A big thank you to everyone who has been participating in this year’s Thankful November. I have really enjoyed the comments and I know all the readers have too.
A few days ago Gaylia asked if the books I’m giving away are from my personal collection. They are not, but they are some of my favorite books about the Appalachian region.
I keep an eye out for books at thrift stores and the like so that I can use them as giveaways. Another place the books come from is you. Readers often send me copies of books they think I can use in some way—from reading to giving away.
Another thing folks wonder about when they see the number of people who comment on a giveaway is how in the world do I choose a winner.
Back in the early days of the blog I had very few readers and if I hosted a giveaway there was only a handful of people who commented. It was easy to write out names and throw them in a bowl and let someone in my house draw a name. Today that would take way too much time.
Instead I use the handy random number generator. I put in the number of comments and let the generator pick the winner. The very first comment on a post is number one and the numbers increase with the next comment being number two and so on.
Last year I was able to give away a few copies of the cookbook Jim Casada and I wrote. No matter how careful the shippers and packers are there are always a couple of books that arrive with bent covers or some other minor flaw. And then there’s the ones I mess up by writing the wrong name or making some other typo as I inscribe them for someone who has purchased a book. Those are the type of cookbooks I gave away last year and I have a few more to give away this year as well.
Today’s Thankful November giveaway is a slightly damaged but new copy of Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food written by Jim Casada and Tipper Pressley. To be entered in the giveaway leave a comment on this post. Giveaway ends November 14, 2024. There will be two winners for this giveaway.
The winner of the used book Grandma Gatewood’s Walk is Lucy who said: “This sounds like the kind of story I would like to read. I have never been a hiker myself, but I would be cheering Grandma Gatewood along her journey wanting to know what came next.”
The winner of the cd Live to Never Die is Phillip Moore who said: “You are all three pretty amazing musicians. I really enjoyed that and looking forward to the next video.”
Lucy and Phillip send your mailing address to me at blindpigandtheacorn@gmail.com and I will get your book and cd on the way.
I’ll share more winners in the coming days so be on the lookout for the details.
Last night’s video: The Thread That Runs So True 27.
Tipper
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I LOVE your blog and your show! Each time I read or watch, I feel my blood pressure lowering… I have purchased two of your cookbooks but gave both away as gifts. I would treasure one of my own. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your entire family.
Tipper,
I was following your Thankful November series up until Nov. 9th and every day it’s the Nov 9th post again. Did you stop posting?
Hope-I have been posting everyday. Your emails might be going in your spam folder. Let me know if you don’t find them 🙂
i would truly treasure your cookbook.
Hi Tipper. I have tried a few of your recipes, my favorite is chess cake.
Winner, winner, chicken dinner! Congratulations to the ones that win!
Hi Tipper,
This is my first time commenting on your blog, although I’ve been following it for quite some time now. It all started with finding your “My Life in Appalachia” videos (the numbered ones). I was drawn in by all of the fascinating sights, sounds and stories you shared. I’m not Appalachian myself, but I can relate to your passion and enthusiasm for your culture (I’m passionate about my own in the same way)–dog-earing every page and highlighting every word that relates to it. Plumb foolish, I guess you could say. (: I hope Granny is doing well. She is precious and hearing her talk reminds me of my late grandmother. As far as the giveaway goes, I’m crossing my fingers.
Tipper I very much enjoy you, Matt, Katie, Corie, Austin, Granny, Paul, the grand babies and the music on each of your videos. I love the cooking too! Thank you for sharing your recipes.
I was born and raised in New England, very different style of cooking; I’ve enjoyed learning the Appalachian food ways from Tipper, there is simple enjoyment of doing so.
Hi Tipper
Would love to win your cook book I love all your recipes! I also love your YouTube channel!
Joanna Spears
I hope you are enjoying these warm November days and cooler nights. These days I don’t cook a whole lot, but I sure can sit down and read a cookbook from front to back and enjoy it!
Sending out best wishes to you all and your fans. Congrats to the winners!
Well Tipper. I have had your boid for a long while and use it a lot. But I have never been able to get to a book signing yet. It works be wonderful to have a book signed by you
I have a problem with cookbooks. I want them all!!
I really enjoy watching your vlog when you make one of your recipes from the cookbook. And occasionally you make one of Jim’s recipes. That’s always a treat!
Your cookbooks sound interesting… would love to win!!
I would love o e of the cookbook Tipper. I do collect them. They have so many different things to cook. It be nice close to Thanksgiving and Christmas close. I bet there be some goodies in there.
Hi Tipper, I would very much love to win a copy of yours & Jim’s cookbook! I have made many of your recipes & have really enjoyed them. We especially enjoy the old fashioned cucumber relish.
Dear Tipper,
I found your YouTube channel accidentally summer 2023 and have been a follower ever since.
I’m of Italian heritage with my family having immigrated to Canada (way up north where we get loads of snow) and I find it fascinating that many of our foodways are so similar.
From the deep respect for the ground we use to grow our own bounty to how we preserve it to nourish our bodies during winter – it’s amazing to see how the cultures overlap.
Thank you for sharing your life with your readers.
Tipper I always ask for prayer and now I ask you to please pray for my husband who recently was released from ICU with two bloodclots still on his body.The Dr’s said they will dissolve with bloodthinners but these are three altogether since 2020.Please pray for a speedy recovery!Thank you!
Chrystal-I will pray for him!!
I’ve been eyeing your cookbook ever since it came out and would just be delighted to receive a copy.
Tipper and Family, I watch your videos every day. Such a pleasant respite from the turmoil that fills the airways. Thank you for what you do and please continue! I too live in Appalachia but find it interesting to see the differences in regions, languages, and food ways.
Enjoy trying out new recipes. Would love to win one of these cookbooks. Just enjoy reading your blog each day.
I’ve been an avid cookbook collector for years!!!!! I can never resist adding another cookbook to my large collection!!!
As usual, love you guys and the show
Tipper, if I get picked as one of the winners of this drawing I want you to send my cookbook to Ashley B. Reading her comment really touched my heart! 🙂 ❤
I enjoy your videos and got your cookbook. I would be happy for another copy to give away as a gift.
Love your morning greeting to us everyday! Wonderful stories to start our day!❤️
Watching your videos and just listening to your voices brings me so much joy. It all takes me back to my childhood with my big family all together at suppertime and enjoying the delicious meals my mom made from food we grew in our gardens and what my dad and brothers either caught in the lakes or brought from the deer and squirrel hunting. That’s how we survived. I’m one of those always saying how much I love Granny and how much she reminds me of my mom. Thank you for every single thing you and your family share, and just know, it makes a world of difference in people’s lives. I hope to someday be able to
get one of your and Jim’s cookbooks. I have a nice collection of only the best.
I would love a copy of the cookbook.
What a blessing you all are. I know you are prayer warriors so I am adding this prayer concern for you all to consider praying for. Our 45 year old son just had 4 bypass surgery on his heart. It is a miracle that it was even spotted on a routinely scheduled physical on Oct. 31. They sent him straight to the ER and he stayed in hospital on a Heparin drip until Tues. awaiting the surgery. He did extremely well with surgery, recovering well and came home Yesterday the 8th. Just 3 days after surgery. His name is Chris. He has a family of a wife and 3 kids, 2 still at home. Manages a business in auto repair. With all that said, we would love to have your prayers for an uneventful recovery.
Nancy-I will pray for his full recovery! So glad they found the blockages and were able to do the bypasses.
I look forward to your articles every morning!!
Yesterday was the 6th anniversary of the campfire in Paradise, Ca. the loss of 85 souls there. I am praying for them today, was fortunate to survive myself. Also thinking of all those church cookbooks that were no doubt lost, I have a collection that survived and enjoy reading them as a book. Really enjoy your blog and especially the recipes you share, the tater cakes so brought back my mothers making them. As a transplanted West Virginian the memories triggered by your stories are so valuable. God Bless you and your family.
i love all your recipes and would love to win this cook book of yours!
I watch all your YouTube shows over and over!
Thanks Joanna Spears
Thank you so much for all you share ! We are all better for it !!! Love to you , the family & the BP&A family !!!
I recently bought your cookbook & am so looking forward to using it !!! If I win another , I will gift one of them to someone who will also enjoy it !!!
I had to order a copy of Grandma’s walk! That sounds like a wonderful story! I love my cookbook that my children gave me last Christmas!
It’s fun to think about reading a new book for the first time. I have certainly enjoyed all of the books that you have read aloud. I think I like Alex Stewart the best only because I was amazed at all of his talents. I always look forward to hearing another new book that you start reading too.
I enjoy your posts on this as well as Celebrating Appalachia. I don’t always comment, but I read and watch every one.
I’ve tried several recipes that you post from time to time as well as several from Jim. I would make good use of the cookbook.
Thanks Tipper for all the great stories, videos and information you share with us. I would be “tickled pink” to win your cookbook. Good luck to all!
Love this and would love a cookbook.
Although I’ve known you for quite sometime, I always enjoy seeing what’s up with you, Matt, Granny, and Chitter and Chatter. I so enjoyed them at the Early College. Your content is always worth taking the time to view or read. Thanks for keeping Appalachia alive.
I enjoy watching you cook simple, comforting foods on You tube. I would love to win a copy of your cookbook!
please ask the girls to let us see the babies, that would so sweet,I watch all of your videos and I love to here Paul and Your mom sing,I enjoy all that yall do.
Your blog is my connection to my father’s ancestors. I especially enjoy the posts on words and phrases. My Grandmother used to say, “Land o’ Goshen!” when she was surprised or amazed. I will say that if I win a book!
Your cooking videos are so helpful. I guess I’m a visual learner, and you do a fine job of showing & explaining each step of a recipe.
It’s been a while since I’ve commented; I am impressed that you can keep up the chronicles of your family’s life in the middle of all y’all have been through in recent years. Someday maybe your experiences will come together in a book.
I love to read & books often provide an escape or serve to confirm that we are not alone in our experiences no matter how lonely we may feel in the midst of them. In spite of everything, life goes on. in the end, it’s all in how you choose to approach it.
I thoroughly enjoyed Grandma Gatewood’s Walk & greatly admire her gumption.
I loved the movie October Sky & plan to read to read the book. A youngster’s curiosity & the encouragement of a good teacher create wondrous opportunities.
At the moment I am reading “Hillbilly Women” and “Hillbilly Elegy” concurrently. Quite a contrast in perspectives.
Maybe you could start an Appalachian Book Club. Encourage all your readers to read a certain book, then invite their reviews on a particular day about a month from then.
Just a thought.
Keep on keeping on.
I ordered your cookbook when it first came out and immediately tried several recipes. They have all been wonderful. The cookbook helped me eliminate a lot of clutter by tossing handwritten recipes I copied from your blog throughout the years. I made Aunt (Faye’s?) Chocolate Pie and took it to a ladies’ meeting, and everyone raved about it. Of course, I shared the recipe. I could not believe my good luck the day you posted about Pap’s favorite cake and icing. I asked my older cousins if they remembered how Mom made the chocolate icing we all loved so much. They didn’t remember but you came through as if you had been reading my mind. Thank you for all you do to preserve some of the old-timey recipes!
Congratulations to the winners! Don’t forget since the weather is colder to donate blankets and cold weather items to the victims of the hurricane. Please dont forget the children and pets.They are especially vulnerable. Continued prayers.
You know they ought to print up cookbooks with dogears, tatters, splatters and maybe a pot ring or two already built in them. Why not make them look like they are going to eventually, if they are any good? It’s like dust on the Bible, if it ain’t got no scars, it being used.
I’m so glad you explained how the winners are chosen. I’ve often wondered. I’d love to win the cookbook. I’m sure it’s an entertaining read, as well as full of your great recipes!
Thankful for your inspiration and kindness. I enjoy watching you prepare your recipes and then tasting them. Always wish I could have a bite!
I would enjoy this cookbook! Thank you!
I look forward each morning to reading what you and your readers have to say, and in the evening we always search to see if a new video is on you tube. I already have your and Jim’s cookbook and love it. But my sister lost her beloved cookbook collection as well as her home and everything to the flood. I would love to win a copy for her. May God continue his blessings on you and your sweet family.
I love watching your YouTube I look forward to reading your post each day. I had a trip planned with a friend to go to your book signing in Waynesville and her husband got sick and we cancelled. we love the mountains and all that goes with them including the cooking. I would love a cook book..
l would love to win a copy of your cook book. I miss southern cooking living now in central Florida
Don, if you miss Southern cooking, you should have married a central Florida girl. I did .
Hey Gene, I made my girlfriend cook supper for me before I would propose to her. I wanted to be sure she could cook. She was southern and country to the bone. She was raised in the Possum Kingdom area of southern Greenville County, SC. I liked to tease her and called her my Possum Kingdom Queen. I miss her so bad, living without here is so hard.
Congratulations to winner’s but we are all winners. We get to share y’all lives and your book readings. I have gotten my husband hooked on them. Ronnie is from hothouse community. we lived a mile apart over the mountain growing up..lol. but went to Ranger & HD high school together . y’all videos are a visits from down home ☺️ Thanks for all you do!!
I love the Southern recipes you share. I’m sure I would enjoy the cookbook.
I love the term slightly damaged. In the boy scouts we didn’t call things damaged, used, or old. We call it experienced. Thank you for the memory.
i truly would treasure your cookbook
I read cookbooks like novels!. Hope yours is my next read in between raking leaves.
I do too Miss Linda. I kind of chuckled when I read your comment. It sounds just like me. Except for raking the leaves. Miss Tipper I have already purchased your and Jim’s book but would love to send one to my sister for Christmas. She is like me, she’d read it like a novel. We were raised in the city and the libraries were our childhood entertainment. We would go on Saturdays, they’d have story day on Saturday mornings. It encouraged us to enjoy reading. Sweet children’s book. I hope it’s something people are still doing. I remember one book I enjoyed so much called “Chicken Every Sunday.” Have a great weekend everyone. Love you all.
Congratulations to Lucy & Phillip. I have some new to me books coming my way thanks to your postings so far. The one I’m most excited about, so far, is the children’s book. This book will be part of any baby shower gift from here on out.
I love your cooking videos. They remind me of times spent in my grandmother’s kitchen.
Tipper, Your email is the first one I read everyday! It Always Enlightens Me, especially your stories about the food raised in your area. I would Love to have one of the cookbooks! Thank You for Being True to Your Wonderful Heritage.
I would love to win a copy of your cookbook!!
Tipper,
I would love a copy of your cookbook. I’ve lost all my grandparents and parents now, before I turned 40. I wish I had paid better attention at some of their recipes. I do my best to keep “down home cooking”, as we call it. Last night was soup beans, cornbread, greens, and taters, with grandmas cast iron skillet cornbread. If only I could get her chocolate pie just right!
Hi Tipper, I sent your cookbook to my “cooker” sisters shortly after you started selling them and they love it! the first one they did was your biscuits as they said they were too easy to be true. They said they were so good! Congrats to the winners. I kinda wish you were giving the one you use every day. That’s the one I would use! Last year I won a charming story “Appalachia The Voices of Sleeping birds “. I will read it to my grandchild…if ever I have one! lol.
We enjoy the videos and would love a book.
I love watching your videos & when it’s ones of you cooking recipes from your cookbook
It brings me back to when my Southern granny would cook for us…cornbread, biscuits, fried apples and sausage… yummy! She wasn’t satisfied until we said we were stuffed…then she’d say “job well done!”
Congratulations Lucy and Phillip!
Your cookbook would be an awesome prize. Whenever my mom got a new cookbook she’d sit down and read it like a novel. Which is what I plan to do should I be fortunate enough to win.
I am always looking for good recipes.
Tipper,
I stumbled upon your site by sheer accident and I am so glad I did. It has been a sense of enjoyment and picks up my days.
I would love to win a cookbook in seeing how it would add to my collection of cookbooks for many years.
I still cook from cookbooks and prefer it that way. So hopeful and grateful. Pick me please.
A fan for life
Barbara Dahlonega Ga
Congrats to Lucy and Phillip! It has been so much fun reading everyone’s posts during this thankful month of November. Thank you Tipper for your blog, your videos and all the fun!!
Southern cooking, can’t beat it. Yum!
I always wondered how you could part with books from your collection. I purchased your cookbook and love it. If I was lucky enough to win this one I would love to re-gift it to my sister-in-law. She lives in Sevierville and I had hoped to go visit her so we could come see you at the Ramsey House but it just wasn’t possible. I still hope to meet your personally some day.
Happily Giving Thanks. Would love a copy of your book. I am learning all things Appalachian from you and enjoying all the video’s and postings.
I would love to have a copy of your cookbook. I was in the area on October 19th and had planned to come to the Ramsey House to meet you but circumstances kept me from being able to attend. If I don’t win one I’ll order from Etsy as a Christmas present for myself. I also love the stories and history of Appalachia that you share. Thank you.
Would love to win!
Tipper
I love reading your post each morning. I would give anything to live where you do and get to experience the Appalachian life. I also enjoy yours and the girls channels. Things you cook remind me of my grandmother. She was a true southern cook and I miss her so much. She did a lot of crocheting like granny. I only wished I would have learned to do it. You have a beautiful family and I wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.
Congratulations Lucy and Phillip as winners for these fantastic books. Great reading ahead.
Everyone have a great Saturday!
Hey, Tipper. If I don’t win Celebrating Southern Appalachian Food in the drawing, I’ll put it on my Christmas list. My sister already has a copy. Love how you collect used books for gifts and giveaways.
I’m not much of a cook, but I’m thinking if I had a copy of this here cookbook, I could lay it down by the ingredients and they’d combine and cook themselves!
Your reading of The Thread That Runs So True, last night was so heartwarming.
The custard recipe looks easy to make and y’all seemed to really enjoy it so, I will try it for myself, soon,
I’m an avid book collector, especially cookbooks. I really enjoy old church cookbooks, as they often tell a lot about the community and times they come from. Even though y’all’s isn’t old, I’d love to add it to my collection and read the stories that go along with the recipes.
I’m excited to possibly win your cookbook love your content!
I so love your blog! I would cherish a copy of the book.
I have dozens, maybe hundreds if I bothered to count, of cookbooks pertaining to all types of cuisine. The ones I like best are my North Carolina-related cookbooks. I’m happy to know that if my descendants need a recipe for apple stack cake or chow chow they can find it in my collection.
The cookbook is on my wish list
I love all the recipes you share on your channel, it helps to watch them be prepared!
Ohhh…pick me, pick me! Cookbooks are my Kryptonite. Would love to have a copy of yours!
I watch every video you and Matt and the twins do! I am so thankful for having met you all 3 + years ago! I would enjoy your book so much. I am praying for Granny, your family and all in the comments requesting prayer. I am praying for all in the hurricanes devastation , tornados, wild fires, floods, etc. I pray for all those helping to restore replace, rebuild. God bless you and yours❤❤
Congratulations winners!
I’m thankful today that one of the sweetest ladies I have ever known has gone home with Jesus. She fell about 2 months ago and broke her hip and a week ago she broke the other. She has suffered a lot and she was ready to go home. She was so special to all who knew her. I’m grateful to have known her and be loved by her.
Cooking is my favorite way to show love how much I love my family to them! Good food goes hand in hand with good times!
Having a copy of your cookbook would be amazing. I enjoy your blog and videos very much. Thank you for sharing.
veterans Day is coming up, my uncle Carl was a medic in world war II, he served in Italy, he was gone from home 37 months, the war had been over for a month, he had not come home, his family thought he was dead, but one day, somebody was heard singing and dancing on the porch, praise God it was Uncle Carl, he survived, he didn’t get to fly home on a plane, he had to ride a slow boat all the way across the ocean, praise God he survived
Norman, I also had an uncle to serve in Italy during WW II. Another uncle was a German POW. From what I have been told, he would never tell/talk to anyone about what he went through. I only know his daughter (his only child) was 4 years old before he ever saw her. Another uncle was in the Korean War and came home an alcoholic. With the help of God and his family he overcame it and became a good salt of the earth man. I thank all veterans for their service. The Vietnam Veterans are mighty special to me because I was in that age group and also because of the way they were treated when they came home.