GIVEAWAY: Win a $500 Calphalon Giftcard!!

So, I'm super duper, incredibly excited to offer my wonderful readers (that would be you!), a chance to win a $500 "Your Set by Calphalon" giftcard...Yes, $500.00, just in time for Valentine's Day!!  It's my largest giveaway to date, and I can't wait to give you all the details...

I recently had the opportunity to have lunch with 2 awesome reps from Calphalon, and they told me about something that I think is really cool.  They have a new program called "Your Set by Calphalon".  Have you ever gone to purchase a new set of pots and pans and wished that you could customize your set instead of being stuck with whatever pots were already included in that particular box set?  The brilliant people at Calphalon have remedied that whole problem.  They've got a wonderfully interactive website where you can pick and choose exactly which pots you want in your set, so that you can create something special and unique...totally tailored to the way YOU cook. 

Starting with a 5 piece base set of core pieces from either Unison Nonstick or AccuCore Stainless Steel, you can add up to 8 pieces from either - or both - collections.  So, you could basically have it all, within one set...the convenience of nonstick pans, and the classic performance of stainless steel.  Pretty cool, huh??

What I really love about the whole thing is the interactive website, which allows you to not only shop by product but by technique and cooking style.  The website will make recommendations for you based on whether you want a pot that's best for soups, braising, stir-frying, roasting, sauteing, etc.  Inspirational menu suggestions, detailed use recommendations and great photography/video all come together to round out the experience.

PRODUCT REVIEW:  AccuCore Stainless Steel 3 qt. Saute Pan & Cover
Calphalon gave me an "AccuCore Stainless Steel 3 qt. Saute Pan & Cover" (photo above) to take home for a test drive.  I had never really cooked with stainless steel before, since my current set is all nonstick.  I love how easy the nonstick pans are to clean.  However, it only took me a few uses with this stainless steel pan to see the difference.  I've already put it through its paces, and it has impressed me every single time.  It's a product that you know is built well.  It feels solid and performs incredibly.

I was worried about food getting stuck or burnt, but I was pleasantly surprised.  So far, no problems at all.  The AccuCore products have a 5 layer construction with a copper core, two internal aluminum layers, and a brushed stainless steel cooking surface and exterior.  The copper core produces controlled, even heating and totally eliminates hot spots.  It was also surprisingly easy to clean, which made me happy.  Plus, it's dishwasher, broiler and oven safe, with a full lifetime warranty.

In summary, I'm so impressed with this saute pan, that I'm seriously considering purchasing an entire set from the AccuCore line.  My current set has seen better days, so it's almost that time.  And I'm not just saying that because Calphalon gave me one to try.  This is an honest review of a product that I feel is a great one.  That's why I'm so excited about this giveaway! :)

Speaking of which, let's get to it!!

How to  Enter:
Simply leave a comment on this post, which answers the following question:

Which Calphalon product is at the top of your wish list?

Also, for extra chances to win, simply do the following and leave SEPARATE additional comments letting me know that you did:

• Like Sugar & Spice on Facebook
• Follow Sugar & Spice by Celeste on Twitter
• Tweet the following "NEW GIVEAWAY: Win a $500 Calphalon Giftcard!!! @SugarSpicebyC @Calphalon #giveaway http://sugarandspice-celeste.blogspot.com/2013/02/giveaway-win-500-calphalon-giftcard.html"
• Follow the Sugar & Spice by Celeste board on Pinterest 

The Rules:

• Entries must be submitted by midnight (CST time) on Wednesday, February 27th. 
• A winner will be picked at random (using random.org) and will be announced on Thursday, February 28th.
• Please make sure you include your name and email address so that I will have a way to contact you if you win...especially if you leave a comment using the "Anonymous" option.
• At this time, the contest is open to US residents only.

Good Luck, and THANKS for reading!  :)