sweet menu for hope

It's the season of giving, of sweet baked goods and reunions with family. Too many people try to make this into the season of stress and frantic, last-minute gifts. But really, it's all about sharing food and stories.

This year, I am once again honored to be participating in Menu for Hope. I'm a little late to join this year -- due to unforseen circumstances — but I'm so honored to be part of this effort of food bloggers across the world.

The incredible Pim has organized this extravaganza of compassion for the past few years, beginning with efforts to raise money for the devastating tsunami in South Asia and continuing with jaw-dropping amounts of money for the UN World Food program. For the past two years, I have been a small part of this, and I cannot miss the opportunity this year.

This year, the monies raised for Menu for Hope will go through the UN World Food Program to the school lunch program in Lesotho, Africa.

I'm particularly moved by this idea. All of us who have food blogs and write about food? We're trying to help the world in the way we know how. But there are times that I (and all of us) have to stop and think, "My goodness, I am blessed. Does it really matter what I ate for dinner?" There are innumerable, far-too-many, dizzying-to-the-mind-to-try-and-comprehend children going hungry in this world. If we can help ensure that some kids can have lunch, so they have the energy to stay in school? Heaven knows what those beings will grow up to do, how they will help the world in their small ways?

Look at these faces. How can you resist?

Please donate, as much as you can, by December 21st. If you would like more details about how all this works, please click here.



Of course, it's not just about giving money away. There are also prizes!

Really, it's dizzying and incredible how many prizes have been offered. There are cooking classes in Umbria, a personal tour of the EBulli kitchen laboratory in Spain, a Paris market tour and lunch for two, a KitchenAid mixer, an eating tour of Bankgok, a bag of the world's hottest chiles, meals at some of the best restaurants in the world, and books galore. Truly, you can find something for everyone in your family this way.

(I can't possibly list all the prizes. Click here to see everything available.)

And what are we offering?

The Chef and I would like to bake for you.

If you donate money to our prize, which is UW39, we will send you a tin full of gluten-free baked goods. You can tell us what you want. Lemon olive oil cookies? Blueberry muffins? Peanut butter cookies? We can provide. We can also work with any other food allergies you might have, to ensure that you can eat to your delight.

(Or perhaps you would like to bid on the prize for someone you love.)

As well, we'll throw in an autographed copy of my book. After reading it, if you have been feeling trepidation about gluten-free baking, you will want to start, and soon.

If you would like to give, and you would like to eat great gluten-free baked goods, then please place your bid for UW39.

(And since I am late on this, there are only four days in which to participate. The bidding ends on December 21st. Move fast. And tell everyone you know to help out too.)


To Donate and Enter the Menu for Hope Raffle

Here's what you need to do (according to Pim):

1. Choose a prize or prizes of your choice from the Menu for Hope page.

2. Go to the donation site at Firstgiving and make a donation.

3. Please specify which prize you'd like in the 'Personal Message' section in the donation form when confirming your donation. You must write-in how many tickets per prize, and please use the prize code.

Each $10 you donate will give you one raffle ticket toward a prize of your choice. For example, a donation of $50 can be 2 tickets for EU01 and 3 tickets for EU02 - 2xEU01, 3xEU02. (And you really want to donate to UW39!)

4. If your company matches your charity donation, please check the box and fill in the information so we could claim the corporate match.

5. Please check the box to allow us to see your email address so that we can contact you in case you win. Your email address will not be shared with anyone.

That's it. See how easy it is?

Giving just feels good.