I’ve got two – count ‘em – two treats for you today! Maybe even three!

I was on the web recently, looking at platform beds for my new space-age foam mattress, when I was struck by an idea for another frozen and healthy concoction (it happens that way, sometimes), and inspired by the new Flickr group,

created by Elle and Heather, I give you treat number one:

Vegan Blueberry “Ice Cream”
(makes about 1-1/2 pints)

Ingredients:

1 dry pint blueberries
1/2 cup agave nectar (divided) -or-
1/2 cup sugar (divided)
1 cup soy milk
1 cup silken tofu
1 tsp. vanilla
pinch of salt

Preparation:

Make the blueberry syrup at least one hour before preparing the base.

Wash the blueberries, removing any stems in the process. Do not dry.

To make the syrup: In small saucepan over medium heat, combine the blueberries and 1/4 cup agave nectar or sugar. Bring to a boil, and allow to cook and reduce for about 20 minutes. Remove from heat, transfer contents to a heat-proof container, and refrigerate. You should have about 2/3 cup of blueberry syrup. When the syrup is completely cooled (it doesn’t have to be cold – just room temperature is fine), make the “ice cream” base.

To make the base: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy milk, silken tofu, remaining 1/4 cup agave nectar or sugar, vanilla, and salt. Transfer this mixture to the bowl of your ice cream maker and freeze according to manufacturer’s instructions.

Put the now-soft ice cream into an air-tight container and mix in the blueberry syrup. Cover and freeze – minimum an hour or two.

So, if you’re vegan, vegetarian, flexitarian, diabetic, or just want a sweet, frozen sump’n-sump’n on a hot summer day, that won’t kill your diet and might actually be >gasp!< healthy, give this a try while the blueberries are in season!

I promised you a second treat, didn’t I? I don’t think you’ll be disappointed…

I was contacted recently by CSN Stores – you know, the hugely popular web company with over 200 internet stores that carry everything from patio furniture to (my personal fave) Cookware.com? They asked if I would like to give you – my dear, dear readers – a gift certificate for $50! Think about it – $50 to spend anyway you like in any of those 200 stores! It’s like Christmas in June, isn’t it? I said, “Heck, yeah! My readers deserve a little something special!” Because I love my readers. All of my readers. So I know you won’t be mad when I tell you that only those of you with U.S. and Canadian shipping addresses can play. Sorry!

And because I love you, I’m going to give you several ways to win:

First way, go to CSN and find something you’d love to blow $50 on, come back here and leave a comment about it.

Second way, follow me on Google Friend Connect (over there in the sidebar), and leave another comment that you did.

Third way, follow me on Networked Blogs (also over there in the sidebar), and leave another comment. If you already follow me on Google Friend Connect and/or Networked Blogs, leave a comment for each one that you do.

Fourth way, tweet about this giveaway on Twitter and/or mention it on Facebook, then come here and leave the link to your tweet or mention in another comment. You can tweet and FB everyday – but only comments about tweets and mentions with links will be counted. Above all, make sure I have a good e-mail address for you – if I can’t contact you within 3 days after the end of this giveaway, I’ll choose a new winner.

Fifth way, “Like” Flamingo Musings on Facebook, and of course, come back and leave a comment that you’re a “liker” (I really hate that… What was wrong with “fan,” anyway?). Again, if you already like Flamingo Musings, please leave a comment saying that.

Winners will be selected by random.org next Sunday night, June 13, 2010 at 11:00 p.m. U.S. Eastern time. I’ll tweet, FB, and e-mail the winner shortly afterward.

Fun, right? Well, guess what? Here’s your third treat: My buddy Barbara, over at Barbara Bakes, is also giving away a CSN gift certificate this week! Double your chances of winning by visiting her, too!

One post, three treats – isn’t that a great way to start off the week?

*Disclosure: I have not been paid in any way or given any inducements of any kind to write this post or participate in this giveaway.

Print this post for your Moleskine journal

Random.org has spoken, and the winner of the Microplane Specialty Cut Resistant Glove from CSN Stores and cookware.com, is (drum roll, please!):

Number 29 – Di! She said…

“Cool giveaway! I don’t have too many problems when I’m using knives. What I really need the glove for is when I’m grating cheese! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve accidentally grated some part of my hand…”

Congratulations, Di! And may you never serve faux pimento cheese ever again! Okay, wait. That was kind of gross. Well, you know what I mean…

Thanks for playing, everyone!

I was sitting on one of the bar stools at my counter a few days ago, checking my e-mail, and was surprised to have gotten a note from CSN Stores, asking if I’d like to host a giveaway of one of their products! CSN Stores is one of the largest internet retailers in the world, with over 200 internet stores selling nearly everything from home furnishings, toys and games for kids, outdoor furnishings (including a huge selection of bird feeders!), and my favorite, of course, cookware.com.

So I started thinking about what I might like to give you, and I kept thinking back to Twitter conversations I’ve had recently, in which I was surprised at how many of you are cutting yourselves in the kitchen! I thought: “What should everyone who prepares a meal have as standard equipment in the kitchen?” The answer: a cut glove! I bought one for myself about a year ago, and I can’t tell you how much more confidence wearing it gives me when handling those sharp knives and slicers.

Not just any cut glove – a Microplane Specialty Cut Resistant Glove! After all, who knows more about sharp edges than Microplane? I use my glove all the time – on my right hand when I use my mandoline, other kitchen slicers, and my box grater, and on my left hand, holding the food I’m chopping. While you still have to take care when using any sharp blade, the glove offers extra protection from those accidental contacts, and gives everyone a little extra confidence. Here are some of the specs:

• Specially engineered cut resistant fibers
• Lightweight, breathable, and stretchable
• One size fits most hands
• Fits either hand
• Made in USA

I have one, MJ has one, and now I want you to have one! Here’s how to enter:

Between now and 12:01 A.M., Eastern time, on Friday, February 12th (2010, duh!) just leave a comment on this post, telling me why you need a Microplane Cut Resistant Glove. Um, okay, you can leave out the explicit, gory details. Really.

Want extra chances to win? Tweet (or Re-Tweet) about this giveaway on Twitter, come back and leave another comment with the URL of your tweet. All comment and tweet entries must be on this post. You can do this as many times as you like!

Just make sure that you leave a good e-mail address at which I can contact you. Anyone in the U.S. and Canada can play!

On Friday, February 12th, I’ll count up the entries, use Random.org to choose a winner, and will announce the winner here and on Twitter! So, pay attention – if I can’t reach you to get a street address to send you your glove by 12:01 a.m. Monday, February 15th, I’ll choose another winner. Okay?

You don’t have to be a “foodie” to want to protect yourself from accidents in the kitchen. If you prepare food for yourself or your family, a cut resistant glove should be as standard as a can opener!

Can’t wait to read your stories and tweets – Ready, Get Set, GO!