Countdown to 40 Giveaway - The Food Librarian is freaking 39 11/12 years old!

Sunday, November 7, 2010

Lavender Lemon Bar from Surfas Cafe, Culver City, CA
Dude, I'm one month away from 40! I may be doing the I Like Big Bundts countdown to National Bundt Day on November 15th, but I'm really counting down to December 7th, my 40th birthday!

As you know, I've started this party a wee bit early by having a few giveaways the past few months to celebrate YOUR upcoming birthday because everyone has an upcoming birthday!

For my 39 11/12th, one lucky reader has the chance to win a $39 11/12 Amazon Gift Card ($39.92 U.S. Dollars).

As my blog name implies, I'm interested in Food and Libraries (public librarian by day, baker by night). Unfortunately, there are many who have limited access to both. In addition to the gift card, I'll be donating to two charities in your name! Feeding America to support local feed banks, and Oxfam's Book for Kids gift to provide children with books. ($30 to Feeding America and $20 to Oxfam). The holiday season is fast approaching (what?!), so I hope you consider giving the gift of food or books to those in need. 
 
To enter this little giveaway, just leave a comment (if you aren't connected to a blog, leave your email address...and if you have a blogger account but it's private so I can't see it...leave your email address). Deadline is Sunday, November 14, 2010 at midnight PST. FCC Disclosure: My birthday giveaways are paid for by me.

*** Contest is closed. Congrats to Linda of Tender Crumb! ***

I received my favorite lemon bar for my 39 11/12th birthday! This is a lavender lemon bar from Cafe Surfas in Culver City, CA. The Surfas restaurant store is my crack den. Thanks Jessica for the lovely lemon bar! If anyone has the recipe for this delightful treat, pass it along. The lemon is creamy, not like a regular lemon bar. It is one of my very favorite desserts! - mary the food librarian, enjoying my 39 11/12 years!
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122 comments:

Denise Michaels - Adventurous Foodie said... [Reply to comment]

I have a great lemon bar recipe - but it doesn't look like this. It's a shortbread base with sort of a lemon curd on top. This almost looks like the kind of filling for key lime pie. It's more dense in flavor.

Thanks for the opportunity to win the gift card for Amazon.

lola said... [Reply to comment]

i love food with lavender! looks delicious ;) laurenludwig at gmail dot com

April said... [Reply to comment]

I'm excited you are so excited for your 40th birthday! I have a dear friend who celebrated hers earlier this year and wasn't very excited about it. If 30 is the new 20 then 40 is definitely the new 25 :)

LadyFidza said... [Reply to comment]

I'm a food lover!

I love to cook with love :)))

jazzcarnation at aol dot com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Yayyy happy birthday! I can't think of a more fabulous age to be than 40.

Katharine
cookka@gwmail.gwu.edu

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

That looks so tasty! I'm going to be craving lemon deserts for a while now :)

Happy Birthday for December 7th!

lozzi_bear @ hotmail dot com

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! It is such a treat everytime I try out one of your ideas!
-tuffentiny@gmail.com
http://skinny-like-a-model.blogspot.com/

Amanda said... [Reply to comment]

Surfas used to be on my way home- since I moved it's still pretty close but I don't drive by it everyday, testing my willpower to stop and buy everything in the store. I love that place and their lemon bars! (And also, love your blog! I have never commented before! Happy almost-birthday! I am two years ahead of you- it's pretty painless.)

Katie said... [Reply to comment]

I've never tried food with lavender, but it looks delicious!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

I'm in Canada, so don't want to enter the draw, but for the record - lavender + lemon looks amazing! Happy almost Birthday.

Kaatje said... [Reply to comment]

happy 39 11/12 :)

I love ready your blog, and your giveaway is great, especially the donation you make.

Rosa's Yummy Yums said... [Reply to comment]

That looks delicious! A refined combo.

Great giveaway!

Cheers,

Rosa

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

I made a lemon and lavender ice-cream this summer and it was delicious! I also turned 40 this year... thought it was going to be the end of me... but somehow I survived!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Be sure and share when you get the recipe; lavender and lemon: Yum! Happy-last-month-in-your-thirties! Kelly

Robin said... [Reply to comment]

That looks yummy! Even at 5:45 am...

Meredith said... [Reply to comment]

Please do share the recipe when you find it - that looks delicious!

Panya said... [Reply to comment]

It's almost here! You must be excited.

Eliana said... [Reply to comment]

I'm so excited for your bday. Can't believe it's a month away.

j bird said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday!!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! Love checking out the bundt recipes & will watch the recipe for these bars - they look very yummy! They look more like a custard or maybe even a lemon cheesecake type filling. Yummm!

cntrygirl_61@hotmail.com

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Woohoo, only one more month til your birthday!! That lemon bar looks like the perfect way to celebrate 39 11/12 :)

Amy said... [Reply to comment]

Food and libraries... what a great combo!

Kelly said... [Reply to comment]

Happy (close to 40) birthday! I would love that lemon bar recipe as well!

Sarah said... [Reply to comment]

happy almost birthday! that lemon bar looks amazing

Mrsblocko said... [Reply to comment]

I've always been too chicken to try cooking with lavender. My fear is that it will taste too much like soap.

Amy @ The Nifty Foodie said... [Reply to comment]

I love this combination! I've never thought to try it like this though...awesome!

Great giveaway too! :)

niftyfoodie at gmail dot com

pxilated said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Almost Birthday!

Betty Bake said... [Reply to comment]

yay - happy birthday :)
great prize - and you should be getting presents from us - not giving them away :) hehehe but I won't say no :)

http://bettybakeblog.blogspot.com

The Path Traveled said... [Reply to comment]

Whoo Hoo....I love Partys and what a better way to celebrate than a count down to crossing over from the young adults to us older adults. Happy, wonderful, Birthday!
Love your blog. Have ever since I found your layered jello last year. It was a hit! Thank you!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

December birthdays rock!
I'll be 42 on the 4th.
My brother and sister's birthdays are on the 20th.
Good friend is on the 13th.

toomuchmail@myfastmail.com

Megan said... [Reply to comment]

What a sweet giveaway! And Happy almost Birthday!

Marcia said... [Reply to comment]

It is so wonderful to see you celebrating this way. Woot!

Crumbs N Crust said... [Reply to comment]

Hi ! I've been following your birthday countdown and don't believe that it's less than a month away!
Not to be depressed that you are turning 40 cos that's when the party and your life begin!
Thank you for the giveaway.
Chris

Saira said... [Reply to comment]

I'm so glad you're so excited for your birthday! What a fabulous way to celebrate:)

NikiTheo said... [Reply to comment]

I love anything that is lemon and lavender. Yum!!!
Happy soon to be birthday!!!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

i had a lavender lemonade this summer... it was amazing!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

That lemon bar looks delicious...I love everything lemon. Thanks for a great blog to share your recipes!

-Jessica

jemontfot@mail.roanoke.edu

Me said... [Reply to comment]

love the way you celebrate your (almost) birthday!

Rachel said... [Reply to comment]

that looks delicious! let us know if you ever find the recipe! and happy almost birthday!

Lora said... [Reply to comment]

Have you seen this recipe? http://www.cookthink.com/recipe/9343/Lavender_Lemon_Bars It's made with a lavendar-infused sugar and may be just what you are seeking. Happy almost-birthday!

Sara said... [Reply to comment]

Happy 30-11/12 birthday! That lemon bar looks amazing - I hope someone has the recipe! My guess from looking at it is that it's some sort of lemon custard rather than lemon curd for the filling (probably with cream or half-and-half in it? or sweetened condensed milk?) - in fact, it sort of looks like key lime pie filling, so I wonder if you could make that but with lemon instead of lime juice? When I've done lavender-or-herb-infused citrus stuff, I've heated up the dairy until just below boiling, added the herb, and then covered and let sit (off the heat) for a couple hours or until cool, and then strained out the herbs. You also might try adapting the filling of this pie (http://cupcakemuffin.blogspot.com/2008/05/lemon-chamomile-cream-pie.html) but with lavender in place of the chamomile - my only concern is that it might not be quite stiff enough to hold up to being in bars rather than a pie.

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Happy 39 year..ha ha - I actually am loving again..weird! huh
Please enter me, and I LOVE those bars

Linda said... [Reply to comment]

Yum....this and the caneles are my absolute favs at the Surfas Cafe.

Erin said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! As a librarian I salute your charities!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

That looks super delicious! Happy almost birthday!

jen.kemp@yahoo.com

Jessica said... [Reply to comment]

I love lemon bars! It's awesome how you countdown to your birthdays. Looking forward to see what you do to celebrate the actual big day! :)

Tamara Marnell said... [Reply to comment]

I'm a librarian-in-training by day and a cook by night, so you're in good company :D

Jeannette said... [Reply to comment]

I absolutely love that you'll be giving away donations to charities as well. High five you amazing human, you!!

flamegoddess65@aol.com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

That lemon bar looks fabulous! Happy almost birthday!

amy dot tuggle at gmail dot com

Molly Keener said... [Reply to comment]

What an amazing dessert with which to celebrate! As a fellow librarian buried under multiple layers of sweaters and wraps trying to ward off the cold of her office (and outside temps), this lavender-lemon bar looks like a little slice of summer...

Happy 39 11/12th Birthday!

molly dot keener at gmail dot com

yummychunklet said... [Reply to comment]

Looks yummy! Happy almost birthday!

rachel said... [Reply to comment]

That lemon bar looks delicious. Hope you get to enjoy several the week of your birthday!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Now I want to make a detour to culver city to try one of those today!

i_love_youknowwho@msn.com

Lara @ GoodCookDoris said... [Reply to comment]

Happy early birthday! That bar looks delicious - I want to reach through the screen and grab it!

Baking and Mistaking said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday!

Cristine said... [Reply to comment]

Happy 39 11/12!

hmortars@msn.com

Janssen said... [Reply to comment]

What a great thing to do for those less fortunate. Books are such a gift.

AllThingsYummy said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Soon To Be Birthday!

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

What a wonderful giveaway - books books books for everyone! And I hope your birthday (as well as the days leading up to it) is marvelous in every way.

Surfas...if I ever make it back to SoCal, I'm stopping there on the way from LAX!

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Happy 39 11/12's birthday!! I love that you're donating to charity for this giveaway, and who wouldn't love an amazon gift cert? Count me in!

Jodi said... [Reply to comment]

Well, I don't bake or cook much, but I LOVE books and reading. I just turned 40 myself a month or so ago and so far, it's not too bad! Happy 39 11/12!

Esi said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday (again). I still haven't been to Surfas yet, but I think that will be changing in a couple of weeks. Can't wait!!!

karen said... [Reply to comment]

Happy birthday Mary! I'm loving all the big bundts, thanks for doing it again. I have a big bundt in the oven RIGHT NOW!
I just turned 45, it's not so bad. Really!

karenreichmann@hotmail.com

Rona Y said... [Reply to comment]

At first I thought it was burfi/barfi, and it gave me a huge craving for some! But a lemon bar would be just as good!

googlegroups8 @ yahoo.ca

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

I love your blog! Happy 39 11/12!
vikitzer@gmail.com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

the lemon bar looks delicious!

pamela
p2412l@yahoo.com

Mami2jcn said... [Reply to comment]

Happy birthday!

Kim said... [Reply to comment]

Happy birthday in advance! Your giveaways are so generous!

Kim

sayonarajapan2007@yahoo.com

Katrina said... [Reply to comment]

You rock bundts!
As I'm about to enter the 41 realm (one more week of bundt cakes away!), I can tell you that 40 is pretty darn good and I would totally guess you're only in your 20's!

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

happy 39 11/12!

Mrs. G said... [Reply to comment]

This lemon bar sounds interesting.

Natalie said... [Reply to comment]

what a unique dessert!

ELW said... [Reply to comment]

Books and food, what could be better?!
swmcat@msn.com

Divya Kudua said... [Reply to comment]

Looking forward to your Birthday Cake!!!

e. said... [Reply to comment]

i really really love all the bundts -- definitely making one for the 15th!!

livingoffproceeds[at]gmail.com

Nutmeg Nanny said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Birthday! What a fun giveaway :)

nutmegnanny (at) hotmail (dot) com

Di said... [Reply to comment]

Wow, just one month to go! I love lemon bars too--can't make them too often or I'd eat them all. =)

miso said... [Reply to comment]

i think my mouth just watered. those bars look divine!

Topher said... [Reply to comment]

Thanks for the giveaway! I love lemon bars.


Chris

zekks at yahoo dot com

Tiffany said... [Reply to comment]

Happy birthday to you. Those bars sound really good!

CindyD said... [Reply to comment]

Forty wasn't bad. But I can't be almost sixty!!
cindyintempe@gmail.com

Ellen Kim said... [Reply to comment]

happy almost birthday!

kimbo1423 @ yahoo.com

Laurel7221 said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost B-day! You should try making lime bars. I love citrus this time of year.

Diane said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! I think that I will try to make the tunnel of fudge bundt - last time i made it, i didn't let it cool and the entire thing exploded when I took it out of the pan.

Diane and Lily
deebenner@gmail.com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

what a fun giveaway. happy birthday! and yummm that bar looks delicious.

songes1 at gmail

Meggie said... [Reply to comment]

Hippo Birdie Two Ewes
Hippo Birdie Two Ewes
Happy birthday to you, Food Librarian:-)

Welcome to our crazy blessed life said... [Reply to comment]

Happy 39 and 11/12 birthday! :) I wish more people would use the public libraries. There is a womans club that donates a book to my kids school for each child that completes the library summer reading program. There were about 20 kids total so 20 new books to the school library! :)

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! I love reading and I love baking and it's wonderful that you combine both to share for your birthday!
kunimom@aol.com

Kristi said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! I am a few months behind you (my count is at 39 2/3 years!) for that 40 years. Awesome way to celebrate.

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

My birthday is Friday, YEA! Actually, I don't think we REALLY celebrate as we get older anymore, but whatever. It does mean lots of sweets! Lavendar lemon bar, YUM!!! Happy Birthday!

Lisa said... [Reply to comment]

What a great giveaway. That bar looks wonderful. Seriously, I think it's time I tried those lavender lemon combos.

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

I'm loving your Bundts! Those bars look great! Happy almost birthday!

tlm24x@gmail.com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

I love ur big bundt series, its the best thing on my google reader right now! If I win this I will get at least two of the 452 items in my Amazon wishlist ^-^

thanks so much for this giveaway and happy 39 11/12 birthday!

chefpandita [at] gmail [dot] com

Hanaâ said... [Reply to comment]

Happy birthday! Gotta ask. Are you making your own bday cake? I always do :o)
Thanks for doing the giveaway.

Sarah said... [Reply to comment]

Lavender Lemon Bars! Mmmmmmmmmm... :)
I hope you have a great birthday!

s.park10@hotmail.com

queenscook said... [Reply to comment]

Happy early birthday! Lemon bars look great!

Jen said... [Reply to comment]

I love your blog and my friends love the bundt cakes I've been making recently - I just keep forgetting to take pictures...
msolearyghs (at) gmail.com

Sandra Dee said... [Reply to comment]

Looking forward to making my bundt on 11/15! And a happy birthday to *you*!!

Amy said... [Reply to comment]

Happy early birthday! My birthday is in December as well!

Hennifer said... [Reply to comment]

I was just thinking about you and your almost birthday! I bet you have the best time next month celebrating!

I love lemon but hold the lavendar thanks!

I love you giveaway! My family had to pick up a food box this year as things have gotten very tight and hours slim. You are wonderful to be paying it forward!

beth said... [Reply to comment]

what a great idea! I've fallen behind on reading your I Like Big Bundts posts but am resolved to get caught up, it was such fun last year.

Lauren said... [Reply to comment]

Happy early birthday! I'm loving round 2 of the bundts...checking every day :)

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

lavendar icecream is heavenly cruzangyal87@gmail.com

Jana said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Birthday, hope it's a great one!
janabaatenburg@gmail.com

gwen said... [Reply to comment]

Yay, happy birthday! Thank you for bringing so much fun and happiness into our lives. :)

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost Birthday to you! Hope that you have a great day!

Sara said... [Reply to comment]

I just found your blog and love it! I am going to subscribe. The butternut squash bundt looks like a must try!

Darcebobarce said... [Reply to comment]

Yum lemon and lavender! Happy Birthday and lovely charity choices!

Laura Z said... [Reply to comment]

Good charity choice, indeed. I've got a little bottle of lavender up in the spice cabinet and now I know what to make with it! Thanks for the idea!

veronica said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost Birthday!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Happy Birthday !!!!

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Happy Birthday Mary!

RecipeGirl said... [Reply to comment]

Happy BIG birthday!!!

thelma said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday ! I'd love to win. I love Amazon like no other.

Jenn said... [Reply to comment]

Hope you have a very happy birthday!

Dejah Rubel said... [Reply to comment]

Happy Birthday! If I still worked at the Culinary Archive at the Clements Library, I'd sneak you in. ;)

Unknown said... [Reply to comment]

Lemon bars are my weakness. As are cannolis, creme brulee, dulce de leche cake, and peppermint ice cream (oh, I'm hungry now). Furthermore, your birthday is the day after my mother's, and 4 days before mine, so we'll be enjoying December with you!

pilston at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said... [Reply to comment]

Oh that looks so yummy and yay for your upcoming birthday!

Gennie G said... [Reply to comment]

It's great to celebrate every special day! :)

Sandra :) said... [Reply to comment]

In your honor and for National Bundt day tomorrow I baked a Snickerdoodle Bundt cake today - HAPPY ALMOST BIRTHDAY!!! ;)

Jan said... [Reply to comment]

The lavender on top of the lemon bars is so pretty! Happy birthday!

aimee said... [Reply to comment]

Happy almost birthday! Your posts always inspire me.

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