Friday, April 4, 2014

Chef in the Garden and a Sweet Paul Giveaway!






Spring is here. Things are at last changing. The profusion of blooms of all kinds is happening. If you follow me on Instagram, you have seen me get punchy over flowerstrees, and anything else which as been showing itself spring. Yesterday I had the unique opportunity to accompany one of my farmer friends for a field trip, as he dropped off goods to chefs at the best restaurants in town. Everywhere the day took us, there were redbuds, dogwoods, forsythia, and cherry blossoms clamoring for glory.

But I digress. I am doing a *very special* giveaway. Scroll down for a chance at the amazing goodies… 

These images are the path of a longer-term project. Jim and I photographed a unique farm-to-chef-to-table event last year which epitomized what it means to be part of Community. The fact that it was chock-full of sublime flavors and a total blast didn't hurt any. The story just got printed for this month's Birmingham Magazine, and it looks beautiful.

Will and Liz from Heron Hollow Farm - you've seen them here and here - provided one of their pigs for the roast. The five-course meal included all kinds of veg and foraged treats from the kind gents at Mt Laurel Farm, the incredibly pastoral setting for the event. Due to its first-time success, they are repeating this event, with the next Chef in the Garden dinner on May 3rd. Just in time for beautiful spring produce! Click here for tickets!

I am falling in love with all that it means to get to know my farmers.













There are so many more photographs from that beautiful experience. Order a copy of the magazine here to see it in print! As I said earlier there is a larger project underway, so with any luck you will have a chance to see the spectrum of amazing images all together. I'll keep you posted!

And now for the giveaway!!! 

My friend Sweet Paul, *just* released his wonderful new book, Eat & Make: Charming Recipes + Kitchen Crafts You Will Love, and he has offered a SIGNED COPY to one lucky reader of this blog. We have had a great time making beautiful work together over the years, and so I know firsthand how much love he poured into the making of this book. I hope you will enjoy it every bit as much as he had fun producing it.


In order to qualify for the giveaway, follow me in my daily fun over at Instagram. Then leave a comment here: tell me what fun or delicious thing you are especially looking forward to as we finally revel in spring. Please include a link for contact should you win! Due to mailing rates, this giveaway is only eligible to residents in the continental United States, though I LOVE ALL my readers! Cut-off to qualify is April 20th, at 11:59 EST. I will announce the winner the week following…. so stay tuned!!!

Very soon I'll post more great projects that are now complete. I feel incredibly grateful for the community sprouting up everywhere and the gorgeous stories I am taking part in to tell. Have a beautiful weekend!

11 comments:

  1. I'm looking forward to strawberries, which come on here in early June. I love them so! I just followed you on instagram

    jodimonrrroy@yahoo.com

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    1. I couldn't agree more. I believe (this will be my first spring in the south) we'll have strawberries in the next couple weeks…. sooo looking forward to then!

      Thank you!

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  2. I'm following you on Instagram! I am most excited about the outdoor farmer's markets kicking off in our area!

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    1. Thanks, Sarah! I'm of the same mind. I was crestfallen to find out our market shut down in December… it is debuting again next weekend, and it'll feel like a great reunion with farmers who've since become friends. Can't wait!

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  3. I'm so looking forward to lilacs, and strawberries! Can't wait. Just followed you on Instagram, love the photos!

    eisen20a@gmail.com

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    1. Ooooooh lilacs. They don't grow down here…and they are absolutely splendid. Please take a deep inhale for me!

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  4. I'm looking forward to picnics and flowers! and planting my garden

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    1. wonderful. I just had my first picnic last weekend!

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  5. I'm looking forward to strawberries and honeysuckles!! and I do follow you on instagram. :)

    here is my email
    floatingpyramids@gmail.com

    thank you for doing this giveaway!

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    1. Thank you Amanda! Looks like a lot of us are beyond eager for strawberries… :) Here's to many handfuls of the sweet and plump fruits!

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  6. Just followed you on instagram as sarabclever. Looking forward to strawberries for jam, and rhubarb.

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