The Kitchenmaid is ONE

Like most blogs, The Kitchenmaid had a long gestational period. With the naivety of most first-time mothers I thought it would be a good maternity leave project, something to keep my brain moving. I was going to run it in my spare time, along with website on parenting, training for a half-marathon and continuing my freelance work, because, you know, babies are really easy. Yeah, right. Pull the other one, sweetheart, it's got chocolate cream cheese icing on it.

Anyway, today marks one year since my first tentative post. I'd like to thank Joan of Sempiterna Me, who acted as an encouraging midwife, and everyone who has stopped by and shared their thoughts, tips and ideas ever since. I couldn't - or indeed wouldn't - do this without you. And last but by no means least, thanks to the Small Girl and Boy Wonder who help out in all sorts of ways, not least by being such appreciative eaters.

Now - it might be The Kitchenmaid's birthday, but I'd like YOU to get the presents. So, thanks to the generosity of Penguin Books, Visa Wellington On A Plate and Whittaker's Chocolate, I have a bumper hamper of loot to give away.

There's a copy of Alexa Johnston's new book, What's For Pudding?, a Visa Wellington On A Plate goody bag loaded with Wairarapa pinot noir and olive oil, plus a Wellington On A Plate apron and tea towel, AND a whole box - that's 10 x 250g slabs - of Whittaker's 72% Dark Ghana Chocolate (which will be split up into pairs).

All you have to do to be in to win is:

1. Become a follower of The Kitchenmaid if you aren't already. It's easy, really it is...
2. Leave a comment below, telling me what you'd like to see more (or less) of on this blog - baking? cooking advice? gluten-free ideas? book reviews? pictures of animals? relationship advice?
3. Spread the word - for every extra mention you give this giveaway (and The Kitchenmaid) on Twitter, Facebook, your blog, your national radio or TV show, your local deli, your hairdresser etc, you get an extra chance at winning. (Just nip back and leave another comment to let me know.)
4. This giveaway is open to readers in all geographical locations, though it will help if you have a reliable postal service. Actually, it might be tricky to arrange posting wine and olive oil, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it...

Don't forget to tell me what you'd like to see more of on The Kitchenmaid, because cooking for one just isn't fun. Good luck!