Lookin’ Good

As excited as I was by the arrival of my Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, I immediately handed it over to Abby. “Pick what looks good,” I told her. The book was written by Deb Perelman, grande dame of food bloggers, Olympian baker, DALS honorary guest, and shutterbug extraordinaire. This last part of her bio was crucial for me. If I’ve learned anything from this whole cooking-for-kids thing, it’s that the easiest way to convince someone under four feet tall that something is delicious is to show them a photograph of that something looking delicious. And when there are pages and pages of photographs showing things like Tomato Shortcakes with Whipped Goat Cheese and Balsamic and Beer-braised Short Ribs with Parsnip Puree and Apple Cider Caramels? Well, I know I’ve hit the jackpot. Almost an hour after giving Abby the book — an hour filled with ohmygodMOMs and wows — she handed it back to me the way you see above. It shouldn’t have come as too much of a surprise that the pages she tagged were Gooey Cinnamon Squares and Chocolate Raspberry Rugelach and Peach Dumplings With Bourbon and Hard Sauce and Deepest Dish Apple Pie. Perelman’s famous for her baked goods, each one of which just feels definitive — either the only one you’ll ever need or the only one that actually exists in the world (Buttered Popcorn Cookies!). Her recipes are not always easy, but they deliver in a big showstopping way, which is why she’s my go-to for holiday entertaining. As she says in the introduction,  “I don’t really care if a meal is going to take more than thirty minutes to cook or if I’ll have to chop three different vegetables. All I need to know is that a soup that may take a little longer and may be a little more involved will actually taste better than what I’m used to.”

Of all recipes tagged with Abby’s post-its, naturally, I honed in on what looks the most manageable for a weeknight dinner. It’s pork, it’s apples, and you know it’s going to be good. Deb was nice enough to let us run it below.

PS: I’m giving away one free copy of The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook to a commenter selected at random. Winner announced Thursday morning (and must live in the 48 contiguous states). Good luck!

Update: Megan (#26) is the lucky winner. Thanks everyone and look out for some more giveaways as we head into the holidays.

Pork Chops with Cider, Horseradish, and Dill
From The Smitten Kitchen Cookbook, by Deb Perelman
Serves 2 to 4 

glaze
1/2 cup (120 ml) cider vinegar
1/2 cup (120 ml) hard or pressed apple cider
2 tablespoons (30 grams) freshly grated horseradish
1/2 teaspoon salt
pinch of cayenne pepper

chops
4 bone-in loin pork chops, 1/2 inch thick (1 1/2 pounds/680 grams total), room temperature
salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

Whisk the glaze ingredients together in a small dish, and set aside.

Trim any excess fat around chops until it is but a thin ribbon, no more than 1/8 inch thick. Pat chops dry with a paper towel, and generously season with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a heavy 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until the oil starts to smoke. Add the pork chops to the skillet, and cook them until they are well browned, about 3 minutes. Turn the chops, and cook 1 minute longer; then transfer chops to a plate and pour off any fat in skillet.

Pour glaze mixture into the emptied skillet. Bring it to a simmer, and cook until mixture thickens enough so your spatula leaves a trail when scraped across the pan, about 2 to 4 minutes. Return the chops and any accumulated juices from their plate to skillet; turn to coat both sides with glaze. Cook them over medium heat in the glaze until the center of the chops registers 140°F on an instant-read thermometer, about 5 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste. Transfer the chops to a serving platter and pour the glaze from the pan over them. Sprinkle with dill, and eat immediately.

 

 Pork chop photo by Deb Perelman.

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295 Comments

Mandy

Yay! This is on my Amazon wishlist right now. Deb is one of the few bloggers (along with you guys) who we know we can trust.

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judy

I’ve been reading Debs blog for many years. Her recipes definitely deliver . And I too think her photos are amazing. Thanks for the pork recipe.

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Shirley Boulay

Yours is a warm and generous post. Perhaps you might consider sharing your views on the new Gather Journal as well? It’s a very different model for food writing, and somewhat off putting because of it’s price, but includes some good ideas and wonderful photographs.

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Mary

I love how all the food blog world is connected! The pork chops look amazing and I can’t wait to see that cookbook in person, one way or another.

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Lesley

I’ve always loved the Smitten Kitchen too! I definitely plan on buying your cookbook for myself, but the SK cookbook would be a nice treat as well!

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Barb in Phx

DALS and Smitten are the first two food blogs I check when I open Google Reader. You and Deb have introduced our family to new flavors and given us some great kitchen adventures. We would put her book to good use alongside yours.

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Deonne

I love the Smitten Kitchen blog and can’t wait to look through the cookbook! Thanks for the giveaway!

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Sonja

This one’s on my wishlist. Smitten Kitchen is one of the first places I go when I’m looking for a recipe. (Of course, DALS is another!)

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Liz

I am going to see Deb speak tonight in Brookline (she’s following in your footsteps!), so this post is good timing 🙂 I am glad you gave this recipe a test run – now I will be more likely to make it.

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Carly

Wonderful! I was so excited when I first saw this cookbook, and I’m hoping that it enters our house this Christmas.

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Clare

I love Smitten Kitchen! Deb’s is definitely one of my go-to blogs for dessert recipes (and adorable toddler pictures). Thanks for hosting the giveaway!

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Kelli

Thank you so much for offering a free copy! I’m a huge fan of both yours and Deb’s. Her blog was my gateway into discovering so many wonderful cooking blogs and I’m happy to see you’re both receiving much success with your books. You deserve it!

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meghan

I always forget how quick pork chops are to cook until I cook them and wonder why I don’t do it more often. Would love to have the SK cookbook!

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TaraO

I’ve picked up a few new cookbooks this year(including DALS, of course!) and Smitten Kitchen would be a great addition to my collection.

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Lucy F

I would love a copy of Smitten Kitchen! I’m almost done with your book, and I love it!! I’ve already made several things, and they were a big hit!

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erinn johnson

I am a huge Smitten Kitchen fan. I have made tons and tons from her blog.

Having no power and then heat for almost a week in the aftermath of the storm we spent tons of time at the bookstore keeping warm and killing time. I got to look through the book at length. I have the book on my wish list. I have been dying to try the popcorn cookies.

Thanks for the chance.

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Julie C

Yum, those sound delish. DALS vinegar-y pork chops have made it into our rotation so I will give these a try, too.

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Leslie

I’ve already put so many cookbooks on my Christmas wish list this year, I’m going to buy this one for my mom. She will do it proud. I can’t wait to see it in person!

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nina

I would love smitten kitchen’s new book! I did get Sam Sifton’s Thanksgiving at your suggestion and love it dearly. Thank you.

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Aliso

Looking good, indeed! Would love to have this book, I know it would energize a long winter of cooking for my family.

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Jen

I would love this cookbook and you’ve inspired me to hand a cookbook to my son and do the same thing that you’ve done with your daughter! This is one benefit of a hard copy book that browsing recipes on the web can’t do quite as well. He could leave a browser window open for me, but I don’t think it has the same effect as a post-it on a physical page in a book.

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Bea

Thank you for offering this giveaway! I love your blog Jenny. Your cookbook is my go to cookbook. I plan to make the Meixcan Chocolate cookies for my annual family cookie bake. You rank right up there with my other favorite, Ina Garten. Thanks!

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Heather

I love the SK blog. I am so excited that Deb finished her book! I am hoping to get it for Christmas – I bought 2 for Christmas presents but want “Santa” to gift me my own copy. Maybe this will be my early Christmas gift!

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Erica

The chicken with grapes and olives (I know you don’t like them) is the best weeknight dinner. You must try it!

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Shanna

Having your kid pick out recipes from a new, beautiful cookbook = brilliant! Filing that one away for my someday-with-kids files!

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Christy

I’m a huge fan of Smitten Kitchen, and the recipe you featured, (pork, cider, dill, horseradish? Yes, please!) sounds amazing!

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Suzannah

I’ve put myself on cookbook buying hiatus until after Christmas, this would be awesome 🙂

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Sara

Your blog and Smitten Kitchen’s are the two I turn to most often – would love a copy of this book!

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anna

i love deb and smitten kitchen. so excited for her book. i’ll have to give these chops a whirl next week. thanks for sharing.

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Caroline

WOW. Those chops are going on my next meal plan. Thanks for the opportunity to check out the whole cookbook!

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Alicia

I adore Smitten Kitchen. If you haven’t tried Deb’s caesar salad deviled eggs, you must. They are a beautiful, delicious party hit!

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Ana

SO many great new cookbooks this season but Deb’s is definitely at the top of my Christmas list. Would be awesome to win it 🙂

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Jennifer read

I asked for this for Christmas and it has taken all my will power not to order it before then. I did the cinnamon French toast off her blog and it was amazing and easy. My three year old twins loved it.

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Kate

Such a fan of her blog! My beloved is the same way, needs to see pictures to think about food : )

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mek

One of the Christmas gifts I am most looking forward to giving to my girl is a cookbook wrapped with post-it notes so she can do this very thing!

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Libby

What I love about Smitten Kitchen (and your recipes as well) is that the recipies are always delicious and perfectly attainable! They never (or very rarely) contain an ingredient that I can’t access in my small town and I’m never faced with a technique that I’m not confident that I could master (or wing–at best).

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Mary

Would love this cookbook, Smitten Kitchen is one of the first food blogs I started reading and still one of my favorites!

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sunny

Would love to have this book. I added your book to my cookbook collection this year. To add another awesome cookbook would be even more awesome!

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Becca

I’m so excited about this cookbook! I’ve already decided to give at least one as a holiday gift (along with your book), but I’d love a copy for myself as well!

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Sara @ Belle Plaine

I’ve been giving Deb’s cookbook (and yours, of course!) as gifts for the past few months and have yet to buy Deb’s for myself. Her apple cake is one of my very favorites ever.

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Bianca

I found Smitten Kitchen because of DALS (thank you) – I’m happy to have so much dinner inspiration in my life!

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Melissa R.

This is the second time today I’ve heard/read someone talking about this cookbook. I’ve never been to this lady’s blog before but I’m going right now and checking it out and probably subscribing. I’d love to have the cookbook. I may just have to put it on my Amazon wishlist.

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Karen

I’ve been wanting to order this book for awhile- if I don’t win it- I may just have to buy it!

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Gail

I’m so glad my friend turned me on to this site – I love it! I also love SK, and would love to get a copy of her book. 🙂

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Elizabeth

I’ve been reading Deb for years. Our boys are just days apart, so I especially love the Jacob photos!

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Sue

I would love to have this cookbook in my collection. I love her recipes. Just made Roasted Pear and Chocolate Chip Scones this morning!

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Susie

You and SmittenKitchen are the only two foodblogs I follow! Of course except for mine…but I’ve never told anyone it exists and hope no one finds it. But at least it’s a repository of my favorite recipes.

I’d love a copy of the book!

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joan

I would love to have this book in my kitchen. Just looking at her photos on her blog gives me the incentive to cook or bake that particular meal or dessert.

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Grace

I love the pork chop recipe that you’ve chosen to highlight — easy enough for dinner tonight! And what a great idea to have the kids pick what they want to eat.
Crossing my fingers that I’ll win.

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Christine

I have this book on my Christmas wish list – I’ll be buying it in the new year if I’m not lucky enough to find a copy under the tree!

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Wendy

Wow! This is now on my menu for next week! And this cookbook has been on my wishlist…pick me, pick me!!!

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Megan

I soooo want this cookbook! I have been awaiting it’s arrival since its early days. So exciting!!!

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philosophotarian

I love when my favorite food blogs collide! I usually plan my menus around the Smitten Kitchen archives.

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Kim

Love Smitten Kitchen and I pre-ordered the book from Amazon. Unfortunately, it arrived simultaneously with Sandy. For the time being we have place to cook due to storm damage, but I will use Abby’s method to mark my favorites in anticipation of the unveiling of our brand spanking new kitchen! The pork chops look like a keeper, for sure.

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jen h.

well, i was hoping that my husband would get the the new smitten cookbook for christmas (since he so thoughtfully surprised me with the DALS book last month- for no reason!) but if you pick me to receive your giveaway copy…he’ll just have to get me something else….. 😉

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Sandy

No surprise really that both your websites are bookmarked next to each other then. We have had DALS for about 4 months and only made a few dishes so far, but it is so inspiring!

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Jennifer

Oooh, I would love this book! DALS and Smitten Kitchen are the two food blogs that I can’t live without!

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Neela

I was at the bookstore looking for a cookbook to give as a bridal shower present. That is when I saw your book and Smitten Kitchen. After perusing many cookbooks for my young friend I had to get something for myself. I whittled all the the books down to yours and Smitten Kitchen. Something about yours just called to me so I went with that one.

I just finished your book. I read it cover to cover like a novel. I can’t wait to start cooking your tasty recipes. And it would be so awesome to get Smitten Kitchen.

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Heather

I’ve definitely found that with Smitten Kitchen recipes the extra time and involvement is pretty much always worth it (I’m a legend in certain circles for making homemade oreos, and by certain circles, I pretty much just mean my boyfriend. and a couple of my co-workers), and this book and yours are the only things I’ve managed to think of for my christmas list 🙂

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Jen W.

This book is definitely on my wish list. I made the apple cider caramels as a Thanksgiving hostess gift, and they were a big hit.

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Katie Brunkhorst

When going through a cookbook myself, many times the pictures dictate what I try first as well!

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Jennifer W

Those look delish. Deb is here in Boston tonight and I’m home sick with a cold! I’m so sad I’ll miss meeting her. Think she could be convinced to drop by and make me some soup?

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Kelsi

Looks delicious – cider and pork are perfect together.
I’ve asked Santa for the cookbook already but afraid he might not deliver. Pick me!

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Ines

Thank you Jenny for introducing me to Smitten Kitchen! I learned about Deb here first and am so happy to visit both of your sites. I am inspired in so many ways by both of you as a working parent trying to make the dinner thing happen.

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AC

I’ve been coveting this book since before it came out but just can’t buy things for myself right now. I LOVE smitten kitchen.

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Kate

Ok, I’d been resisting getting Deb’s book, but that was before I knew about the Buttered Popcorn Cookies. Now I need it!

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cs white

What a brilliant idea to have the kidlet pick something out to eat! Why haven’t I thought of that before?

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Elizabeth M

I’ve had great success with recipes from Smitten Kitchen. Thanks for the chance to win her cookbook!

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Katie

Jenny, I was just given your cookbook and wow! It is changing our family in a great way…and I haven’t cooked one of your recipes! I have read about the Smitten Kitchen and it is in my wish list!

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gayle p.

mmm.. this sound delicious – i love your cookbook, (even sent it off last week as a baby shower gift!) and Deb’s book is on my wish list!

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jen

oh my goodness that looks good…i was hoping to see this under my tree this year and maybe let my family listen to all my ohmygoodnesses while i flag pages in the next room! would love a copy of this!

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meaghan

I somehow randomly have all of these ingredients in my fridge right now (minus the dill – but a quick stop at the Grand Central Market will fix that). Guess I know what my family will be having for dinner tonight!

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Christina

I’m dying to get this book. Her Seven Layer Cookies (aka, rainbow cookies) are the absolute best!

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Dana

I actually bought DALS when I went into the store to get Deb’s book (it wasn’t out yet!) I feel so awesome that I found your cooking and we have Deb to thank!

🙂

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Zoe

Smitten Kitchen is my other go to site for recipes. I have never had any of her recipes turn out anything but wonderful – would love to have her book!

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mandy

i made this recipe last night for dinner – it came together so quickly and went so well with some roasted brussel sprouts. the book will definitely get a lot of use in my kitchen!

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wmbg

meeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee.

p.s. i’d skip the dill but all of the other ingredients sound like great additions to the simple porkchop.

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Kelly P

What a coincidence – I have porkchops defrosting right this minute. I think it’s a sign that I need to use this recipe. And I love Smitten Kitchen! Fingers crossed!

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Sarah

I’m eagerly awaiting this one from the library but it’s going to be months (I am not the only one eagerly awaiting)!

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Katastic

I’m drooling just looking at the recipes in this book. It looks like a home run! I just added this to my Christmas list….I’m very selective about my cook books and this one looks like a game changer! Thanks DAL for introducing Katastic and smitten.:)

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sandi

i would love to win this! those easy go to meals are great once in a while, but my family does appreciate the time that goes into a well prepared dinner. the middle child loves to bookmark recipes too… she just finished making pot pie crusts from scratch for dinner tonight.

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Cherie

I have been trolling the smitten kitchen website and considering buying the book–you have convinced me Jenny!

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Sara S

I love your blog a great mix of my favorites food, books, etc… . I’ve never been disappointed by recipes here or on Smitten Kitchen. Favorites from the SK blog are the strawberry summer cake ( I’ve made it w/ many different fruits, the latest version being apples and fresh cranberries. I use all white whole wheat flour.)and blueberry yogurt multigrain pancakes. Thank you.

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Missy

Oh what a dream, like a library checkout without the fees. I love book giveaways. I gained the most respect for her after she made the homemade goldfish cracker recipe:) My girls love them.

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Barbara

Smitten Kitchen is on my “check daily” list, along with DALS! Thanks for the opportunity to win the book!

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jen

One of your blogs led me to the other (I can’t remember anymore which direction it went) and have led to many happy meals here. I’ll admit, I’m more likely to make DALS recipes because they’re on the more manageable end of the spectrum. But SK photos are definitely drool-worthy and inspiring! Both books are on my Amazon wishlist for this Christmas…

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Heather

I am so excited for this book! It is on my Christmas list….I’ll keep my fingers crossed.

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Julia

Smitten Kitchen was my first food blog obsession, and lead me to many others (like DALS)! Would love to have a copy of the book!

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Betsy

I want the deep dish apple pie secret! Apple and pork are quite the couple in my opinion. Cheers

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Constance

This book is on my Christmas list and I’m a frequent visitor to both DALS and Smitten Kitchen. You guys rock!

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bridgit

Deb’s peanut butter chocolate cake insanity has been my go-to dessert for birthday’s for my husband’s side of the family. They all love peanut butter & chocolate, and none of them like to stray too far into the un-known. Making that cake (with or without the ganache and brittle) allows me to have fun and fuss in the kitchen, and EVERYONE loves it.

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Kate

I just finished reading the DALS cookbook last week, which I loved, so I could use another cookbook to put on my nightstand!

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Chris

I was forced to return Deb’s book to the library yesterday, after drooling over it for 2 weeks!

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Claudy

I was introduced to Deb by you! I have since fallen in love with her too and now DALS and Smitten Kitchen are my go-to bookmarks. Already have your book totally marked up (and voted for you on Good Reads!), have given as a gift to a friend, and recommended it to countless others. Now eagerly awaiting my copy of Smitten Kitchen from Amazon – should be here Thursday (finally!).

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Katie

I had the same reaction that Abby did when looking through the cookbook, and I, too, tagged almost every recipe. I recently made the slow cooker black beans from The Smitten Kitchen Book and blended them into a delicious soup – perfect for a cool November evening.

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Tracy

I’m completely smitten with your book already, and know I would be by Deb’s as well. Thanks for sharing!!

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CG

The first time I visited her website, I was immediately wary. Many, and I mean many, of her recipes just feel out of my league. But a few of them looked doable; all looked absolutely delicious.

That being said, I’d love to try anything of hers. Perhaps her book is what I need to expand my repertoire.

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Lisa Potter

I’ve been looking for a great pork chop recipe and this sure strikes my taste buds as a contender! My husband has loved everything I’ve made from both DALS and Smit Kit sites. however, more telling than that is the fact that I got that salivary tingle when I saw the picture. I could smell the chops! Yum!

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Jenny

I love sk especially for baking like you said. The brownies I make are from her blog. Amazing. Love both of your sites!! Would be so fun to win!

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Carrie

I would love a copy of this book. I always love a new cookbook especially if it has pictures in it! Thanks!

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Molly

Am I too late!? Smitten Kitchen and DALS are my two go-to blogs when I’m inspiration-less (sadly, often these days).

I also have some leftover apple cider in the fridge from a soup I made recently. It may have just been given a new destiny – pork glaze. Who wouldn’t want that sort of fate?

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MiamiMom

DALS and Smitten Kitchen are the only blogs I read! I’m buying your book this holiday season for a couple of friends and family members.

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Reynaul

I don’t eat pork, but this looks awesome! I may have to make an exception! 🙂 Smitten Kitchen is awesome blog right along with yours!

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