Des

Hey! I'm Des!

Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

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Blogiversary- Life’s Ambrosia Turns 5!

Wow. 5 years. Half of a decade. I cannot believe that I have been blogging that long. It just doesn’t seem real. So much has happened in my life in the last 5 years. We bought a home. I got pregnant. We had a baby. I decided to become a stay at home mom and focus on little dude and the blog.  And Wednesday marks yet another milestone: 30. Yep. I’ll be 30. GULP.

And the blog has been there through all of it and has become my place to share it all with you through food. Some of you have been here since the very beginning when I posted my first post Spaghetti and Meatballs. While some of you have just now found this little blog o’ mine. But whether or not you’ve been here from the beginning, I want to say thank you. Thank you so much for reading. Thank you for trying the recipes. Thank you for letting me know how they work for you. Just, thank you.

As a way to say thank you for being totally awesome, I’ve decided to host a giveaway!

Last year I gave away a box full of my favorite things to celebrate my blogiversary and I decided to do the same this year. Think of it as a little care package from me! A couple of the things were included in last year’s box but I decided to include them this year too because I love them so much. The other things are things that I fell in love with this year and wanted to share with you.

This year I’m giving away:

Lodge 12-inch Cast Iron Skillet: This skillet never leaves my stove. It hasn’t since I got it as a gift last Christmas. I use it every day. I use it to cook bacon. Fry chicken. Sear steak. Make pizza. Everything.

Le Creuset Silicon Handle Sleeve: I couldn’t give away a cast iron skillet and not include this. I adore mine. You can choose red or black. I’ve got the red one :)

The CraftBeer Cookbook by Jacquelyn Dodd: I just got this cookbook a couple of weeks ago and I love it. It has already become a favorite. I’m sure you will love it too.

 The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenberg: I gave this away last year and if I could I would give this to every person I know. It is such an important book in my kitchen and I think everyone should have it.

Theo Chocolate Orange Bar and Theo Chocolate Mint Bar: I nibble on these things Charlie and the Chocolate Factory style. Peel back the wrapper and savor it, bite by bite.

Nielsen-Massey Vanilla Extract: A perfect addition to your pantry to help with all the holiday baking in the coming months.

And lastly, Sriracha Sauce: Because it wouldn’t be a care package from me without it!

So how can you win this box full of my favorite things? Leave a comment below telling me something you’d like to see a recipe for here on Life’s Ambrosia.

You can also get a bonus entry by:

Following Life’s Ambrosia on Pinterest

Liking Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook

Following Life’s Ambrosia on Twitter

Just come back and leave a separate comment letting me know you became a fan. Each comment gets you another entry for a total of 4 possible entries.

The Deets:

4 entries max per person (One via a comment on the blog post, one for facebook like, one for pinterest follow and one for twitter follow)

Due to shipping costs I can only ship to US mailing addresses. 

Also due to shipping costs, the cast iron skillet will be shipped separately directly from the retailer.

Contest ends 10/11/13 at 5:00PM PST.

Winner will be picked at random.

I have personally purchased the products. I have not been compensated in anyway for this post or product recommendation.

  • Naomi
    October 11, 2013 at 5:19 pm

    And I follow you on Facebook. I don’t use twitter, or I’d follow you there too :) I found your blog through the “Mulligatawny Soup” recipe and have been hooked ever since.

  • Naomi
    October 11, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest

  • Naomi
    October 11, 2013 at 5:17 pm

    I’d like to see a recipe for dal saag (indian lentils and spinach)

  • Tina kuykendall
    October 11, 2013 at 5:05 pm

    I follow you on Facebook.

  • Jenny
    October 11, 2013 at 3:46 pm

    I have “liked” you on facebook for a while and i just started watching your boards on pinterest :) Happy Anniversary :)

  • Jenny
    October 11, 2013 at 3:42 pm

    Hi! I love your food blog! I dont follow any other food blogs except for yours. I ran across one of your delicious recipes a few years back and now I check your page daily for new recipes! I love how often you incorporate jalapenos into your recipes. When Im in need of an appetizer to bring to a function, I always check your blog. LOVE IT!

  • Tina
    October 11, 2013 at 3:25 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest and Facebook. Love a recipe for Butter Cake

  • Margaret Mitchell
    October 11, 2013 at 3:22 pm

    Short ribs baby!

  • Margaret Mitchell
    October 11, 2013 at 3:21 pm

    Love your page! I guess it would be fun to see some short rib recipes. I am in love with them right now.

  • Debbi S-M
    October 11, 2013 at 3:18 pm

    Would LOVE to see some more recipes for dutch oven cooking (one pot type stuff)!

  • Debbi S-M
    October 11, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I follow you on pinterest!

  • Laura
    October 11, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I currently subscribe to your blog. And congrats on 5 years!

  • Debbi S-M
    October 11, 2013 at 3:16 pm

    I follow you on FB!

  • Laura
    October 11, 2013 at 3:15 pm

    Just started following you on Pinterest

  • Sean
    October 11, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    Following on facebook/twitter/pintrest!

  • Laura
    October 11, 2013 at 3:13 pm

    I follow you on facebook

  • Julie Gordon
    October 11, 2013 at 3:06 pm

    I’ve followed you Facebook for 4 years, and recently started following you on Twitter as well. Thanks for all the deliousness you’ve imparted!

    Julie

  • Tiffany
    October 11, 2013 at 3:04 pm

    Follow you on Pinetrest

  • Tiffany
    October 11, 2013 at 3:03 pm

    I follow you on Facebook.

  • stephanie
    October 10, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    I like you on FB!

  • stephanie
    October 10, 2013 at 6:27 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest. islabee

  • stephanie
    October 10, 2013 at 6:26 pm

    WOW! What a giveaway. I just started following you this year and you have quickly become one of my favorite blogs. You cover a lot of my “game-day” needs! I always need more healthy side-dishes, though.

  • Tina Davila
    October 10, 2013 at 4:00 pm

    I am a fan on facebook. I love your page. I would like to see a recipe for vegetable lasagna.

  • Nicia
    October 10, 2013 at 3:43 pm

    Happy Anniversary and Happy Birthday! You seem to be handling turning 30 MUCH better than I did a few years ago. Keep those awesome recipes coming! :)

  • Erica Conger
    October 10, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Hi D! I did not know you had a cooking blog! Thanks for the heads up Alison :) I cannot seem to bake sugar cookies. I have tried so many recipes and they all taste terrible! Do you have a special one that you use? Thanks :)

  • Lindsay
    October 10, 2013 at 1:35 pm

    Follow you on Pinterest

  • Lindsay
    October 10, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    Like you on Facebook

  • Lindsay
    October 10, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    As a fellow home cook food blogger, I enjoy seeing what you are up to in your kitchen. Would love to see more about what kitchen gadgets you can’t live without.

  • Wendryn
    October 10, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    And liked on Facebook. :)

  • Wendryn
    October 10, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Followed you on Twitter.

  • Wendryn
    October 10, 2013 at 1:01 pm

    I really enjoy your recipes!

  • Amy Theberge
    October 10, 2013 at 12:55 pm

    It’s been such fun re-connecting with you through your blog and our mutual love of all things FOOD!

    All your recipes are great and inspire me. I would love to see more low-carb recipes on here, since that is how we eat most nights. Keep up the good work!

  • Maureen
    October 10, 2013 at 12:43 pm

    …and just started following your PInterest Board. Love the recipes!

  • Maureen
    October 10, 2013 at 12:42 pm

    Follow you on Facebook!

  • jmk
    October 10, 2013 at 12:25 pm

    I love your blog!

  • jmk
    October 10, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    Pinterest followed!

  • jmk
    October 10, 2013 at 12:24 pm

    Facebook like!

  • Pamela Joy
    October 9, 2013 at 9:27 am

    I follow you on twitter.

  • Pamela Joy
    October 9, 2013 at 9:25 am

    I follow you on Facebook.

  • Pamela Joy
    October 9, 2013 at 9:23 am

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  • Pamela Joy
    October 9, 2013 at 9:22 am

    Happy 5 year blog birthday ! I would more ‘vegetarian ‘ recipes Love today’s which is the chickpea cakes. I am a bit late on thinking about what to ask for. :) Love your blog and today is the one year anniversary or it was a few days ago that I found your blog!

  • Megan
    October 9, 2013 at 7:12 am

    I follow on Fb.

  • Megan
    October 9, 2013 at 7:11 am

    I follow on Pinterest http://www.pinterest.com/javaaddict/

  • Megan
    October 9, 2013 at 7:10 am

    I’d love to see more recipes that are one pot meals – either slow cooker or preferably french oven! Happy Anni!

  • Tammy
    October 8, 2013 at 11:26 pm

    Following on twitter!!

  • Chicagomark773
    October 8, 2013 at 2:37 pm

    Chicken gizzards and frog legs.

    Now following on Twitter and Pin, liked on FB.

    Mark

  • Megan E.
    October 8, 2013 at 1:59 pm

    I liked your Facebook page!

  • Megan E.
    October 8, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I followed you on Twitter!

  • Megan Eunson
    October 8, 2013 at 1:58 pm

    I look forward to your daily email – always something new and tasty to make.

  • Tammy
    October 8, 2013 at 12:12 pm

    Just saw i was already following you on facebook and pinterest.

  • Tammy
    October 8, 2013 at 11:21 am

    Hello, wanted to congratulate you first! May you share your wknderful thoughts and recipes with us for forever. Thank you for making such a great blog i love trying your recipes because everything I’ve tried so far tastes delicious and your directions are great as well. I would really love to see your take on pumpkin bread I have a recipe for it but would love to see how you would do it. Also I’ve always wanted to make lobster ravioli but never had the guts to give it a shot until I found a good recipe. Since I love your flavors I think I’ll love your recipe for it. Will be followkng on pinterest, liking on facebook and tweeting on twitter.

  • Linda
    October 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I also pinned you on Pinterest!

  • Linda
    October 8, 2013 at 10:40 am

    I liked Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook!

  • Linda
    October 8, 2013 at 10:39 am

    I love your website and recipes! I made the turkey siracha meatballs and love them!

  • Melissa
    October 8, 2013 at 6:28 am

    Following on pinterest-yay! More recipes, many I have not seen!

  • Melissa
    October 8, 2013 at 6:26 am

    Any kind of soup! You do comfort food so well!

  • Maegan
    October 8, 2013 at 5:28 am

    Happy Blogiversary! I’ve been following your blog for a few years now and it’s one that I check on a daily basis. I remember I first stumbled across it because I was Googling recipes for homemade shrimp po’ boys (and they were delicious — that spicy mayo you included is still one of my favorite blog finds!) and then I liked teh recipe so much that I went through all of your archived recipes, too. Congratulations, Des — you do a fantastic job!

    As for new/future recipes, I love all things texmex and asian, so more recipes of that nature would not be unwelcome! :)

  • Nahall
    October 8, 2013 at 5:17 am

    You are Fab and love to try all you post! Keep on cooking!

  • Jae
    October 8, 2013 at 4:23 am

    Congratulations! How about a good Pork chop recipe!? Either Brined and dry rubbed or marinated?

  • Jessica
    October 8, 2013 at 3:37 am

    Liked on Facebook.

  • Stephanie
    October 8, 2013 at 1:33 am

    I’ve liked you on Facebook, as well.

  • Stephanie
    October 8, 2013 at 1:33 am

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  • Stephanie
    October 8, 2013 at 1:32 am

    I would love to see more desserts! Chocolate, chocolate, chocolate!

  • Robyn
    October 8, 2013 at 12:16 am

    Following you on Pinterest now!

  • Robyn
    October 8, 2013 at 12:14 am

    I already follow you on FB.

  • Robyn
    October 8, 2013 at 12:13 am

    I’m always looking for new and interesting egg dishes, because they are such a good source of protein. Nothing runny though, so the little one can eat it. Happy blogiversary! I love reading your blog!

  • Charlyene Cisneros
    October 8, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Love you on Pinterest! Happy 5th Anniversary. Been looking for a recipe for a great seafood including crab lasagna in a red sauce

  • Cindy B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:58 pm

    I follow Life’s Ambrosia on Twitter.

  • Cindy B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:57 pm

    I like Life’s Ambrosia on Facebook.

  • Cindy B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:56 pm

    I follow Life’s Ambrosia on Pinterest.

  • Cindy B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:55 pm

    Happy 5th Blogiversary Deseree! I been loving your recipes for awhile now, so keep them coming, maybe you could throw in a carrot cake recipe or dessert for me :)

  • Charlyene Cisneros
    October 7, 2013 at 11:51 pm

    I love your blog, just found it when checking a recipe on Pinterest. I would like a great recipe for seafood lasagna a red sauce

  • Melody Frye
    October 7, 2013 at 10:05 pm

    I can’t believe u r going to turn 30. I still think of u as a teenager. U havegrown into a wonderful woman with a. beautiful little family. I am still laughing at your little man chasing u saying “Beast Mode”. It is too cute. I have used so many of your recipes and they r so good. Is there a good unique recipe for bananas? No bread or frozen beverage. Thanks Sweetie. Happy Anniversary.

  • teresa sulyok
    October 7, 2013 at 9:39 pm

    happy blog 5 birthday! i really enjoy and appreciate your recipes.

  • Leslie
    October 7, 2013 at 9:14 pm

    I’ve been looking for a recipe for old fashioned tea party type cucumber sandwiches. I especially like vintage old style family recipes.

  • Gloria R.
    October 7, 2013 at 9:07 pm

    I am always looking for new casserole and soup recipes. This is the time of the year when I look most of all. Cold weather will be on us soon (already in some parts of the country) and these are the foods that are made for winter, plus a great loaf of fresh baked bread. :)

  • Gloria R.
    October 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I am following you on Twitter.

  • Gloria R.
    October 7, 2013 at 9:01 pm

    I am a fan on Facebook.

  • Gloria R.
    October 7, 2013 at 9:00 pm

    I am following you on Pinterest <3

  • Edie
    October 7, 2013 at 8:15 pm

    Following you on Twitter – Happy 5th Anniversary!

  • Sarai
    October 7, 2013 at 7:42 pm

    What I like about the blog is that you really think about your ingredients. I think that if anything I would like a recipe that uses what most people keep in their pantries but still kind of fancy

  • Diane Haberlack
    October 7, 2013 at 7:38 pm

    Love your blog and many of the recipes you share with us!! I have been looking for a celery root salad recipe similar to the one my dad used to make without any luck. All I can remember is sour cream vinegar and paprika. Any thoughts or suggestions? Thanks for all the sharing with us.

  • Debbie Currier-Hornyak
    October 7, 2013 at 7:31 pm

    Follow you on FB – just love your recipes and little look-see’s into your day-to-day life! Thank you for a wonderful blog and congratulations!

  • Diane Haberlack
    October 7, 2013 at 7:29 pm

    Have been following your blog and Pinterest as well, now Facebook! Love the many recipes I have gotten from you. I have been looking for a recipe for celery root salad like my dad used to make. Many out there but not the right ones. I remember sour cream and vinegar and paprika. Any ideas? Thanks for sharing with us!!

  • Rekaya Gibson
    October 7, 2013 at 7:23 pm

    I would like to see more slow cooker recipes during the fall/winter months and more drink recipes in Spring/Summer months.

  • Rekaya Gibson
    October 7, 2013 at 7:22 pm

    I follow you on Twitter already.

  • Rekaya Gibson
    October 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    I follow you on Facebook already.

  • Rekaya Gibson
    October 7, 2013 at 7:21 pm

    I follow you on Pinterest already.

  • Joyce
    October 7, 2013 at 6:04 pm

    Following on Pinterest!

  • Joyce
    October 7, 2013 at 6:03 pm

    I love all things salad and tacos!

  • Jen B.
    October 7, 2013 at 5:41 pm

    I would like to see different twists on enchilada recipes.

  • Jen B.
    October 7, 2013 at 5:40 pm

    I follow your Pinterest page.

  • Jen B.
    October 7, 2013 at 5:38 pm

    I am a fan on Facebook.

  • Patsy
    October 7, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    I follow you on Pinteres.

  • Patsy
    October 7, 2013 at 4:25 pm

    I’m a fan on facebook

  • Patsy
    October 7, 2013 at 4:24 pm

    I’m so glad you started writing this blog. I came here a while back and made your Oven Fried Chicken with panko and I’ve been coming back ever since. Happy blogiversary!!
    I only make hot chocolate using the Mexican chocolate called Abuelita. I’d love to see you make a dessert using this chocolate.

  • Sherri
    October 7, 2013 at 3:05 pm

    I love, love, love all your recipes! They are my go to recipes when entertaining, especially when I have my annual Fall Girls weekend get-together. I would love to see a recipe for a vegetarian meatloaf. Congrats on 5 years!

  • Lenelle
    October 7, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Liked on Fb^_^

  • Tina Stewart
    October 7, 2013 at 2:14 pm

    Following your boards on Pinterest

  • Tina Stewart
    October 7, 2013 at 2:13 pm

    Liked you and following you on FB

  • Zoe
    October 7, 2013 at 2:02 pm

    I’d love to see another recipe featuring halibut. :) Happy blogiversary!

  • Lauren
    October 7, 2013 at 1:24 pm

    follow on pinterest

  • Lauren
    October 7, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    follow on fb

  • Jessica
    October 7, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Could you put srircha in a dessert??? Hmmmm.

  • Lauren
    October 7, 2013 at 1:23 pm

    Happy anniversary! How about some good easy dessert bar recipes… for when I’m too lazy for multiple cookie batches.

  • Megan
    October 7, 2013 at 1:13 pm

    Anything involving a slowcooker

  • Sarah
    October 7, 2013 at 1:03 pm

    I have liked your facebook

  • Sarah
    October 7, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    I already follow you on pinterest

  • Sarah
    October 7, 2013 at 1:02 pm

    Clean eating recioes

  • Jessica
    October 7, 2013 at 12:40 pm

    Follow you on pinterest :)

  • Jessica
    October 7, 2013 at 12:39 pm

    Liked on facebook

  • Jessica
    October 7, 2013 at 12:38 pm

    I would love to see a lasagna.

  • Pearl dang
    October 7, 2013 at 11:52 am

    I follow u on Pinterest

  • Pearl dang
    October 7, 2013 at 11:48 am

    I would love to see a recipe for pho or a potato soup. Comfort foods for the cold days ahead.

  • Pearl dang
    October 7, 2013 at 11:46 am

    I like u on facebook

  • Melissa
    October 7, 2013 at 11:36 am

    I follow you on pinterest

  • Melissa
    October 7, 2013 at 11:36 am

    I like you on facebook

  • Melissa
    October 7, 2013 at 11:35 am

    Poached eggs.

  • Celeste B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I like you on FB.

  • Celeste B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:26 am

    I follow you on Pinterest.

  • Celeste B.
    October 7, 2013 at 11:26 am

    Scallops. They intimidate me.

  • minta blankenship
    October 7, 2013 at 11:17 am

    I follow you on facebook :)

  • Nami | Just One Cookbook
    October 7, 2013 at 11:14 am

    Congratulations on the 5th blogiversary! Wow!!! You’re a food blogger pro! I wish I knew your blog when you started, but I guess it’s better than never. I’m just happy that I found you this year. :) And what a generous giveaway! Since I already have a giveaway, you can exclude me so your other readers have more chance to win. :) Congrats again!

  • Rachel
    October 7, 2013 at 11:01 am

    I’d love to see a recipe for pork belly. I’ve had it in restaurants and love it, but I don’t have any idea how to make it! :)

  • Emily
    October 7, 2013 at 10:58 am

    I follow you on Facebook!

  • Emily
    October 7, 2013 at 10:58 am

    Congratulations on 5 years!! I love your recipes, especially your different takes on pizza. Keep those coming!! :)

  • Nikki
    October 7, 2013 at 10:51 am

    Your blog has been so helpful with easy and fast recipes for get togethers. Everyone loves the roasted garlic cream cheese wontons! :) Happy Birthday to you and to LA! :)

  • Nikki
    October 7, 2013 at 10:43 am

    I follow you on Pinterest! :)

  • Nikki
    October 7, 2013 at 10:42 am

    I follow you on Twitter

  • Nikki
    October 7, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Facebook liked

  • Karen
    October 7, 2013 at 10:41 am

    Your blog has quickly become my Go-To Site for recipes. With the saturation of sites out there, it’s nice to find a favorite that is consistent, funny, and friendly. Off to post on FB, then follow you on Twitter. I don’t dabble too much in Pinterest, but maybe I will now…..

    Thanks D!!!!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

    Sharing is Caring

    Help spread the word. You're awesome for doing it!