What comes to mind when you think of skewers? Beef kabobs, corn dogs, chocolate dipped bananas? Yup, that’s about as far as I could go with my list. That is, of course, before I got a look at Matt Armendariz‘s new book, On A Stick!, a collection of recipes and perfectly stylized (by his partner, Adam Pearson) and photographed dishes that are all prepared, that’s right, on a stick. I must admit that I had no idea that this was the focus of Matt’s book until he sent me a copy to preview.
Flipping through, I was struck by the diversity of the book’s contents, which ranges from the simple (Caprese Sticks, comprised of cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, and fresh mozzarella, all of which is brought together by a piece of sun-dried tomato) to the elegant (the Son-in-Law Eggs, a whole egg that has been deep fried and is paired with a tamarind sauce) to the creative (Chicken and Waffles?). There’s something in this book for everyone, which is part of the reason why I featured one of the easiest recipes from the collection.
Because, the fact is, even though something is easy to prepare, doesn’t make it any less delicious. And, really, who isn’t craving a wonderfully sweet hunk of fresh mango right now? I know I am!
Last weekend, our friends Cori (pictured above… I swear that she just happened to be wearing her LSU sweatshirt. How perfect is that?) and Dan came to the Cape with us and were generous enough to be my models. Of course, I did feed them yummy food so they weren’t going to complain too much about doing some work.
And, now, on to the giveaway!
In honor of the book’s release, Matt has been generous enough to give a copy of On A Stick! to one lucky A Thought For Food reader (only in the U.S. and Canada. Sorry my international friends!). So, here’s the scoop on the giveaway:
To enter, you must leave a comment saying what your favorite food on a stick is. If you don’t have one, is there something you’d want to try making on a stick?
Additional entries:
1. Follow @myfoodthoughts and, once you have done that, tweet the following (then come back here and let us know that you’ve done so):
Enter to win a copy of On A Stick! by @mattarmendariz from @myfoodthoughts http://tinyurl.com/6km3x95 #giveaway
2. Like the A Thought For Food Facebook page (then come back here and let us know that you’ve done so).
The contest will end at 12PM (noon) EST on Wednesday, June 29th. I will then announce the winner in my post on Thursday, June 30th.
In the meantime, here’s a recipe to try from Matt’s book. It’s a winner!
Fresh Mango and Chili Powder Skewers
(from On A Stick! by Matt Armendariz)
16 bamboo skewers
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp lime zest
1/2 tsp salt
2 mangoes, peeled, pitted, and sliced into 8 wedges
juice of 1 lime
1. Combine chili powder, zest, and salt in a small bowl; set aside.
2. Place mango wedges and lime juice in a separate bowl and toss gently. Thread mango onto skewers. Sprinkle all over with chili mixture and serve.
those mango kabobs would be amazing grilled as well! And that is my favorite food on a stick. Grilled fruits. All of them.
Love this idea! We love our mangoes with chili powder and salt in India but never thought of serving it on a stick!! They look really beautiful!! I am sure same mangoes with some chocolate sauce on a stick will make a great dessert
Sadly my food on a stick repertoire is limited and I’m ashamed to admit it’s corndogs
Which is why I need this book!
Corn dogs, hands down! Love them and your mango skewers look so fresh and yummy!
I follow you of course! and tweeted
I liked your FB page a while ago!
Coconut fruit popsicles are fabulous, but the mango skewers look great too!
I can’t resist mango EVER and these look so good. I must confess that I’m not sure I could leave the mango alone long enough to put it on skewers.
I’d have to skewer the second one! lol
I’m too far away to enter the contest but I did tweet for you.
i gotta go with the crowd on this one….any fruit on a stick…covered in chocolate! Or meat on stick. Any meat on a stick is good too!
Tweeting now!
I am a big fan of “traditional” kabobs… beef, green pepper, onion, tomato, etc. YUM! Think I know what’s for lunch now…
Followed and tweeted!
Mmmmm….I need to grill more fruit….these mangoes look amazing. My favorite is beef tenderloin cubes marinated in teriyaki….mmmmmm.
And liked you on facebook!
Mmm I love mango! These look like great party appetizers/ snacks! My favorite food on a stick would have to be grilled veggies (zucchini, eggplant, maybe some cheese and roasted tomato in there)… yum!
I’m a fan of A Thought for Food on Facebook!
I am your FB fan, am on Twitter and have commented here as well…but of what use
I belong to the other side of the fence 
Anyway love that vibrant orange yellow mango skewers.
Chicken satay is my favorite food on a stick. But those mangos look delicious, I’m going to try them.
Liked you on fb…which I should have already done long ago! Now to tweet it!
These mangos looks fantastic!:) I can’t wait to make this with our mangos when we get back to Florida. Hope you have a wonderful weekend! Baci:)
So far my favorite and only experience is with chicken
Following on Twitter and tweeted the giveaway.
Favorite food on a stick would be kibbeh! With a tangy tzatziki and pita on the side, please.
My favorite food on a stick might be ice cream, does that count
Ok, but really I have a bacon wrapped shrimp with bbq sauce that we do on sticks and then grill that are amazing!
I am following on twitter!
I just tweeted your giveaway
And I also follow you on FB
Me me me…:) You know I follow you to th eend of earth and back lol
I am DYING to try his spaghetti and meatballs on a stick! I would LOVE this book! pick me random generator!
I already follow you on twitter but I tweeted your giveaway!
http://twitter.com/#!/orderinthekitch/status/84630434964701184
I “liked” A thought for Food on Facebook from my personal page: Lynn Lovejoy
I “liked” A Thought for Food on Facebook from my Page: Order in the Kitchen !!
I don’t know if these count as food on a stick but I grew up eating things like ice and fudge and ice cream on a stick. I’d like to learn about other things I could do with a stick and with food especially if it is chocolate related.
I sent out a tweet as well via my account which is under “thetammyjo”.
Great giveaway B! My favourite thing on a stick is either french toast at brunch parties or smores bites. Btw, I already follow you on facebook and twitter. Word.
Love the sweet and spicy combination + a extra bonus to have it all on a stick – perfect! Love a caprese salad on a stick – a one to two bite of pure summer. Already follow on twitter but liked you on FB! Have a great weekend!!!
I’m down with anything on a stick! Favorite, vodka infused fruit, on a stick. Almost convinced it tastes better because it’s on a stick
xo
I can’t resist fruit on a stick ’cause it’s ready to be devoured. Plus then you can use the stick to have mini sword fights :]
I’m just going to go load up on skewers so I’m ready when I win the book.
My favorit food on a stick is turkey sausage.
http://twitter.com/#!/sweeper78/status/84716296402518016
tweeted the giveaway..my twitter name is sweeper78.
I liked the fb page..my fb name is bell martin.
love these! Looks great
Those mangos look yummy! I just liked your fb page!
And on twitter too (@skitts)… now off to buy some mangos
I “liked” a Thought for Food” on facebook.
I’d love a copy of “On a Stick”……….sounds like such fun cooking.
I favorite food on the stick has to be either grilled fruits like pineapple and berries or and Indian candied sweet made off of jaggery and sesame seeds! YUM!
Love the giveaway and would love to win a copy!
I spent too much time at the Georgia Renaissance Festival; my favorite food in a stick is still the guilty pleasure pork loin on a stick.
I already follow you on twitter @indiansimmer
And I like, wait “love” you on facebook
Everything is better on a stick! My favorite? Right now, popsicles. (Boring compared to all the options, but it’s hot outside!)
I tweeted about it: http://twitter.com/#!/KitchAdventures/status/84738211733192704
I “liked” you on Facebook too
Spicy grilled lamb and watermelon. The way i make it gives it wicked grill marks.
My favorite food on a stick were the grilled swordfish kabobs that we made for Brian and Eric’s engagement celebration. I used a marinade with lots of lime and garlic, and the fish was grilled with those black lines on it……yummmmm.
And beautiful photos, Brian….as always!
Deep-fried saba bananas with caramelized sugar on a bamboo stick is my favorite!!!
Tweeted finally
My favorite food on a stick is caprese skewers. I could eat a whole plate!
My favorite food on a stick is Ice cream!!
I follow you on Twitter
I like you on Facebook
I tweeted the giveaway!
I follow you and I tweeted https://twitter.com/#!/InspiredRD/status/84796442161582081
I follow you on Facebook!
My favorite food on a stick is a good old fashioned corn dog with lots of mustard, it reminds me of my childhood and the carnivals and fairs.
lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
Following @myfoodthoughts on Twitter @lyndacooks and Tweeted this giveaway
http://twitter.com/#!/lyndacooks/status/84800268126011392
lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
Liked A Thought for Food’s Facebook page as Lynda Clark
lyndaclark81@yahoo.com
My favorite is fruit salad on a stick! Or veggie kabobs with tofu and pineapple!
Love how simple but delicious those skewers sound. My favorite food on a stick is an ice cream bar:-)
Love love mangos…..mangos on a stick look sooo good!I like a good corn dog, shrimp kabobs and good ol’ roasted marshmellow! YUM!
Liked a Thought for Food on fb!
Following on Twitter @tiffpalm and tweeted this giveaway!
I tweeted!! I follow you !
That sounds like a fun book to keep!
Those mango sticks are so cute!
Meat on a stick makes for a very happy Molly. However, I just came across a recipe last week for fresh corn on the cob, cooked in coconut milk and turmeric, splashed with cilantro, and served up on sticks. How fantastic does that sound? Can’t wait for the farmers to start selling their corn on the side of the road for that one.
These look elegant and beautiful! My favorite is mozzarella and cherry tomatoes on a stick, with some olive oil and seasoning!
Oh this brings back such great memories of have chilly sprinkled mangoes on Indian street. I love that Matt has taken inspiration for the book from all over the world. I can’t wait to serve it on stick next time to friends. I love this mango skewers
I already follow you on twitter and tweeted about the giveaway @journeykitchen
Already like your page too
There’s always a great time for mangoes! Especially on skewers and presented like this =)
I think I’m gonna keep it old school and say that my favorite thing on a stick is just a plain ol’ corn dog!
Lamb kabobs with onions, tomato, rosemary and yellow bell peppers. I’m loving the idea of these mangos too!
You know you’re one of the first few people i started following on twitter
I of course like ‘A Thought For Food’ page on FB
Luscious strawberries dipped in dark chocolate on a stick would be my favorite.
I’ve just discovered fried mushrooms on a stick… A little deli just opened up across the street from my work with those on the menu. I’m pretty sure I could keep them in business all by myself.
Fudgecycles!- and you can re-use the stick for kids projects,or in the garden.
Love mango w/lime & chili/salt
thanks
I love beef kabobs – they’re a great way to use up tougher cuts like round steak and a fun place to experiment with new marinades.
The mango’s are beautiful but I especially love the model since she is my daughter. I’m going to bring this to my Mah Jongg game tomorrow night. I’m sure they will be impressed. I did like you on Facebook but I don’t know how to Tweet.
My favorite food on a stick has always been kabobs but that may change to these mango skewers. They look so refreshing and delicious.
I have a grilled lemon garlic chicken kabob recipe that is currently my favorite food on a stick. Funny, we were just talking a moment ago about what were some things we could make on a stick for an upcoming party!
I follow on Twitter (and tweeted)
And I love (not like) you on Facebook.
My favorite food on a stick is chocolate truffles on a stick! Makes them super easy to eat, less mess. I tend to make many types of sweets on a stick b/c of the mess factor.
Tweeted out the message, and liked you on Facebook!
It was always corn dogs. Then I went veg, and it became veggie corn dogs and veggie kebabs. But I think those mango skewers might be right up there from now on.
Now following and tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/saladgoddess/status/85126333402857474
i love Filipino chicken BBQ on a stick
My favorite food on a stick is Fruit and Cheese Skewers. Your mango skewers look gorgeous Brian!
I love Matt’s book – don’t enter me in the giveaway but I have to say I love Cori’s fingernail polish
I hate to say it…but my favorite always has and always will be a corn dog. Even typing it makes me want to go find what right now! Thank you for sharing with me, sweet man. Visiting your blog is always a great way for me to end my weekend. I hope you have a wonderful start to your week. Many blessings!
Never thought of chili powder on fresh mango…although we (Indians) always relish on raw mango and chili powder…lime must have added that extra zing to the recipe…carving for some right now….the t-shirt and ripe mango skewers compliment each other…..awesome….
Chicken Satays!!!
You’d think that if I wanted this book as much as I SAY I want it then I’d just go out and buy it myself, but I’m cheap (or poor-not sure there is a difference). So….I’m going to keep trying to win one. My fav food on a stick is homemade caramel on Michigan Empire apples (aka- caramel apples – I just like to be specific)
I follow on twitter
I like on facebook
I was pretty sure those fabulous green painted nails didn’t belong to Eric, haha.
I crave mango pretty much constantly and can’t believe I haven’t tried this recipe from the book yet! It’s definitely the perfect mix of sweet salty and spicy!
(Also I already own the book, so no need to enter me in the giveaway!)
guilty pleasure for me . . . corn dog . . . i know, awful right??? but for whatever reason, i love, love, love a really good corn dog . . . sigh . . . are we still friends?
Yum. These look super fresh and delicious!
Also, tweeted to win your give away. The book sounds great.
Liked on Facebook too!
satay
My favorite food on a stick is the classic corn dog!
Hooray!! Thanks for the fabulous shout-out! My favorite besticked food is a toss-up between those strawberry Good Humor bars and anything chocolate dipped from the state fair. Oh, and the nail polish is OPI’s Matte Gargantuan Green Grape.
Oh, and GEAUX TIGERS!!!!!
Mmmnnn . . . I LOVES me some stick, especially when it’s on a stick.
Me parece algo fascinante que se refieren a pollo y gofres como “creativa”. . . Aunque sus orígenes podrían, de hecho, ser creativo, su amigo no es el origen de esta creatividad. . . De hecho, Chicken and Waffles es un platillo tradicional en muchos segmentos de la población afro-americana, como lo demuestra el siguiente enlace (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicken_and_waffles). Me acuerdo que la forma en que los alimentos se cruza con la cultura no se limita a la internacional, sino que, incluso dentro del “gourmet” de la comunidad, hay muchas personas conscientes de los alimentos comunes la derecha en su propio patio trasero, que provienen de otras actividades culturales, grupos raciales, étnicos o socioeconómicos.
It’s too difficult for me to pick just ONE thing as my favorite “on a stick” food. My favorite food on a stick to entertain with, though, is my “caprese skewers.” I line cherry or grape tomatoes, bocconcini pearls, and basil leaves up on the sticks, arrange them on the plate, and drizzle them with balsamic vinegar and olive oil. So simple, yet so so good.
I tweeted about your giveaway (as @orlndofoodie)!
I’ve liked A Thought For Food on facebook (from my Orlndofoodie page)
Thanks for an awesome giveaway!!
My favorite food on a stick is a caprese salad!
I tweeted this giveaway!
And I now follow you on Facebook!
antipasto on a stick!
I’ve tweeted and like the book on Facebook. My favorite is a pickle on a stick. Looks a really beautiful book. In our house we love food on sticks.
Favorite food on a stick? Hmm, I don’t know, maybe a popsicle?
Already like you on Facebook
I tweeted too!
Thanks for the opportunity!
I have been a long time fan of Matt’s, very inspirational!
Followd you both on Twitter and Facebook.
I’ll Tweet as well!!!
Have a fantastic day!
Love this recipe… so simple yet delicious! I love chicken satay on a stick!
I tweeted (@danacooks)
And I like you on facebook!
I love alternating tomatoes, fresh mozzarella balls and basil on a stick. Then I sprinkle it all with balsamic vinegar.
Would love this book….I’ve been hearing about it!
LOVE matt and all his work. He’s such a talent + sweetheart! I’m obsessed with mangoes and eat them nearly everyday!
I knew what this giveaway was the moment I read the title!!! I follow Matt’s blog and I love his photography and fun writing.
Have you ever tried fishcakes in a stick from the street carts of Korea? Soooo good dipped in soy sauce and eaten with a bowl of the soup it stewed in.
Tweeted!
And “liked” on FB.
Frozen banana on a stick covered with chocolate and crushed peanuts!!!
Tweeted!
I am pretty boring when it comes to my stick repertoire, but I imagine I would either go with beef teriyaki or a skewered caprese salad.
i love chicken/jalapeno kabobs (sp?) i would love to be a bit more adventurous including fruit, etc!
love chicken on a stick – especially chicken satay
dkhegler@yahoo.com
These look perfect for the weather out here. Gonna Try!! Followed on Twitter, FB & tweeted, but I hope there’s no disclaimer of only in US. Not too lucky in such stuff
This is great for a backyard bbq