Thank you to everyone who entered the giveaway to win a copy of Lesa Heebner's cookbook 'Cooking with the Seasons'. I compiled all entries (including multiple entries for those who did more than one thing) and using Random.org selected a winner at (of course) random. I am delighted to be sending a copy of Cooking with the Seasons to:
The Spice Garden
Never fear! I will be doing a few other seasonal cookbook giveaways before Christmas. These off beat treasures are fun compliments to mainstream cookbooks. Be on the lookout!
I traded emails with Lesa Heebner who has departed her career as a cooking school proprietor and author for a career in local politics. I felt fortunate to have the time I did to gain her thoughts. I wanted to share a few additional things she shared with me.
Boulder Locavore: Could I ask if YOU have a favorite recipe from 'Cooking with the Seasons' perhaps a current season favorite?
Lesa Heebner: I constantly make the Swiss Chard in Tomato Sauce (Herbed Chard I think it's called) without the potatoes though. The Minestrone is also a favorite!
(This is a question of curiosity and great pondering for me I've been asking everyone…..)
Boulder Locavore: Do you feel the quality of ‘local’ or ‘organic’ is more important in produce?
Lesa Heebner: Tough question as I do support local growers and all it means it means to do so…..but, I go for organic no matter what. I'd prefer not to ingest chemicals so will choose organic over local non organic unless they say they are in the process of getting certified. I do shop at a market here (Ms. Heebner is in Southern California) called 'Jimbo's' and he provides local and organic so I often am not faced with that decision.
Boulder Locavore: Lastly are there any personal notes you’d like me to include about you, your cooking or anything else as an update? From my attempts to locate you it seems you’ve segued into government as a career but I’m sure you must still be cooking!
Lesa Heebner: I cook every night still but am not as creative as I used to be when cooking was my single focus. I did segue into local government in 2002 when I led a community effort to have the Coastal Rail Trail re-designed. We were successful in our efforts so I was encouraged to get more involved. I served on our Local View Assessment Committee for a year before I ran for City Council.
I also Designed 'Kitchens That Cook' until 2008 when I retired after 20+ years. In many small cities in California, we do not have a separate race for Mayor. Instead we Council Members rotate into the position. I was Mayor my first term in '07 and will be Mayor again (now in my 2nd term) next year. I am also on the Board of Directors of a number of local agencies, including the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), which is San Diego's Transportation and Planning Agency. Lots of work, and very gratifying.
I think I've always been an Activist….food was my way of expressing my beliefs of the importance of eating healthy food and showing others that is can be easy and delicious. Now I'm on to creating a sustainable region. Who knows what is next?!
Ms. Heebner’s cookbook 'Cooking with the Seasons' is currently out of print and may be purchased on Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com, eBay or from local used bookstores.
Cristina - TeenieCakes says
Thanks for sharing this great assembly of thoughtful gifts. I especially like those silverware markers…lotsa uses for those!