names into a mixing bowl with those five spices and see which one tastes the best. Just kidding. I’ll have Husband pick the winner so you can get mad at him, not me, if you lose. I have a few other things to give away in the next few weeks, so don’t worry if you miss out this time.

Ready, set, go!

Comments

[Cindy]

what a fun idea - you rock!

[cookiecrumb]

You and I both know why I deserve to win.

[adele]

That sounds like a fabulous cookbook. While I know on an intellectual level that Indian cuisine is probably not much more complicated than puff pastry (which I can and do prepare as a way of procrastinating on work), I find all the lists of spices daunting.

Five spices I can do, though. Time to add a new title to my Amazon list.

[Courtney]

Check. Check. Check. Check. Check.

Got all 5 of those spices. My husband would probably be really excited about this book. Might have to pick it up regardless. He's obsessed with tikka masala lately.

[Elisabeth Heinicke]

I can't believe I'm commenting now, that there's a Free Book Possibility, when I've had an inaudible conversation with you for the last 5 months.
Sorry 'bout the greed.

[Margo]

I carpool with my husband, and he's in a late meeting tonight - so I had time to come look at your blog! I love Indian food, so I'd be excited to win that cookbook.

[Megan]

Hope I'm not too late...but I probably am. Looks like a great book!

[Tammy]

Okay, I'm cutting it off here. All of you guys made it in. Now for the drawing...

[Fredda]

I don't read your blog when its updated, but every couple of weeks I sign on and catch up. Sorry I missed this raffle, but the book sounds great so I'm thinking of buying it. They should pay you something for that, or maybe they did :-). I hope so.

[melissa birchall]

Indian food - yumyumyum!