2 February 2009

Two years of Blogging....and a Giveaway!!!!

More Than Burnt Toast is celebrating it's 2nd birthday!!!!!

It's hard to believe that two years ago on February 2nd I posted my first entry on this blog. My posts had no comments and no readership in those days. I was recording my recipes for my family and friends starting with Fried Zucchini Blossoms with Feta & Mint which I learned by the shoulders of Aglaia Kremezi on an island in Greece at Keartisinal; plus family favourites like Seafood Salmon Roulade and Val's Rhubarb Cheesecake. So much has happened since those early days!!! I've met many amazing foodies who share a passion for food. I have improved my baking and cooking skills and have been challenged to think outside my comfort zone and spread my wings. I'd even like to think that I have improved my photography and writing skills which is still a work in progress.


I could go into a long speech, giving thanks and pointing out my favorite things that keep me coming back to blogging each and every day, or, even all the recipes that I’ve tagged from all of the talented foodies along the way....that I still hope to make "someday". Countless times I've turned to food blogs for tips, answers and inspiration and I have never been disappointed. There is so much talent and creativity out there in the blogging world. I just hope I've left my mark and contributed in my own small way.

Of course, this blog would be a lot less fun without all of your comments and I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to read and comment. It has meant so much to me!!! It just goes to show you the way in which food brings people together from every corner of the world! Wouldn't it be something if one day we could sit down and share bread together or better yet join in a cooking class together!!!! Since this won't be happening right this second I would like to show my appreciation to my readers !!!!

What keeps me coming back to blogging day after day is YOU!!! It's been a blast!!!!! I am offering a gift to one lucky reader to show my sincere gratitude for all your support in these past 2 years. More Than Burnt Toast is having a giveaway!!!! Those of you who read this blog know that I am one of the biggest supporters of Canadians out there (in addition to my love of all things Greek!!!!). Therefore, it stands to reason that I would offer a cookbook by a Canadian author.

To be included in the giveaway simply comment on this post and let me know which of the following books you would choose from Amazon. If you would like a second entry simply mention this giveaway on your blog and comment a second time to let me know. I will choose a winner at random and one person will be the lucky winner of their cookbook of choice!!




"The Main: Recipes" by Anthony Sedlak











"In the Kitchen with Anna: New Ways with the Classics" by Anna Olson







"French Taste" by Laura Calder







"Weekend Cooking: Ricardo & Friends" by Ricardo Larivee








"Anita Stewart's Canada" by Anita Stewart












"Chef at Home" by Michael Smith





You are reading this post on More Than Burnt Toast at http://morethanburnttoast.blogspot.com. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author/owner of More Than Burnt Toast. All rights reserved by Valerie Harrison. Best Blogger Tips

67 comments:

  1. Two years! Wow! Happy blogging anniversary!

    I'd love any of those cookbooks. Probably my first choice would be Anita Stewart's Canada (I've seen a lot of great recipes from that one). 2nd would be Ricardo's.

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  2. Congratulations Val! Happy 2nd blogging b'day! It's been lovely visiting you here and seeing all your lovely creations! All the best.

    I would choose "French Taste" by Laura Calder.

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  3. Congratulations on your 2nd birthday! I have been enjoying your posts since I joined blogger. It is nice to see so many Canadian foodies and your giveway of a Canadian cookbook is certainly fitting. They are all so great...like have to say Chef at Home Michael Smith is the one I like the best. Although they all have unique and fun styles.

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  4. Happy 2nd birthday my Blogging Hero!I will stay a devoted reader for many years to come hopefully!!

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  5. Congratulations on celebrating your second anniversary. Since I've only been at it 6 months, I feel like the little sister (probably not in size and age, but...). Anyway, I'd like to turn the table and thank you for reaching out and supporting me in my efforts. It really is a great experience.

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  6. Happy 2nd birthday my blogging hero.I will be a devoted reader for many years to come hopefully.

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  7. Happy Blog Anniversary! Congrats and keep up with the great work!

    The book I'm most interested in is "Anita Stewart's Canada"...

    Cheers,

    Rosa

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  8. CONGRATS on two fabulous years!! And what an amazing giveaway--yay Canadians! Of course I would love the Anna Olsen book--anything baking related is my thing.

    And will get cracking on my Blogger Aid recipe! :)

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  9. Happy 2nd birthday Val! I would have to choose Anita Stewart's Canada!

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  10. Congratulations on your 2nd Blogiversary, Val! What a milestone! You are one of the most prolific bloggers out there, and each new recipe is more tempting than the last. I don't know how you do it all! You really are an inspiration to me.

    As for the cookbook I'd choose - Canada, by Anita Stewart.

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  11. Happy second bloggerversary! Wow! Congratulations! thank you for the give-away, thank you for your untiring efforts in BloggerAid. And yes, I have just the recipe for BloggerAid cookbook. I have recently posted the picture in my blog, but still has to send in the complete recipe through email.

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  12. Wow! Happy 2nd Blogiversary! Here's to seeing many more posts from you!

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  13. Congratulations Val! Happy 2nd blogging anniversary!

    Thank you for BlogAid and all that you do for good of others!! Thank you also for being you a great cook/baker/blogger!! I always seem to be playing catch up these days due to my on-going back condition but I do enjoy calling by your blog and reading your posts!! It's a privilege to have *met* you!

    Hugs Rosie x

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  14. Congrats on your second blog anniversary! Love your blog!
    What a great give away and so many choices.

    I think I would have to pick Michael Smith's cookbook though.

    Here's hoping I win.

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  15. Happy 2 Blogiversary Val!!! You have one of the most beautiful blogs: with a warm heart/soul beating love/food every day ♥

    Today is my birthday too... he, he what a coincidence :D

    A big hug to you darling!

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  16. happy birthday valli!

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  17. Two years!! How time goes by so quickly and all of those lovely recipes you have cooked, photographed and shared with us all.
    I'm not familiar with the books in question, but Anna Olson sounds like my sort of author.

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  18. Congratulations! I would choose In the Kitchen with Anna

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  19. Congratulations, happy blogging anniversary

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  20. Congratulations Val on your 2nd Bloggoversary. May you blog for many years to come and keep those delicious recipes coming in. If I am lucky enough to be selected I would donate any of these books to BloggerAid so that later on we may auction it.

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  21. Well I guess they say 'Time flies when you're having fun' for a reason. Congrats, Val on your two years of blogging. I love reading your post, they are always full of great info, tips and show so much compassion to your fellow people.

    If I was the lucky winner of the give away I'd choose "Anita Stewart's Canada" by Anita Stewart.

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  22. Happy Birthday to you...Happy birthday to YOU!....Happy birthday, Happy Biiiirrrrthhday....................
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!!!! (and maannny mooooorrrrre!)
    My birthday was last month and I didn't even get a present!! boohoo (hehe)
    So...if someone (meaning you) would like to give me a belated birthday gift, I'd accept "Anita Stewart's Canada" by Anita Stewart. Keep up the awesome work!

    ~Lisa

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  23. Congrats Val, it's been a pleasure!

    I'd opt for Laura Calder's book (who I met recently).

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  24. Congratulations! What a great idea for a giveaway! I'll go for Laura Calder's French Taste. =)

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  25. You're two! Now you can walk! Yeah!

    Oh weekend cooking! Oh yes, that's the one!

    Congrats on keeping us all entertained with your beautiful blog. You are a wonderful hostess!

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  26. Congrats on two years of tasty posts! I look forward to more! I would have to go for Laura Calder's book as I have been wanting to explore more French cuisine.

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  27. Congratulations on your blogiversary -- it's a huge achievement to maintain a blog for two years, and I'm looking forward to Year Three of delicious (especially Greek-inspired) recipes! I'd probably choose the Anita Stewart book, as I'd like to learn more about contemporary Canadian cooking.

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  28. Happy Two year Anniversary Val!! Any one of those books would make me very happy!

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  29. Wow! Congratulations!

    I'm so glad you joined the world of food blogging. I love your blog.

    Also, great choices for cookbooks. I own Ricardo and it's a great cookbook to have.

    My choice would be: The Main. I love the guy and his recipes. I would love to meet him.

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  30. Happy Blogiversary, Val!

    I'm really getting going with a blogger aid recipe - truly. It's been a hard month.

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  31. Happy Birthday!!! I'll choose "In the Kitchen with Anna: New Ways with the Classics" by Anna Olson

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  32. WAY to Go Val. Congrats on one of my favourute blogs turning 2. Your blog is refreshing, brimming with new ideas & passionate. It's always wondeful stopping by & I feel like you are talking to me over every post! I love your blog.
    If, IF IF IF (LOL), the RIG were ever to choose me, then I'd probably pick "Anita Stewart's Canada".
    Cheers & looking forward to "much more than burnt toast" in the years to come! HUGS Deeba

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  33. Oh, Happy 2nd blog anniversary. I think I'd be happy if I can win Ricardo's book.
    Cheers,
    Elra

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  34. Happy two year anniversary, Val.
    What an amazing giveaway!
    It's hard to choose, but I would pick Anita's Canada. You know I love sweets!

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  35. congrats, val! that's an impressive accomplishment. :)
    i'd pick anita stewart's kitchen, just because my mom's name is anita and i love her so. :)

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  36. Congratulations on your 2nd anniversary! This giveaway is a great idea. Thank you.

    I would choose "French Taste" by Laura Calder.

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  37. Congratulations! Two for me this year, too. Time flies, doesn't it?!

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  38. Oh what a gracious giveaway!

    Thank u! N congratulations!!

    I love Ricardo...his recipes are simple n lucid. :)

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  39. Happy Blogiversary! Two years is an achievement! Here's wishing you many more years of blogging success and enjoyment. I hope for nothing but the best for you! As for the book, I'd choose French Taste, by Laura Calder.

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  40. Congrats on 2 years!! Keep the posts coming! Thanks for a giveaway! I would choose Anita's book...I think. It is a tough choice:)

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  41. Val really congrats by the two years you have blogging!!! You are one of the first I kew in the blogging word and still love to come here all the time!!!Thanks to you by your support when I begin and for your lovely recipes.I hope you have a lot of yours blogging!! I will try to sendyo some recipe to the book..
    Dear Val I love Ana Olson and love her recipes,the last year I saw her in TV but this year I dont see in Food Gourment, but I love her recipes, so a book of her would be lovely, love ya, xxxxGloria

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  42. Congrats Val! You've got an amazing site and I always look forward to your recipes. Here's to many, many more delicious posts ...

    Oh, and Anita Stewart's book looks like it might be the one for me!

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  43. Congrats on two years! I can entirely relate, and its amazing to look back at where it started compared to where things are today. And my vote goes towards the Stewart book

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  44. Love your all Canadian giveaway!!
    Happy 2nd year anniversary, sweetie.
    I would love the Laura Calder - I have her first book and really like her style.

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  45. WOW, Happy Blogoversary Valli! Amazing how quickly things can change in two years! It is wonderful to see you and all the progress you have made in the blogging community! Keep up the good work, my friend!

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  46. Happy Birthday to MTBT!thanks for all the amazing recipes and guidance.Looking forward to many more delicious recipes.

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  47. Congrats to you! I would choose Anita Stewart's Canada by Anita Stewart.

    Elaine R
    emrosser@shaw.ca

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  48. Congratulations on 2 years! I'd love to win French Tastes! :)

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  49. Congrats on two years! Time has just flown by, hasn't it?

    I love Michael Smith so I already have that book, I'd probably go for the Anna Olson.

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  50. Congratulations Val on your 2 year mark. What a huge accomplishment! Isn't it fun looking back on those years and seeing how far you have come?

    I would choose the Anita Stewart book as it looks to be the most Canadian!

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  51. Happy 2nd Birthday!!! :)and we're looking forward to plenty more post to come... Cheers to you!!!

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  52. Congratulations on your second anniversary.
    i am a proud Canadian who has been to Greece once and fell in love with the country.

    i would like Anita Stewart's book if I win.

    I think it highlights the diverse and wonderful food of our country very well.

    thanks for the opportunity!

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  53. Two years! Wow! Happy blogging anniversary! I would choose "Anita Stewart's Canada" by Anita Stewart

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  54. Happy bloggy birthday!

    I would get the French Taste one I think...but the others looks so good I dont know!

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  55. Congratulations! Gratulerer! Felicitations!

    You've got a great site. I'm a completely ignorant when it comes to Canadian cooking (is it similar to Minnesotan cooking? I know all about that), so the Anita Stewart book would be much appreciated.

    Have a great second year, Siri

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  56. 2 years - fantastic!!! Congrats!
    I've got a recipe coming, just have to write it up.

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  57. Happy blogiversary, Val. I'd choose the Anita Stewart book (and I'm hoping to make/send along my BloggerAid recipe this weekend!)

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  58. Wow, happy birthday!! The Anita Stewart book would be awesome, as would the Ricardo one... he's so cute! Have a wonderful bloggy birthday... must figure out a recipe for you guys - I'd love to get a copy of that finished book!

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  59. Oh dear Val- congratulations on your 2nd bloggiversary! I must say that you have been one of the greatest gifts I have enjoyed since I started blogging- so many, many thanks to you- you wonderful you. If I have to choose a book it would be the Anita Stewart's Canada- what else?
    looking forward to many more years of MTBT to come.
    xo

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  60. What a great give away to become familiar with Candian Cookbook authors. I would love to win French Taste. Happy Anniversary!

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  61. congratulations on two years of excellent cooking

    the authors of the books are new to me, i'd opt for anything!

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  62. Happy Blogging Anniversary!!!
    Congratulations and too many more years!!!
    My favourite book would be Anita Stewart's...thanks a lot for this opportunity and ...good luck to everybody!

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  63. Congratulations Val! I'm sure the third year will only be richer and richer. Thank you Val.

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  64. Happy blogging birthday Val. I look forward to many more years of your delicious recipes!

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  65. Happy blog birthday - and many, many happy returns!! It's been a real pleasure getting to know you via your lovely blog and I look forward to many more years of MTBT!

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  66. Cheers for wonderful 2 years of blogging, and many many years to come!!!!!!!!
    I love the fresh unique look, lovely spirit, the photos and recipes. I am getting to know you more every day!!!!!!!
    I don't mind a book for Ricardo or Micheal Smith

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Welcome to my home. Thank you for choosing to stay a while and for sharing our lives through food. I appreciate all your support, comments, suggestions, and daily encouragement.

Val

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