February Book Giveaway

First, congrats to Foodie32, winner of "How to Drink." Surely this is a valid pursuit during the pit of winter here. Think hot toddy.

For the rest of us, we hit the New Year all full of good intentions and resolutions, new diets and exercise regimen only to slam headlong into February's contrived holiday centered on chocolate. What cruel mockery is this when we are already down and longing for spring?

I say, pop a cork, toast that hairy little bugger who predicts six more weeks of bitter cold, and maybe consider what wine pairing would go best with GROUNDHOG CONFIT.

So, I am reading about passion this month. Passion for wine, passion for food. Two volumes by Deirdre Heekin. The first is Libation and is my giveaway this month. The book covers personal essays about Heekin's self-taught path to develop her sense of smell and palate to become the sommalier at Osteria Pane e Salute, the restaurant and wine bar she co-owns with chef husband, Caleb Barber. It offers an informative way to learn about wine through an easy-to-read narrative that is far less dry than a heavily-oaked Cabernet.


Heekin's second book, In Late Winter We Ate Pears, covers her and her chef husband's year of living in Italy. Part memoir, part food writing and part recipe book, the text serves up 80 recipes by season. Recipes include items like Red Snapper with Fennel Sauce and Fresh Figs with Balsamic and Mint.

If you would like to win yourself my copy of Libation, just leave a comment below here. I'll do a random number thing and the winner will be drawn from all who comment (Except spam comments. Because I remove those with a vengeance.).

Books courtesy of Chelsea Green Publishing.