Mmmm ... food ...

I am currently finishing up my manuscript for my third novel, Table Manners, the sequel to Good Things. In a strange twist of fate, it is due to my editor the day before the release of Sweet Life. Which means that in between spreading the good news about my upcoming book, I have to hustle and get together all the components of my future book.

This generally consists of 70% writing, 15% research and 15% recipe gathering/testing. I'm happy to say that for the most part everything is coming along swimmingly except that I am a tad behind on the recipe testing.

SO IF YOU LOVE TO COOK, HAVE I GOT A CHALLENGE FOR YOU!

Choose one of the recipes below and hop over to my blog at amazon.com for complete details. In a nutshell, you'll have ten days from when I send you the recipe to test the recipe and write a brief paragraph about what worked and what didn't. You'll also need to email me a photo of you with the finished recipe. I won't reimburse for the cost of ingredients, electricity, gas to the store or your children accidentally eating all of the chocolate or strawberries, so make sure it's a recipe you want to try for yourself or your family.

In exchange, I'll give you an amazon.com gift card for $10 plus a signed copy of the book when it is released in August 2009. You'll receive the gift card when I receive your comments and photos via email in the time frame discussed.

This challenge is open to anybody over the age of 18 who can cook. Each recipe only needs to be tested once, so once somebody chooses a recipe by posting their choice in the comment section (at my blog on amazon.com, that recipe is no longer up for the challenge. In other words, there are 13 open slots at the time this challenge begins. However, the recipe is not locked and you are not committed until you hear back from me and receive the recipe.

If, however, you are a foodie at heart and opt to take the challenge anyway, jump through the hoops like everyone else (post your recipe of choice at my blog on amazon.com, email me, test the recipe, take a lovely picture, etc.) and I'll send you some promo goodies from Hawaii in thanks! :-)

And the recipes are:

1. Panisses
2. Vinegar-Roasted Shallots
3. Fig and Mozzarella Warm Sandwich - TAKEN
   
4. Washington Apple Salad with Cougar Gold and Holmquist Hazelnuts
5. Leek Tarte with Prosciutto on Fresh Greens - PENDING
6. Beet and Goat Cheese Tartlets with Walla Walla Sweet Onion Purée
7. Bacon and Kale Gratin
8. Summer Beef Bourguignonne Skewers
9. Pan Seared Rainbow Trout with Warm Summer Tomato-Olive-Caper Salad
10. Hunan Style Marinated Lamb Chops with Puna Goat Cheese
11. Fresh French Truffles (Pavé)
12. Ricotta Cheesecake with Fresh Seasonal Fruit - TAKEN
    
13. Tarte au Chocolat - PENDING

Sorry, I can't send out the recipes for people to consider prior to committing. Most recipe titles are pretty self explanatory and basically serve 4-6 people. You can substitute regional ingredients with ingredients that are easily accessible to you.

Ready? Good luck and bon appetit!