I’m delighted to announce that the folks at Rancho La Puerta Spa contacted me after seeing my recipe posts from their cookbook and offered to give away a cookbook to one of my RecipeGirl readers!
This giveaway is now closed, and the lucky winner (via Random.org) is commenter #36…
Anali from the blog: Anali’s First Amendment. Congratulations! Please email me your address, and I’ll get this cookbook in the mail to you!
I really can’t say enough about this cookbook. A relative of ours had picked it up after a visit to the Spa, and I loved it so much that I went home and ordered it on Amazon! I’ve made the Chocolate Banana Bread and the Mushroom & Goat Cheese Quiche, but I have my eye on several more… including Butternut Squash Gnocchi, Orange Saffron Pine-Nut Bread, Lasagna Azteca with Spinach & Ancho Chili Salsa, Grilled Figs with Creamy Honeyed Ricotta & Almonds, Sangria La Puerta, Guava Creme Brulee, Roasted Banana-Rum Sorbet, Squash-Apple Soup with Thai Red Curry, and Chocolate Chip-Cranberry Cookies.
And now, you have a chance to win a free copy. This giveaway is open to ALL readers (US and International). All you have to do is comment below… if you do not have a direct link to a blog or website where I can contact you, then please leave your email address within your comment. You may enter ONCE any time before 11:59 Pacific Time on Monday, May 18th. One random winner (via Random.org) will be announced on Tuesday, May 19th.
Here is some more information about the cookbook:
Historic spa and fitness resort honored by James Beard Foundation for new cookbook “Cooking With The Seasons at Rancho La Puerta,”
by Deborah Szekely and Deborah Schneider with Jesús González
Tecate, Baja California, Mexico — Deemed “the Oscars of the food world,” by Time magazine, The James Beard Foundation Awards are the country’s most coveted honor for chefs; food and beverage professionals; broadcast media, journalists, and authors working on food; and restaurant architects and designers. Nominees for 2009 include the new cookbook from Rancho La Puerta.
Released in Fall, 2008, “Cooking With The Seasons at Rancho La Puerta” highlights methods and recipes using fresh, local, seasonal ingredients—an approach that lies at the heart of the guest experience at this spa and fitness resort. Here guests eat meals cooked with vegetables and fruits fresh from the spa’s own 5-acre organic farm. In addition, they have the option of taking cooking classes at La Cocina Que Canta (The Kitchen That Sings), the spa’s cooking school, which is set at the very edge of the farm’s fields.
The book’s 120 recipes are organized as a series of complete—and luscious—seasonal menus. As spring rouses the earth, cooks awaken their taste buds with Jicama Slaw with Pink Grapefruit. When summer arrives, the senses dance with Poached Wild Salmon with Avocado-Tarragon Aioli. Fall’s brilliant colors are echoed by Carrot and Ginger Soup with Pears. And, in winter, the new year arrives with fanfare, thanks to Mayan Chocolate Sorbet. Throughout, sidebar tips give valuable advice on everything from choosing the most healthful grains and flours, to grinding spices, to preparing fruit vinegars, to preserving summer’s goodness with dried herbs and flowers.
Author Deborah Szekely invented the destination fitness resort and spa concept when she opened Rancho La Puerta in 1940. She opened The Golden Door in 1958, and it has been consistently rated the top spa in the United States for many years. Rancho La Puerta remains family owned and operated. Szekely was the first chef at both spas, and her recipes and techniques are still used today. She lives in San Diego.
Co-author Deborah M. Schneider is a chef and food writer with more than 25 years of culinary experience. She is the author of “¡Baja! Cooking on the Edge,” chosen by Kirkus as one of the best cookbooks of 2006. Schneider lives in San Diego.
Here’s a sneak peek at a couple more recipes that are in the book:
Mixed Seafood Steamed in Parchment with Shallots & White Wine
Roasted Pear & Arugula Salad w/ Pomegranate- Chipotle Vinaigrette
Good Luck All! This is one cookbook that you’d love to have in your collection 
You can also purchase the cookbook HERE.
184 Comments
That seafood recipe alone looks worth the price of the book.
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The chocolate banana bread caught my eye….yuuummmm!
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I’ve certainly heard of Rancho La Puerta and would be curious how they treat gnocchi, lasagna, cookies, etc. as ’spa’ food. I guess it’s portion control.
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what a great way to inspire good eating – this sounds like a must have cookbook.
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The book looks fabulous!
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the 2 pictures are making me hungry…
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I would love to get a copy of this cookbook!!!
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I would LOVE this cookbook!
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I love cookbooks! That arugula salad looks awesome. Thanks!
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I would love to stay at this spa one day!
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I would love to win! Thank you!
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Oooh, those recipes sound so full of flavor!
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WOW! So cool! The cookbook sounds awesome–the quiche looks terrific–and how nice of them!
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I’d love a copy of this book, and if I don’t win I’m just going to have to buy it!
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The cookbook looks fabulous! I fell in love with it when you posted the chocolate banana bread.
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What a lovely cookbook, I’d love to add it to my collection!
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I would love a copy!
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Great looking cookbook!
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Count me in Lori…always room for another cookbook and more food inspiration.
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I would love to be the recipient of such a lovely book. I think buying locally as much as possible and cooking with the seasons is the true way to cooking happiness.
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This cookbook looks really good! I would love a copy.
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Thanks for the opportunity!
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I would love to have this cookbook!
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Thanks for the giveaway!
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you can never have to many cookbooks, especially good ones.
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I would love a copy of this cookbook!
I found the recipe you posted earlier (Chocolate Banana Bread) interesting. I’d never heard about the prunes in bread thing. It would be interesting to see what else it had inside.
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Being addicted to cookbooks, I have to have this one, too!! I would LOVE to have this in my collection!
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I was going to make the quiche this week and was pleased to come here to see the cookbook give away! Thanks!
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My mother and I have often talked about going to Rancho La Puerta one day… Having the cookbook would be a great way to PRETEND to be there!
By the way, I just LOVE your blog!!!
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What a fabulous book I would love to get my hands on it and salivate.
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Love your blog and would be happy to participate in the giveaway.
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I love mexican food… alas Mexican restaurants nowhere to be found here; last option: make my own! The recipes and sneak peeks sound delicious!
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What a great looking cookbook! I have so few cookbooks and would love to have this one.
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oh fantastic recipes!
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Looks great. Count me in, please.
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The cookbook looks wonderful. It has just the kinds of food that I like. Pick me! ; )
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Looks delicious, I’d love to have this book!
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Looks like a wonderful cookbook! Loved the quiche and bread posts. I am sure there are more great recipes inside.
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Oh baby! These recipes sound delicious. With Rancho La Puerta’s reputation … they must be GREAT recipes!
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What an incredible looking cook book!! Thanks for the opportunity!!
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Oh wow! you’re right, I’d love to have that in my cookbook collection
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I’m not gonna lie…I drooled a bit when I saw the pics of these yummy recipes. I covet this recipe book!
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the food looks so amazing!
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After seeing the recipes you’ve made from this cookbook, I think we all ‘have’ to have the book! YUM
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Looks like some good food! Salmon picture alone is making me want that for dinner.
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mmm, that Lasagna Azteca certainly sounds interesting! Great recipes with an ethnic flair, maybe I can surprise hubby in the kitchen lol…
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Everything about this cookbook looks fabulous! I would love to add it to my collection.
Thank you for a great giveaway!
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After your post on the Chocolate Banana Bread earlier this week, I zipped right to my library’s online catalog in hopes that they had the cookbook. No such luck
I would be thrilled to win this cookbook. Thanks for the opportunity!
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I am keeping my fingers crossed! This cookbook sounds amazing!!!
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Oooh, I love cookbooks! I love to sit down and read them cover to cover and mark off the recipes I want to try with little sticky notes. This looks like a great one!
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Fantastic! I’ve always wanted to visit that spa
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Oh those roasted tomatoes look delish. Thanks
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I would love to own this cookbook!
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That shot of salmon looks fabulous! I’d love to make that dish.
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I would love this book! I’m keeping my fingers crossed that I will get picked.
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I’d love to win the book, it will give me a reminder to make that banana bread again!!
I’d love to take my mum to the day thing they do at rancho la puerta sometime…
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Looks delish!!! Hope I win.
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That cookbook looks amazing!
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Wow great giveaway!! Happy Mother’s Day!!!
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That would be a great book to own! Nice idea for a giveaway.
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I was just saying that I wanted to go to Rancho La Puerta, but there’s no way I can, so winning the cookbook would be the next best thing! amy[at]streaminggourmet.com
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I can’t wait to try that quiche! I love your blog, I go to it daily
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I’d love to try this cookbook – most of those recipes sound wonderful!
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If I had seen this book on in shelf here in SA, I would have bought it just for the beautiful photos!!!Awesome!!
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Sounds like a wonderful cookbook! You hooked me with the chocolate banana bread.
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I would love to go there!~~but since I probably will never be able to, the cookbook will do!!~~my email is
brandydreamz@insightbb.com
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Would love to try the recipe for butternut squash gnocchi, yummm
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Awhile ago I noted the spa on my list of places to visit if ever possible. The cookbook would be a great way to make that trip from home! (essheehan@hotmail.com)
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That book looks amazing. Wonderful that they wanted to go through you for a givaway, really says a lot about your blog!
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I am always interested in trying new recipes. This cookbook looks wonderful.
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Since an actual visit to the spa is not imminent, I think the cookbook would be the next best thing!
jreese4peace{at}gmail{dot}com
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Wow, what a beautiful book. I would love to get my hands on this one. I’m always looking for new recipes to wow my guests!
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This looks like a wonderful book to add to my cookbook collection. I would love to win a copy!
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Pick me, pick me!!!
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Looks like a great book! That salad looks scrumptious!
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I would love to win this cookbook!
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Love your blog and would love to add this cookbook to my collection!
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Yum, yum – pomegrante chipolte – two of my new go-to flavors
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since i’ll likely never get to be pampered at such a place, the least i can do is make their food myself.
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wow, this looks great! teainva@comcast.net
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Would love to add this to my collection of cookbooks…
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I love cookbooks that take an updated approach to food with new menu combinations. This cookbook looks fabulous!
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This books like gorgeous! I am having dreams of the Orange Saffron Pine Nut Bread. Thank you for bringing this book to my attention.
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I’d love to win this cookbook. The recipes look like they’ll be delicious.
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Thank you for the chance to win a beautiful book. The chocolate banana bread is now what I’m drooling over!
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That cookbook looks awesome!
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Love your website – this looks like a great cookbook!
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That cookbook looks wonderful and since a trip out there isn’t in my near future, the cookbook would be great to have!!
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Oh please, I need this to get ready for swimsuit season!
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This cookbook looks amazing -I would love to try several of the dishes mentioned! Thanks for your incredible blog -
Andrea
docmjfitz@aol.com
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My mom always raves about this place! Would love to get the book! One day soon!
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Hey Jo…do you think I’ll get lucky with the RIG this time. Fantastic book – fresh, exciting & colourful! WOW!! I shall sit back & hope. Thank you…xoxox
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Me want!
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Awesome looking cookbook! Would love to add it to my collection!!!
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This cookbook (and the spa) sounds wonderful! I have been drooling, seeing the pictures of the food that you have posted from it.
I love your blog, I read it daily!
Please randomly pick me!
jesmith1702(at symbol)gmail.com
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This book has been on my wishlist on Amazon for what seems like EVER!! It looks so awesome. Love spa cuisine.
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Thanks for all the great recipes!
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This book sounds fantastic. I love cooking with whatever is fresh and in season!!
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I love to see the wonderful stuff you create, Keep it up!!!
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Sweet! I hope I win! I have never heard of the spa before today, but sounds fabulous!
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Amazing! The recipes you have posted have been wonderful! We both (being my husband and I) love your recipes! Thanks for sharing!
toocoolisom {at} gmail {dot} com
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The pictures are just gorgeous and the recipes sound heavenly!
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the chocolate banana bread that you posted looked so amazing I made it for mother’s day weekend and everyone almost died it was so delicious! I was going to go out and buy this, but if you are giving one away I’d love a shot!
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This cookbook looks great! I always love a new cookbook with great new ideas and recipes!
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This book will make an amazing addition to some lucky person’s collection!
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This cookbook looks wonderful! Mmmm!!!
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The cookbook looks awesome, I need more like it since my collection of baking books is bigger and bigger than yummy ones like this!
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Thanks for this offer! I like all the pictures on your site, it’s obvious you spend time on it.
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This looks like a great book. And just what I would need to help watch the waistline since summer is literally JUST around the corner.
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I would love to win this cookbook!
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This book looks like a great one to add to my collection!
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Looks like a great book to add to my bookshelf! I can’t wait to see what other recipes you’ll post from this book!
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Hi,I made that banana bread, awesome! Can’t imagine having the rest of the recipes, thanks…Gina F
kikyflorencia@aol.com
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I would love this cookbook! Actually did make the Chocolate-Banana Bread and it was amazing!
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Sounds like a very unique cookbook and one I would love a chance to win.
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Some of my favorite recipes and healthy-cuisine techniques have come from the chef at the Lake Austin Spa. I would love to add more spa recipes to my collection and am dying to lay hands on the recipe for the seafood pictured in this post. Yum!
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Looks like an awesome book!
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I simply love cookbooks!! My email is melissajean2000@gmail.com
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Looks like a great book.
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That book looks great, thanks for sharing. You have a fabulous blog, by the way!
XO
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I never win anything, but I always try, and I am addicted with a capital A to awesome cookbooks. This looks like a keeper!
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Sounds like an amazing cook book. The pictures are beaoooootiful.
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What a great giveaway! I heard about this book a year or so ago. Maybe on thekitchn.com, but I can’t remember. It’s been on my amazon wishlist ever since. I’d love to win!
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This looks like a DELICIOUS book. My boyfriend and I’ve started having “home dates”,we cook meals for ourselves to save cash. This looks exactly like the type of food he likes!
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How how wonderful! I love your site and your food!
Thank you!
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looks great!
deefna@gmail.com
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This is so nice. That cookbook looks great.
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Thanks for the chance to win! Looks great!
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I love cookbooks and this one looks wonderful!
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Love, love, love your blog! I read it everyday! The cookbook looks amazing.
chefjoycepack@gmail.com
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This book looks wonderful!
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A girl can never have enough cookbooks.. thanks for the chance!
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Yay for a fun giveaway! The cookbook looks great!
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It looks great! I can’t wait to try the cake recipe
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This is the type of food I love to cook!
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The recipes look amazing, I would love a copy of the book to try them myself!
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I would love to have this cookbook in my pantry. Thanks for the chance.
Christy
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Love your site- thank you.
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What a great cookbook! The bread sounds amazing!
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This looks a wonderful cookbook to add to the collection.
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Fun!! I love cookbooks. : )
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Yum!!
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Yay, pick me!
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Love your blog and the cookbook sounds fun
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Your blog is wonderful and I love reading your posts. What a great give away…hope I win.
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I love cooking! Thanks for the great giveaway!
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I’ve been eyeing this cookbook…I’d love to win it!
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Eating more veggies and becoming healthier is my goal for summer and this book will be my stimulous book
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I worked in the kitchen at Golden Door, the sister spa. Amazing! I’d love this cookbook!
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I’m salavating already! Thanks for the chance to win!
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I would dearly love to cook and bake from this Rancho La Puerta book – it looks a book that needs to be used and handed down as an heirloom to future generations. I’d love to win this book!
Rosie x
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I’m in! I loved the Banana Bread you posted other day. I didn’t make it yet, but I certanly will.
Thanks!
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YUMMMY- This looks fabulous. I read cookbooks like novels and am always looking for a new read!
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I hope I win. Thanks for the giveaway.
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What a great looking cookbook!
I want to win.
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This book looks amazing – and love your healthy recipes!
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LOVE the cookbook and cannot wait to visit the spa someday!
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Mmmmm, I’d love to make the seafood in parchment!
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Oh, I sure hope it isn’t too late to enter, is it?
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you always post the most delicious recipes…my oaxacan boyfriend loves when i cook him something with a spin on the traditional mexican ingredients that he loves!
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Love the recipes above. Hope I get this one
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I have already added this lovely cookbook to my “wish list” at Amazon.ca. If I don’t win it I will be asking for it for my birthday.
Those roasted pears look absolutely fabulous.
You have a lovely blog recipegirl!
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The cookbook looks amazing, and so does the Chocolate Banana Bread that you made from the book. I hope I win. Thanks for the great giveaway.
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Keeping my fingers crossed for a win.
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I love cooking, and this cookbook looks amazing. Thanks for the great giveaway!
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The cookbook sounds amazing. I would love to add it to my collection. I can be contacted at Maid2tall@yahoo.com.
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Caught the giveaway just in time! Had faved and RT it when you announced it but I’m wondering how I never entered. Not too late, I guess!
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This looks like a fabulous cookbook! Thanks RG!
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Oh, I hope I get to win someone else’s Giveaway for a change. I could sure use some “lite” recipes. This winter has not been kind to my figure at all.
Thanks for the great giveaway.
Deb Smith
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So great to meet you at the IFBC! You’re a lot of fun.
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Too bad you can’t also offer me a 2 week stay at the spa
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Would love to try some of those recipes. What a cool cookbook!
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You are an inspiration! Thank you for sharing your passion.
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Thanks for the chance. I would love to try some of those recipes.
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I made the chocolate banana bread and people went completely nuts over it. I am so curious to see what else is in this bad boy.
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Hello!
Emily.
Those flavor combinations sound divine! & the photo of the quiche you made looks so very good too.
I will be sure to investigate this book!
Thank you
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Looks like a great cookbook! Thanks for such a great giveaway opportunity.
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The book looks fbulous as doessomeofthe recipes tae have comefromit…I would love to win it and try playing with some newrecipes!
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Looks like a great addition to my culinary library. I would love to win it!
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The cookbook looks wonderful (and I love your blog!). Thanks for the chance to win!
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the pear salad is calling to me…”smackdown…smackdown.”
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I must have that recipe for the pomegranate-chipolte vinaigrette! Everything else looks amazing as well!
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This looks fantastic. I love cookbooks.
rsgrandinetti@yahoo(dot)com
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I would love this cookbook! The chocolate banana bread was great! annbr1217 (at) aol (dot) com.
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