Mimi's Kitchen

Sorry for the delay in the giveaway winner announcement everyone...as ironic as this sounds, I was baking Christmas cookies today! Anyway, without further delay, I am pleased to announce that the winner of 400 Sensational Cookies is "Chilly"! Congratulations Chilly...enjoy the cookbook!

This week's $2 Dinners takes a look at one of the best and most economical sources of protein available- the egg. At a cost of only about $1.16 per dozen, eggs are a budget-friendly way to put protein on your family's table, and because they are so incredibly versatile, you can prepare them in many different ways!

So grab another cup of coffee, pull up a chair, and check out this week's $2 Dinners to find out how eggs can save you money (and time) in the kitchen. This time of year we can all use more of both!

Just in time for the upcoming flurry of Christmas cookie baking, I received a review copy of award-winning cookbook author Linda Amendt's new book, 400 Sensational Cookies.

This fantastic book is chock-full of wonderful recipes for every kind of cookie imaginable, including hand-shaped, drop, rolled cutout, slice and bake, and special fancy cookies. There is even an entire section dedicated to America's favorite cookie, the chocolate chip, with several delicious variations! Ms. Amendt also includes valuable information on cookie baking and tools, choosing the right ingredients, and tips for baking the perfect cookie.

Just like Ms. Amendt's previous two cookbooks, Blue Ribbon Preserves: Secrets to Award-Winning Jams, Jellies, Marmalades and More, and 175 Best Jams, Jellies, Marmalades and Other Soft Spreads, her newest cookbook is a nicely-executed and extremely thorough volume with well-written recipes suitable for home cooks of all skill levels. If you love to bake cookies and want a great new cook book, "400 Sensational Cookies" is the book for you.

As a thank you to all my readers, I am giving away my review copy of 400 Sensational Cookies just in time for Christmas cookie baking! The contest begins (Dec. 9th) and runs through Wednesday, December 16th at 5:00 pm. The winner will be chosen by me (using random number.org) and will be announced Thursday, December 17th. You can enter up to 6 times- here's how:

• Blog about the giveaway, proving a link back to this article, then e-mail me a link to your post.
• Tweet about the contest (DM me so I will know you did) and don't forget to follow me on Twitter (plhawkins247).
• Leave a comment and your contact info. on my blog http://in-mimis-kitchen.blogspot.com/
• Sign up to follow my blog.
• Post a comment and your contact info. on my Examiner page http://www.examiner.com/x-27374-Durham-Food-Examiner
• Subscribe to my Examiner page.

* Bonus entry- If you are a member of Half Hour Meals.com, send me a "shout". My user name is plhawkins247. Not a member? Sign up today- it's free!

Have Fun and Good Luck!

Review copy of 400 Sensational Cookies courtesy of Linda J. Amendt and Robert Rose publishing, September 2009, Softcover/$24.95. This is not a paid product endorsement.

In this week's $2 Dinners column, I'll show you how you can make delicious, homemade, treats for your family for less than $2 per serving! My Chocolate Chip Peanutbutter Bars and Mudpie Chocolate Cake are sure to satisfy your family's cravings for a little something sweet. Chocolate dessert? For less than $2 per serving? What's not to love? Get out the mixing bowls and preheat your oven...you're gonna want to make these treats!