A few years ago Dad came to visit Andy and me in England. It was early March, that last dreary month of winter. The trees were bare, the last of the snow was melting and everything was grey. But that week a tradition bloomed. One chilly day, Dad and I embarked on a mission: lamb shanks. We spent the better part of a day researching recipes, driving to the butcher’s, the wine shop and the supermarket. We prepped, we opened a bottle of wine and we got cooking. It was one of the best meals of my life, not only because the lamb shanks exceeded our wildest expectations, but because I was spending time with my Dad, which during the England years was a rare gift. We sat around the table and marveled at these shanks. I think we were simply surprised that we had cooked something that good.
Now whenever Dad and I are asked to cook (which isn’t all that often, making it even more special), we make lamb shanks. It has become our signature dish. We both have a deep love for lamb, but also that slow cooking process and that rich jus that makes meat fall off the bone. So when I saw that there was a new cookbook out by Jean Anderson called Falling Off the Bone, I knew that Dad and I had to have it. I talked about it all day, told friends about it and then before I had a chance to buy it, my friend Erika ordered it for me.
This past weekend Andy and I headed out to our family’s home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania for a mini vacation. Mom was away on book tour, so it was Dad, Andy and me again. Just like several years ago in England. A chilly night, a bottle of red and something “Falling off the Bone.” Though there are so many amazing recipes in this book (including lamb shanks), I already knew what we’d be making: Hassle-free Stew of Lamb with Peppers and Prosciutto.
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I am really excited about this book, particularly as the holiday season is approaching. Most of the recipes are one-dish dinners (which you know we love around here) and will be perfect for feeding hungry family and friends in the coming weeks. When the book arrived I spent a good hour looking through it and checking out all the mouth-watering recipes. I contacted Justin (who also has an awesome food blog) at Wiley to see if they would be interested in doing a giveaway. So we’re giving away a copy of Falling Off the Bone! To enter, just leave a comment letting us know what you’re feeling thankful for this week. Giveaway ends on Friday, November 12th at noon (EST).
The winner was Comment #81 – BEYOND today i am thankful for the friendship i share with my husband.
Carrie C. in VA says
Thankful for my husband and daughter who made my birthday this month a peaceful day.
Tammy T says
I am thankful for my family this week. My son has honor band auditions and my daughter is in competition for the reading bowl at school. I am full of pride for my children who never cease to amaze me.
Jean says
I’m thankful for a loving, healthy, thriving family. With daughters in college, it such a blessing to see them reach all their potential. I get to be the cheerleader rather than the coach!
Angie L says
I am so thankful for a supportive, understanding husband.
Megan says
As cliche as it is, I am feeling thankful for my wonderful (and crazy) family this week 🙂
Wendi @ Bon Appetit Hon says
I’m thankful for the wonderful people in my world.
JEAN ANDERSON says
So glad you liked FALLING OFF THE BONE, Maggy. It’s a book I’d longed to write for ages because I grew up eating soups and stews, pot roasts and Swiss steaks, Being the wife of a college professor, my mother couldn’t afford pricier steaks and prime ribs. To this day I prefer the tougher cuts of meat because they’re not only economical but also endlessly versatile and oh, so flavorful. Moreover, once in the pot, they practically cook themselves, filling the house with delicious aromas and the promise of a delicious dinner to come.
Amber | Bluebonnets & Brownies says
When you texted me about this book, I knew you must be in love. It’s already in my Amazon shopping cart, but if I can win it, I’ll just give that to my brother in law, who is the cook in their family, and would love something like this, carnivore that he is.
This week I am thankful for sisters who call you out of the blue when they know you’re missing home, and just talk to you about silly things and how much they love you.
nonnie says
I am thankful for a great job!
I am thankful for
Russanna says
I am thankful for health! So many around us are struggling with illnesses and cancer, so that really puts things into perspective.
Betsy says
That book sounds wonderful! I am thankful for my family!
Susan Ely says
I am thankful that in these difficult times we can take comfort in each other, in the Lord, and in simple homey food – like my bowl of oatmeal this morning.
Rebecca (Indecisive Baker) says
I’m thankful for my family. I can’t imagine how different life would be without them. And I’m glad I don’t have to!
Phoo-d says
This is my kind of cooking! (Perfect for fall and cold winter months.) This week I am thankful for my husband and life we have together.
julie says
I am thankful that my vacation time starts sometime today!
MaryAnn says
I’m thankful to be going to the AU/UGA football game this weekend ~ it gives me an excuse to cook & bake “big” for the tailgate party!
JenniferA says
Oh wow, you know I love a good one dish dinner!
I am thankful for so many things – my husband, friends, family, online community, thankful I am employed, extra thankful for my fuzzy little friends, thankful Thomas’ is selling the seasonal cranberry English muffins again…
Cassie Sue says
I am thankful for good friends and great family.
Sarah Fowler says
I’m thankful not every week is as insane as this one!
Debbie M. says
This week I am thankful for my wood burning stove that has been keeping my house cozy warm.
Angela says
I just got married a few months ago, so I am thankful for my husband and a good start to our marriage!
Kathie says
I am so very thankful for family, God’s blessings and good health!!
smartcat says
I am thankful for my health and family.
Sharon says
I am thankful that I can get outside in the unseasonably warm weather to clean up the yard.
Meghan says
I am so thankful that my parents are coming to visit us this weekend. I miss them!
kate C. says
I am really thankful for a less-busy week at work so I can have some time in the evenings to do something I want to do – instead of having to work all evening!
Tracy says
This books sounds wonderful! I’m feeling thankful for my husband…and that it hasn’t started snowing yet, haha.
Marianne Inman says
I am thankful and blessed to have my Mom (82), my Pop (92), my 2 sons and my host of friends to love and enjoy. Have had a lot of losses, but remain positive because through everything there is hope and love!
Regan N. says
looks like my kind of recipes! Yumm!
Heather says
I am thankful for the presence of music in my life.
Lovely post, and blog.
Kelly says
I am thankful for good health at the moment. Looking forward to seeing Pam on the book tour soon!
Thor Khov says
I am thankful for my boyfriend and all the wonderful time we get to spend together. <3
Lee Ann L. says
I am thankful for this blog. 😀
Vera says
so thankful for celebrating one year of marriage last weekend- and a wonderful one it’s been!
Melissa says
I am thankful for a great family and great friends that I get to share wonderful food with.
jacki says
I’m thankful that my pregnancy is going wonderfully, and that in in April I’ll have a baby girl!
Audrey says
I am thankful for my family!
Nicole says
I’m thankful for my two boys, my husband and my wonderful mother.
Elise says
I’m thankful that I can still afford food that falls off the bone! 🙂
Linda J-H says
I am thankful for family, pets, a warm home and our continued health.
Kim says
I am thankful for a wonderful husband who helped me get past difficult insecurities with his incredible support and encouragement. I feel truly blessed to be his wife.
I’m also thankful for awesome friends who provide a listening ear and can make you laugh your butt off. Yea, those people rule.
Roxanne says
Today I am especially thankful for family. I just took my parents (who are in their 80’s) to spend the day at school with our 13 year old for grandparents day. Tears of thankfulness streamed down my face I returned home. So blessed that they are are together to share this day.
bmk says
My family.
Tickled Red says
Every night and every morning I say thanks for my life, the path/life that he has chosen for me to lead, as well my beautiful family & friends that he has deemed to color it with 🙂
PS: i’m not enterning the contest since I am already the proud owner of a copy.
vesta says
I am thankful for my husband who works so hard to allow me to stay home with our 3 year old son.
Brittany says
I am thankful the weekend is almost here and that I get to spend it in lovely Chicago!
Joanne says
I am thankful for all the men and women who served in the Armed Forces over the years to keep our country free. I am free to come and go as I please, voice my opinions, and enjoy our beautiful country every day.
Trish says
I’m thankful for God and that even though I have some serious health issues going on right now, I am alive.
Ashley says
We just got a good report back from the vet on our sick pup, and for that I am VERY thankful.
Kathy Mak says
I am thankful for a healthy, loving family.