about Spree
My name is Antoinette, though many call me Ani, and some call me Spree. Years ago, a joy overtook me in the kitchen. It all began with the beauty of the raw foods themselves, straight from the ground or the vine or the tree. That beauty leaves me giddy at times, and reaching for my camera. The joy continues in the simple, and sometimes mesmerizing, processes of the kitchen – the washing, stirring, sifting, chopping – that bring me sweetly back down to earth. The ultimate joy though in working and playing with food comes when we finally put what’s been made onto a plate and bring it to the table for some dear someone.
For all the hands, and for all the thoughts and labors of those who’ve played a part in
putting love on our table,
I am so
deeply thankful.
. . .
The photography in these pages is my own. Some of the recipes have been handed down; others found (I’ve got a bit of a cookbook fetish); and others seem to have found me while at play in the kitchen. It’s my delight to share these recipes with you. You’re invited to leave a comment, or email me at
spree@cooking-spree.com
I so look forward to hearing from you!
. . .
If you’d like to be notified by email when new posts are published, simply click on the “sign me up” button found in the right hand column or at the bottom of the blog. (Your name isn’t publicized or shared, and you won’t be bugged for any other purpose! Promise!)
. . .
Some have asked for a photo of Spree, so for you, here…..
Can you guess which one is Spree?
…..
a NOTE on Awards:
Though I appreciate so very much the sentiments behind blogging awards I find that I can no longer accept them. I’ve learned that the time required to fulfill the obligations contained in them is simply too great for the time I have. Although I feel profoundly complimented by the nominations, please know that your kind comments are my truest reward!
…..
Spree loves your words!
cooking-spree 
You’ve got a gift, Spree! I always love reading what you’ve got going in the kitchen and in your heart. Thank you for the vulnerability, light and meaning you bring to all you write. There’s none like you. Keep ’em coming. xoxo
They look like a gaggle of Sprees!
Your meals look delicious and your photography is beautiful. I wish I could cook but I have problems focusing on one project at a time. The only times I’m able to cook whole meals without burning it is when it’s chaotic in the house. Then, and only then, can I block everything out and focus on one thing. Since my life is chaotic but not to the point that I’d be able to cook a decent meal – I married a cook 🙂
-Wendy
Looking forward to reading your posts – past and present
Thanks for your comments, Wendy! What a smart girl, marrying a cook! 😉
Another priceless photo of you & your “littles”. I love experiencing your life through “spree”.
I have only found your blog today and I am so glad I did.
I am in love with your photography and styling and I look forward to exploring more
Just found your blog today! I’ve got a fledgling cooking blog myself and this site gives me something to aspire to! Thanks! 🙂 -cfc
Oh how sweet! Heading to take a look at your fledgling now! 😉
Thanks for great blog Spree! I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger award – here are the details! http://inpursuitofmore.com/2012/03/04/finding-more-in-just-a-little-versatile-blogging/ Cheers! Shira
Shira, I appreciate your nomination so much! I was nominated late last Fall though and couldn’t possibly put readers through it again! 😉 Thank you so much for the kind thought and gesture!
I really enjoy reading your blog. I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! And although I know that you are familiar with the award, as a beginner blogger I had to recognize my favorite and most inspiring blogs.
Cheers!
Hi Antoinette/Spree
I absolutely love what you’re doing here so I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. Keep up the fantastic work
Fiona
Fiona, I so appreciate the compliment and the nomination!! I was nominated last Fall so don’t want to bore my readers by responding again, but I appreciate your gesture none the less!! Thanks so much, and keep up the good work at Big Hungry Gnomes! 🙂
Hello Antoinette
I just thought I would let you know that my blog has moved and is now bighungrygnomes.co.uk. Unfortunately, if you want to remain subscribed to my blog, you will have re-subscribe to this new address. I realise this is a little bit of a nuisance but I would really appreciate your continuing support and interest in my blog
Thanks
Fiona
Antoinette! Are you ever going to do a book? Muah!
What a beautiful blog you have! I love your pictures and your styling!
Thank you so much for leaving these kind words. I just paid a visit to your site, and it’s simply lovely!
Hey Spree, I’ve just nominated you for the Very Inspiring Blogger Award and The Versatile Blogger Award! I so enjoy following your blog, and it’s my pleasure to introduce more people to it. To see my comments about your blog and the criteria for accepting the nominations, please visit http://lifethroughthekitchenwindow.wordpress.com/2012/09/13/awards-❦-very-inspiring-blogger-and-the-versatile-blogger/
Mar – I feel so very complimented by your nomination…and by the kind words you spoke on your blog! You’ll see in my post today that we’re leaving the country for a few weeks. As grateful as I am for your kindness, I won’t be able to fulfill the requirements. Please know though, that I love your blog and am touched that you enjoy mine! 🙂 xo
I was expecting that not everyone would be able to accept the nominations, but to me the most important thing was this forum to recognize inspiring bloggers, like yourself, and help introduce them to others. I’m just pleased you were happy to receive the nomination. Not to mention I’m so happy to hear you enjoy my blog; obviously the feeling is mutual! I never really expected my little piece of the blogosphere to mean so much to me!
Have a wonderful, wonderful trip. I’m guessing maybe there’ll be a few pictures to look at when you return? 😃 Happy travels.
Hello. I have nominated you for the Versatile Bloggers Award. Thank you for creating a wonderful blog.
Here’s the link: http://agraciouslife.wordpress.com/2012/09/27/versatile-bloggers-award/
I’ve nominated you for the Super Sweet Award. You can find out more details and see my comment about your blog here: http://lifethroughthekitchenwindow.wordpress.com/2012/10/21/super-sweet-blog-award/ . I enjoy your blog and was happy to tell others about it!
Mar, you’e so kind to have passed the award on to me! My true sincere thanks – and too, Congratulations to YOU! 🙂
What a delightful blog. I love your story about the bird but could not find where to comment. I liked this story to a poem of mine on Source of Inspiration. Thanks! hugs, pat
Thanks very much Pat for the kind words!
After having looked through a few of your recent posts, I can say, definitely, you provide much love with your food offerings and thoughts. I wish I had your talent! Will be Following, definitely. :O)
You are so kind! Thank you so very much Janina!
Ani, Only want to inform you that I have nominated you to “The Blog of the Year 2012” Award. Have a great weekend. – http://wp.me/p293Pw-4pi –
Viveka…I’m honored! Thank you so much! And congratulations to you too for sharing such beautiful work on your own blog!! I’m glad to be following you! 🙂
Thank you so much for your kind words … they landed straight in my software – I like your world too. *smile
Ani, congratulations!!! I’ve nominated you for the Reality Blog and Sensual Blogging Awards. Your photos are always stunning, simply stunning!!!! 🙂
Danny, what a huge and kind compliment!! Thank you so much! (And cheers to you too for the recognition! I enjoy following you!)
I know that you don’t do the awards circuit, but I wanted to let you know that I’ve given your blog a shout out over at my little food making and blogging venture:
http://craftycooknook.wordpress.com/2013/01/31/versatile-blogger-award-or-i-finally-understand-that-liberal-arts-education/
Thanks for all your hard work. Best wishes!
Dear Spree,
I love the simplistic childlike innocence and joy that you derive from preparing food right from picking it from the garden to cooking and sharing it with your family. This is indeed a gift that we have forsaken. To derive immense joy from the simple things in life is to discover the beauty that is inherent in life.
Take great care and God bless you and your family.
Thank you SO very much Konstantine! That comment really touched me, a sweet arrow straight to the heart! May blessings fall on you like a gentle rain and may joy abound!
Dearest Spree, the pleasure and honour are mine indeed. To be able to sense beauty and purity in others is that which I constantly look for, because I choose to believe that there is inherent beauty in each and every person. It is your comment that has been a blessing to myself and for which I’m grateful.
God bless you in every way
There you go, making my day again. 🙂 Thank you deeply for leaving such lovely words behind!! Words like yours make such a difference!
Found you through Bartolini Kitchens. Anyone who makes preserved lemons captures my interest. (I’m a fan of Moroccan food).
You take stunning pictures! I’m suddenly feeling very hungry. 🙂
I’m looking forward to looking over your recipes!
~Kelsey
Thank you so much Kelsey! That compliment and your sudden “hunger” are a song to my heart. 🙂
Lovely blog, thanks for checking out mine… looking forward to reading more of you posts! Thank you, John 🙂
Glad to be in your page . your recipes delicious and your picture are beautiful 🙂
So kind of you! Thank you!
I love your blog and have nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award and another Blogger of the Year Award. Here’s my post in case you’d like to participate & pass on the recognition: http://theseasonedtraveler.wordpress.com/2013/11/27/thanks-giving/comment-page-1/#comment-314
Congrats!
I am so glad I stumbled on to your blog! You have amazing recipes and beautiful photos. ❤
Why thank you so much! It’s a pleasure to see you here!
Hi!!! Came across your blog just now and enjoyed exploring it. Yummy recipes you have… Happy to connect 🙂 See you sometime @ http://www.cookingwithsj.com!!!
loved your Moroccan Orange Salad with Red Onions & Black Olives – I slightly modified it with shallots rather than red onions, and kalamata olives rather than black olives. 🙂
Thanks for letting me know! I’ve used kalamatas and milder green olives with this too and like them all. Again, nice of you to let me know you enjoyed it! 🙂