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As many of you know, this past December I partnered with the Food Bank for Westchester and Athleta of Scarsdale to feed families in need for the holidays. After much thought on how to effectively raise enough money to feed at least 100 families, I decided that I would put together a recipe cookbook (e-cookbook). Although most of the recipes can be used year round, the e-cookbook is appropriately named:
“Home Cooking for the Holidays”
A collaborative recipe e-cookbook devoted to Feeding Families in need one recipe at a time.
It’s filled with some of my recipes, recipes of bloggers from around the country, as well as recipes contributed through both local and national brands.
>> GET THE e-BOOK HERE
With many thanks to Madeline Sulla, the Community Events Coordinator for the Food Bank, our book was ready in just under 3 weeks. Without her I could never have finished this book on my own. When the book was complete, Athleta of Scarsdale hosted our book Launch and LIVE Cooking Demo. Event goers and patrons of the store were able to purchase the book for a minimum donation of $5, as well as enter one of the many raffles that were generously donated. Actually, before we even launched our book at the LIVE event, we had already raised enough money to feed 70 families.
Our raffles were graciously donated by our friends at Soul Cycle, Barry’s Boot Camp Scarsdale, Plankfit and Najia’s Skin & Laser.
Many friends and blog followers came out to support the cause and watch the LIVE cooking segment. The segment was filled with zucchini noodles galore, which I was able to prepare in a flash thanks to my new Veggie Bullet (sent to me by the good folks at Nutriliving and #foodiechats). With a quick press of the button and simmer of sauce, I was feeding everyone oodles of zoodles in san marzano sauce. Athleta never smelled so good!
Food for the LIVE Cooking EVENT was sponsored by our friends at DeCicco and Sons Pelham.
In addition to our many sponsors and contributors I also want to extend thanks to my Mother in law, Mama Lina, for being such a good sport and cooking live on facebook with me. Also a special thank you to local author Michael Falatico , a.k.a @poetmike for talking with us LIVE about his new cookbook and for bringing us samples of his yummy Zucchini Fritters (the recipe is in our book). Another big thank you goes out to Syndii Rojas of @synthialacedesigns, a talented young calligraphy artist and nursing student, who designed an amazing cover for the book.
Our mission to feed 100 Families for the Holidays became a reality. I can not thank our sponsors, contributors and friends alike enough for helping us reach our goal. Please remember that while the holiday season may be long gone, hunger in Westchester (and beyond) is not. You can help make a difference by going to the Food Bank for Westchester website to learn more about what you can do. AND If you haven’t already, you can also help by getting the e-cookbook. 100% of the proceeds go directly to the Foodbank. Please note, you MUST use the link below in order to get the book.
CLICK HERE to PURCHASE THE E-COOKBOOK
ADDITIONAL THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING SPONSORS:
Cento Fine Foods • Lisa Vitiello – State Farm • Happy French Zingaro Real Estate • Precision Carpentry of Westchester • Mario Forgione Landscaping, Ltd. • Classic Curtains and Interiors • Emma Westchester • Diana Luik LCSW-R • Treat Me Sweet Candy Buffets • Chocolations • Lunde’s Deli and Grocery