Vegan Planet: La Befana and Party Vegan Giveaway!

Thursday, January 6, 2011

La Befana and Party Vegan Giveaway!

While many of us know today is the feast of the Ephiphany or “trree kings,” as they used to say back home, today is also La Befana day.

LaBefana is an old woman of Italian folklore who delivers gifts throughout Italy on the night before Epiphany. La Befana is usually portrayed as an old lady wearing a black shawl and riding on a broomstick. She is often depicted as smiling, carrying a bag filled with gifts, and covered in soot because, like Santa Claus, she enters houses through the chimney, leaving toys and candy for the good children and coal or garlic for bad children. She is also said to sweep the floor before she leaves a house. Much like leaving cookies and milk for Santa, Italian families typically leave a glass of wine and a small plate of food for La Befana. In some regions, the food includes broccoli and sausage (!).
Just in case the legend is true, I made some pasta with broccoli and vegan sausage so I could leave a snack for La Befana, along with some good Italian wine – a crisp vernachia from San Gimignano. I don’t mind if LaBefana leaves me garlic (who can’t use more garlic?) instead of candy, as long as she sweeps my house before she leaves!

Cookbook Giveaway: In honor of LaBefana, I’m giving away a gift to one lucky someone – a copy of my latest book, Party Vegan! Much more than a “party” book, Party Vegan is filled with great recipes and menus for everyday meals as well as special occasions throughout the year, from a guy-friendly Super Bowl party to a New Year’s Eve appetizer party.
To enter: leave a comment at the end of this post.
For a second chance to win: link to this post from your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and then leave a second post, telling me you did so. That’s it! I’ll choose the winner at random (using Random.org) on Wednesday, January 12 at midnight EST. The winner will be announced here on Thursday, January 13.

Labels: book giveaway, cookbook contest, LaBefana, Party Vegan

# posted by Robin at Vegan Planet @ 9:57 AM

Comments:

I've never heard of La Befana but I certainly wouldnt mind her popping round mine, especially as she'll sweep the floor when she leaves!!! I'd love to win a copy of your book please enter me :)

# posted by

Unknown : January 6, 2011 at 10:12 AM

I would LOVE to win this book! I have fallen off the vegan wagon, but thanks to the current PCRM 21-Day Vegan Kickstart, I am back on! This book would be a great addition to my collection.

# posted by

Julie : January 6, 2011 at 10:14 AM

I also posted about this giveaway to my Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/julie.sheridan2

# posted by

Julie : January 6, 2011 at 10:14 AM

I've retweeted your tweet too for a second chance to win!!!

# posted by

Unknown : January 6, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Oh, I also tweeted the giveaway! http://twitter.com/#!/BrooklynJulie

# posted by

Julie : January 6, 2011 at 10:16 AM

Interesting! I'd never heard of La Befana. Sounds like a great tradition though.

# posted by

Candy Beans : January 6, 2011 at 10:18 AM

I linked in my blog and on Facebook :)

http://veganshowdown.blogspot.com/2011/01/party-vegan-give-away.html

# posted by

Candy Beans : January 6, 2011 at 10:21 AM

My wife would love this book. Please let it be me!

# posted by

Ben : January 6, 2011 at 10:24 AM

I would love to wing this cookbook, it's another one on my wish list. Thanks

# posted by

Jess E : January 6, 2011 at 10:26 AM

I have long been a big fan of La Befana. And I would much prefer garlic to candy!

# posted by

Lizzie Bordello : January 6, 2011 at 10:28 AM

I have never heard of La Befana either! I must put this one on my calendar. I love any excuse to celebrate...especially with food!

# posted by

Veg-In-Training : January 6, 2011 at 10:33 AM

This book sounds great! I'm a more recent vegetarian turned to vegan and I'd love something I could throw together for some of my gatherings.

# posted by

Aleris : January 6, 2011 at 10:33 AM

I have posted about this in my facebook, go go second chance!

# posted by

Aleris : January 6, 2011 at 10:39 AM

I've never heard the story of La Befana, but its great! Thanks for sharing. I'd love to win a copy of Party Vegan as I'm transitioning to a Vegan diet.

# posted by

Lacey : January 6, 2011 at 10:42 AM

And I retweeted!

# posted by

Lacey : January 6, 2011 at 10:44 AM

Thank you! Your giveaway's are awesome!!
I posted you on my blog! (http://kudos2uwendy.blogspot.com/)
I was an almost vegan, kept slipping a bit with some foods, but with the new year is a new commitment to myself and my health. No more slipping! 100% VEGAN!!

# posted by

A bit of hodge podge : January 6, 2011 at 10:59 AM

PLEASE throw my name in the hat! what an awesome giveaway!

# posted by

jayedee : January 6, 2011 at 11:07 AM

hi robin! i really need to win this one as i have the vegan on the cheap and the 1000 vegan recipes books. i don't know what i did before buying your books. now i can make delicious easy food that even my carnivore hubs likes. no more living on hummus and rice and beans.

hugs

shelley

# posted by

sweetpea : January 6, 2011 at 11:08 AM

posted the link on my facebook as well...and i'm heading to twitter to do the same!

# posted by

jayedee : January 6, 2011 at 11:08 AM

a witch who sweeps your house? how considerate! :) i'd love to win your new cookbook.

# posted by

sara : January 6, 2011 at 11:08 AM

robin, your blog is on my sidebar on my blog where it will stay!

hugs,

shelley

# posted by

sweetpea : January 6, 2011 at 11:09 AM

I love your blog, and I've recently committed to the vegan diet. I'd love to have Party Vegan, because I think one of our most important missions is to get omni friends to try vegan foods... It's the first step to conversion!

# posted by

Genisis : January 6, 2011 at 11:29 AM

I've never heard of her before... how cool! I love that she rides a broomstick :-)

# posted by

HeyitsBeth : January 6, 2011 at 12:19 PM

I would love this book - I have almost all of yoru others. Fingers crossed!

# posted by

Elizabeth : January 6, 2011 at 12:34 PM

I would LOVE to win this book! My boyfriend and I need to get out of our vegan rut- spaghetti, vegan tacos, Chinese, rice, etc.

# posted by

SuziG : January 6, 2011 at 12:36 PM

You know, it wasn't until about a month after I had been following your blog that I realized I owned one of your books! Quick-fix Vegetarian. I love it! :) I would love to win another one of your books.

# posted by

BlissfuLife : January 6, 2011 at 1:55 PM

I would love the book. I just purchased your 1000 vegan recipes and look forward to trying them.
Dolores

# posted by

Dolores : January 6, 2011 at 1:56 PM

Oh my, what I wouldn't give to have a copy of Party Vegan!!! My cookbook collection is still very small but slowly growing. All of the pictures I have seen from that book look amazing!!!

# posted by

mmmorgans : January 6, 2011 at 2:27 PM

I tweeted the link back to your contest

# posted by

mmmorgans : January 6, 2011 at 2:30 PM

I facebooked the link back to your contest

# posted by

mmmorgans : January 6, 2011 at 2:31 PM

What a great story! I will have to make some vegan sausage and broccoli tonight for dinner! I have been vegan for just over a year and love every minute of it! I would love to win you new book so I can entertain my non-vegan pals and blow them away!

# posted by

Tulip Tallulah : January 6, 2011 at 2:36 PM

I also posted on my facebook to be entered a second time - http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000590027796

# posted by

Tulip Tallulah : January 6, 2011 at 2:38 PM

Your book looks great, Robin. I'm excited to see it!

# posted by

Mary : January 6, 2011 at 2:48 PM

I did not know anything about La Befana, but I love reading about new customs and traditions. I would also love to win this book because we love having parties!

# posted by

Jenny : January 6, 2011 at 2:53 PM

I am Launching a new Vegan blog site very soon.. http://www.partylikeavegan.com
sign up for newsletters, and get notified when its launched!!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 6, 2011 at 2:57 PM

I really want to win this time :))

# posted by

Julia May : January 6, 2011 at 3:22 PM

Never heard of La Befana, but it sounds like a wonderful tradition! I'd love a copy of your book, I could always use some omni-friendly recipes!

# posted by

Erica Rose : January 6, 2011 at 3:41 PM

I looked through this book at the store last week and it looks amazing! I'm saving my pennies, but if I win the book I promise to spend them on something equally awesome :)

# posted by

radioactivegan : January 6, 2011 at 4:18 PM

I am totally a party vegan - now I just need the book!! : )

# posted by

Stephanie : January 6, 2011 at 4:18 PM

This La Befana thing sounds like so much fun! I am going to consider her the feminist counterpart to Santa, lol.

Party Vegan is the only book on my list that I didn't get for Christmas so I am hoping that I either win it in this contest or that La Befana brings it tonight! Either way, I will leave out some broccoli, sausage and wine!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 6, 2011 at 4:19 PM

I posted on Facebook as well. Too bad it will just give me competition. ; )

# posted by

Stephanie : January 6, 2011 at 4:20 PM

Partay time!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 6, 2011 at 4:33 PM

I got this from Stephanie's page. I am about to post on Facebook as well! I am Italian and I had never heard this before. Thanks for sharing!

# posted by

VeggieAmanda : January 6, 2011 at 4:36 PM

Cool! An Italian broom fairy who leaves gifts. Awesome. I would love to win this cookbook!

# posted by

Chris & Ang's Weight Loss Adventure : January 6, 2011 at 4:42 PM

Would love to be entered for this giveaway! I don't have a copy of Party Vegan yet, and really really want one :)

# posted by

Sarah S. : January 6, 2011 at 4:51 PM

ooh, I love your books!

# posted by

Nichole : January 6, 2011 at 5:04 PM

I just contributed three wonderful vegan dishes to a NYE potluck, which were big successes! I would love to win this book to help me throw some parties of my own :)

# posted by

G : January 6, 2011 at 5:05 PM

I've never heard of La Befana, either.

# posted by

Amanda @ Hungry Vegan Traveler : January 6, 2011 at 5:15 PM

I would love to win the book. I bet it's full of great recipes!!

# posted by

Just Us : January 6, 2011 at 5:27 PM

Happy Three Kings Day! Vive la Befana!

# posted by

Unknown : January 6, 2011 at 6:29 PM

I would love to be visited by the garlic fairy, I'm running a little low!

# posted by

Leah : January 6, 2011 at 6:52 PM

I've never heard of La Befana before...really interesting tradition!

# posted by

palindrome : January 6, 2011 at 7:02 PM

I'd really like to win this book!

# posted by

Jodie : January 6, 2011 at 7:31 PM

This comment has been removed by the author.

# posted by

Jodie : January 6, 2011 at 7:32 PM

I also tweeted this post! I'm pickyvegan on Twitter.

# posted by

Jodie : January 6, 2011 at 7:35 PM

Thank you so much for sharing the La Befana legend; I hadn't heard of it before! And thank you for the giveaway!

# posted by

Jenni (aka Vegyogini) : January 6, 2011 at 7:38 PM

I really want to win this book! PLEASE pick me random generator!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 6, 2011 at 7:53 PM

Posted link on my facebook too!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 6, 2011 at 7:59 PM

La Befana vien di notte con le scarpe tutte rotte con le toppe alla sottana Viva, Viva La Befana!

# posted by

ntrenis : January 6, 2011 at 8:01 PM

I'm vegan and I like to party!

# posted by

Chris : January 6, 2011 at 8:04 PM

Everything looks so delicious!

# posted by

vegan : January 6, 2011 at 9:09 PM

I am eating more and more vegan foods these days and would love a copy of Vegan Planet!

# posted by

janet @ the taste space : January 6, 2011 at 9:17 PM

I am ashamed to say that I didn't know that today is the feast of the Ephiphany or La Befana day - I had no idea what it was! But it is so great to not only learn about great new recipes on your blog BUT cultural knowledge from around the world! Good deal!!

# posted by

Vegan in Boston : January 6, 2011 at 9:37 PM

I also posted this on facebook!! (This is me: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=910163)

# posted by

Vegan in Boston : January 6, 2011 at 9:40 PM

She sweeps the floor?! i think i love her!

# posted by

Unknown : January 6, 2011 at 11:14 PM

Your new book looks great!

rebeccastar at gmail dot com

# posted by

Becca : January 6, 2011 at 11:18 PM

I'd love to get my hands on that cook book! :)

# posted by

pysanki.blogspot.com : January 6, 2011 at 11:54 PM

Your blog is always on my sidebar for all my visitors to see. :)

# posted by

pysanki.blogspot.com : January 6, 2011 at 11:54 PM

yes, yes, more garlic please!

# posted by

moonsword : January 7, 2011 at 12:16 AM

Party Vegan sounds great. Please count me in.

# posted by

Mona : January 7, 2011 at 12:22 AM

What a great offer...and now I can say I know what La Befana is all about. Please include me in the draw!

# posted by

VeganSolo : January 7, 2011 at 1:21 AM

I also posted it here...
http://vegansolo.blogspot.com/

# posted by

VeganSolo : January 7, 2011 at 1:27 AM

What a wonderful bit of folklore. How sweet that she sweeps the home before she leaves. I'd love to have a copy of your book. Hosting non-vegans for parties always leaves me looking for new ideas on what to serve. I'm sure your book is stuffed with great menus, recipes and ideas.

# posted by

Teslaca : January 7, 2011 at 6:43 AM

I would love to win a copy of your book! I believe I use 1000 Vegan Recipes daily..and that is no joke.

# posted by

Anonymous : January 7, 2011 at 10:50 AM

I would put this book to very good use. Thanks for offering this. I will be posting this to my Facebook page too.

# posted by

Patty : January 7, 2011 at 11:25 AM

La Befana sounds like fun!

# posted by

Roe : January 7, 2011 at 12:18 PM

La Befana sounds like fun!

# posted by

Roe : January 7, 2011 at 12:19 PM

What a cool story! I would love to win your cookbook! Please enter me :)

I just started a new vegan cooking blog you guys should check out!

http://moreleaflessbeef.blogspot.com/

I'm going to try updating everyday with yummy recipes! Thanks!!

# posted by

Unknown : January 7, 2011 at 12:23 PM

I throw several parties a year, always serving vegan goodies, and would love a new batch of recipes to choose from!

# posted by

Barb : January 7, 2011 at 12:35 PM

If I believed in luck I would say that it's been pretty bad lately... fortunately I try not to get tied up in that mindset. I know I have good Karma coming my way and maybe, just maybe, it will be in the form of a cookbook that will get me more good karma points because I know my friends and family will also love it if i win this!! Enjoyed Learning of La Befana - shared it with my 16 year old son - btw - he is a big fan of your recipes too!

# posted by

Unknown : January 7, 2011 at 4:16 PM

Official entry here.

# posted by

panda with cookie : January 7, 2011 at 4:20 PM

I love Robin's "Vegan Fire and Spice" and would love a chance to "party vegan" (with a glass of La Befana of course!).

# posted by

Michelle : January 7, 2011 at 4:20 PM

Second entry on my FB page which I don't know how to link to directly. http://www.facebook.com/PandaWithCookie

# posted by

panda with cookie : January 7, 2011 at 4:21 PM

I had not heard of La Befana,it is interesting. I will gladly put out any food and drunk she wants if she will sweep the floors before she leaves. I would love to win a copy of your book. thanks for the opportunity.

# posted by

marshowl : January 7, 2011 at 4:45 PM

Just posted on my twitter feed. I'd love the book to help supplement my pre-football game feasts!

# posted by

Bill (vegan8korean) : January 7, 2011 at 5:00 PM

I would love to win the book as I like to have parties and gatherings and feed guests lovely vegan food and I could do with expanding my repetoire of recipes!

# posted by

Tea and Sympatico : January 7, 2011 at 5:11 PM

I would love to win a copy as I love to play the roll of hostess with the mostest............yummy vegan treats that is, to try to convince all my carnivorous friends that they they can live without eating animals and their bi products!

# posted by

Kaya : January 7, 2011 at 6:06 PM

I've not heard of La Befana., but she sounds like my kind of Santa, one who brings gifts and cleans! wow. would love to have your new book.

# posted by

kristina : January 7, 2011 at 6:14 PM

I made the chickpea-artichoke bites for New Year's Eve and I'd love to make many more of the recipes from this book.

# posted by

Karen's Vegan Kitchen : January 7, 2011 at 6:30 PM

MMM, the dish in that photo looks yummy. I'd happily celebrate that!

# posted by

Desina : January 7, 2011 at 6:45 PM

Always hoping for a chance to win!

# posted by

Angie : January 7, 2011 at 7:12 PM

Party on! Thanks for offering us a chance to win!!

# posted by

Jennie Kerwood : January 7, 2011 at 7:17 PM

OK, I posted the link to my Facebook page. So I think I am all set to be entered twice in your contest. THANKS!

# posted by

Jennie Kerwood : January 7, 2011 at 7:21 PM

Enter me please!

# posted by

Unknown : January 7, 2011 at 7:50 PM

I blogged here:
http://www.blogger.com/publish-confirmation.g?blogID=827148446326391014&postID=3000982432113475829&timestamp=1294447726897&javascriptEnabled=true

perolasepingas@gmail.com

# posted by

Unknown : January 7, 2011 at 7:50 PM

I'm prety sure you could talk Santa into broccoli if you tried too. ;)

# posted by

Unknown : January 7, 2011 at 8:24 PM

I'd love to get this book! I just recently got 1K vegan recipes and love it.

# posted by

Amanda : January 8, 2011 at 9:52 AM

and i just posted this on my twitter! (@pearlgirl00)

# posted by

Amanda : January 8, 2011 at 11:18 AM

I still don't have Party Vegan...and I need it! :)

# posted by

Chef Amber Shea : January 8, 2011 at 1:42 PM

I enjoy your books, I enjoy your blog and I enjoy you on Facebook guess that makes me a big fan! Would love to win but I'm already a winner since I have quite a collection of your books already.

# posted by

CanYouReadMeNow : January 8, 2011 at 4:06 PM

Thanks for the contest. Looks like it would be a great book to win. Vegan parties are such fun and this would make them even better!!

# posted by

Ree : January 8, 2011 at 5:46 PM

Yay a vegan cookbook giveaway!

# posted by

Rebecca : January 8, 2011 at 11:32 PM

It woiuld be amazing to win this book! A lovely Befana present :)

# posted by

Nia : January 9, 2011 at 7:37 AM

I have linked this post on my twitter.

Forgot to add in my previous post, one of my favourite ways to eat pasta was with broccoli and pork. I'm not vegan but I like your recipes so much, that I have limited animal products to a minimum. Now I eat my pasta with broccoli, figs and nuts.

# posted by

Nia : January 9, 2011 at 7:41 AM

Somehow, I always end up cooking at almost every party I attend, so getting this book would be really great so that I can give my non-vegan friends even better party foods.

# posted by

Rasmus : January 9, 2011 at 8:47 AM

Lovely give-away :)

# posted by

Padmajha : January 9, 2011 at 12:37 PM

La Befana - leaves presents AND cleans your house! Who needs Conde Nast's jolly old elf when you can get someone to gift you for cleaning up after you? I love her. I believe La Befana, I believe.

# posted by

laurelvb : January 9, 2011 at 5:18 PM

I would love to win this book! I have your slow cooker and "Vegan on the Cheap" books and they have become "go-to" books for me.

# posted by

Bonnie : January 10, 2011 at 12:01 PM

i adore garlic, so i'll be on my worst behavior :)

i'd love to win this book - it'd be such a wonderful addition to my cookbook shelf!

# posted by

katie : January 10, 2011 at 12:36 PM

What an AWESOME idea for a book! I have a hard time knowing what to make for parties that isn't a full entree! I'd love to learn how to make vegan party food!

# posted by

E. : January 10, 2011 at 7:09 PM

Hello, well as so many others I would love to get my hands on your book!

# posted by

lownleeeynjul : January 11, 2011 at 1:47 AM

I posted this on FB! Always lovely to have one of your books gracing my shelves :-)

# posted by

Unknown : January 11, 2011 at 12:28 PM

Wow Robin, you know about la befana more than I do, and I'd lived in Italy for 30 years.....broccoli and sausage...

# posted by

Simona : January 11, 2011 at 12:29 PM

linked on my fb

# posted by

Simona : January 11, 2011 at 12:32 PM

I have a couple of your fantastic cookbooks, and would love to get my hands on this one!

# posted by

Unknown : January 11, 2011 at 12:38 PM

the holidays, with all non vegan family visiting has not been kind to me. Back to the joys of vegan eating, and for the super bowl, its ALL VEGAN in this house!

# posted by

An American in Merida : January 11, 2011 at 12:43 PM

I just found your blog, luckily since, I just became totally vegan. I would love a chance to win a copy of your book. Thanks Dianne

# posted by

Anonymous : January 11, 2011 at 6:54 PM

Would love to win a copy of Party Vegan!

# posted by

Anonymous : January 11, 2011 at 10:57 PM

I already own 5 of your cookbooks. They are some of the most used ones on the shelves

# posted by

Unknown : January 12, 2011 at 7:08 AM

I just discovered your blog and the first thing I see is this great giveaway! Count me in! Now I am off to read the rest of your blogs! Happy New Year!

Lolly

# posted by

Lolly : January 12, 2011 at 4:44 PM

Haha. I'm with you on the garlic. Sometimes it pays to be bad. :-)

# posted by

Jenn : January 12, 2011 at 6:59 PM

La Befana looks and sounds an awful lot like a "witch" I wonder if there is an origin here to be researched...

# posted by

Heather D-H : January 12, 2011 at 9:38 PM

I love vegan cookbooks! I'd love to win it!

# posted by

apricotqueen : January 12, 2011 at 11:47 PM

My cookbook shelf could always use another volume.

# posted by

Elizabeth : February 1, 2011 at 3:33 PM

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Thursday, January 6, 2011

La Befana and Party Vegan Giveaway!

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