Audacious Celebrity Stalking, Free Cookbooks, and Truffles
One night when I was sixteen, I watched Marvin Hamlisch (composer of A Chorus Line, etc.) on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. The previous guest was Adrienne Barbeau, the buxom actress who played Bea Arthur’s daughter on the sitcom Maude. I was appalled as I witnessed Hamlisch, seated on the couch beside her, stammer and fidget (eyes flitting repeatedly toward her massive chest) while more or less grovelling for a date on air. Despite his musical genius, despite his fame and fortune and an upcoming gig at the Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas, it was painfully apparent that Hamlish reverted to a tongue-tied nerd when faced with a beautiful woman who, clearly, barely registered his existence.
As soon as I got up off the sofa and turned off the television (no remotes in those days), I went to my typewriter and typed a letter to Marvin. It said:
Dear Marvin Hamlisch,
Someone with your reputation shouldn’t have to lower himself to ask Adrienne Barbeau for a date. Obviously, she doesn’t appreciate your genius. If you ever come to Montreal, I would go on a date with you any time.
Sincerely,
(Miss) Ricki Heller
I addressed it to “Marvin Hamlisch, c/o Caesar’s Palace, Las Vegas, USA” and popped it in the mail.
The following week, I received a handwritten letter on Marvin’s personal stationery. It said:
Dear Ricki,
If I ever get to Montreal, you’re on.
Sincerely,
Marvin Hamlisch
Sometimes I think back on that letter and ask myself, “Wow, did I ever really have such audacity? Where did that starry-eyed insouciance go? And why didn’t Marvin ever call me for that date?”
Then I remember: oh, yeah. I was sixteen.
Well, dear readers, I’ve decided it’s time to dredge up my inner 16 year-old once again. And you can help!
Even at my advanced age, I’m still a pop culture groupie. I’ve been a fan of Ellen’s for as long as I can remember (almost as long as it’s been since I heard from Marvin). I love her even more now that she’s vegan and sugar-free–and I want to be on The Ellen Degeneres Show so I can bring her some amazing baked goods from my cookbook, Sweet Freedom!
[Elsie's definitely on board! (or is that a little board on Elsie?)]
Am I a little bit crazy? You betcha!
As someone who’s followed a whole foods diet for over decade, I know first hand how much a healthy diet can affect your well-being (just look at the impact of the ACD on me over this past year!). Based on the cookbook’s reviews and all your fabulous feedback (thank you! thank you! My blog readers are the best!), I’m confident others will agree that treats from the book are both healthy AND delicious. What better venue to spread the word than The Ellen Show, especially since the show’s star herself has adopted–and now promotes–this same way of eating?
["Here, Mum, you'll need this to dance on the show."]
Besides, I’d be a perfect guest for the show! We have so much in common, Ellen and I: She loves dogs; I love dogs. She eats a vegan diet; I eat a vegan diet. She’s sworn off sugar; I’ve sworn off sugar. She loves American Idol; I love American Idol. She’s gay; I’m—
Hmmm.
She loves dogs; I love dogs!
And you can help! On April 2, 2010, I tweeted for an entire day nonstop, with every single tweet that day directed to @TheEllenShow–with NO laptop, NO BlackBerry, NO pre-scheduled tweets–just me sitting at my desktop computer, typing away (with the occasional bathroom break)! The major blitz is over, but I’d like to keep the campaign going!
["Mum, I know you named me Elsie, but I think I'd like to be called Ellen from now on."]
Together, we can make this happen! If you like my recipes and want to see me serve delicious, vegan and sugar free treats on The Ellen Show, please feel free to tweet Ellen at @TheEllenShow, or send an email in support by clicking here. You can also post a link to this page on your blog, Stumble this blog entry (just click on “I like this” at the top of the page if you see this on StumbleUpon), tell your local librarian, get a tattoo–whatever works!
And don’t forget to hop back here to leave a comment telling me you did so (so I can send you a free copy of the book if when I get onto the show)!
[But where's Mum?]
If I get invited on the show, every single commenter who participates in this blitz will win a FREE copy of Sweet Freedom, the ebook , which is identical to the paper copy! (And isn’t giving away free goodies very Ellen-like of me?).
And even if I don’t get asked to appear on the show, I’ll still choose 10 names at random on Sunday–three people will win hard copies of the book, and seven will win ebook. It’s my way of saying “thank you” for all your support!
I think it’s a win-win-win. If Ellen invites me to her show, she’ll have the opportunity to try some amazing, healthy baked goods. I’ll get to fulfill the dream of a starry-eyed teenager (and, more recently, a starry-eyed menopausal blogger). And you will get a FREE copy of my cookbook–everybody wins!
Let’s make it happen! Let’s show the world what “grassroots marketing” really means! Let’s prove to all the aloof, disinterested corporations that even the little guy (okay, technically I’m not quite “little” yet–but 45 pounds is nothing to sneeze at) can drum up support for an independent project without a huge marketing budget! Let’s help Ellen discover some truly delicious sweets to eat on her sugar cleanse–and share them with the world! And let’s all go try out one of these raw cookie dough truffles right now! (Well, you’ll need a good source of quick energy for all that typing, I figure). 
Just click here to send an email or tweet at @TheEllenShow.
“Mum, that’s a great idea! And we know The Ellen Show would be lucky to have you. But, um, we are your usual kitchen helpers, you know. . . so does that mean we get to be on TV, too?”
Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Truffles (ACD-Phase II and beyond)
adapted from Vegan Epicurean’s recipe
As soon as I saw this recipe on Alicia’s blog, I knew I had to try it. The filling emulates a real raw cookie dough almost too well–gooey, sweet, chocolately. Except, um, it’s not bad for you! AND it’s ACD-friendly! Variations are endless, as well–in addition to the two provided, you could try banana cookie dough, gingersnap, or snickerdoodles–mmmm!
Cookie Dough:
2 Tbsp (30 ml) raw cacao nibs or chocolate chips*
1/3 cup (80 ml) whole old-fashioned rolled oats (not instant or quick-cook)
2/3 cup (160 ml) lightly toasted cashews*, walnuts, macadamia nuts or hazelnuts
1/4 tsp (1 ml) cinnamon, optional or 1/4 tsp (1 ml) mesquite powder
pinch fine sea salt
2 Tbsp (30 ml) yacon syrup or agave nectar
2 tsp (5 ml) pure vanilla extract
10-20 drops plain or vanilla flavored stevia liquid, to taste
1-2 Tbsp water or plain soy or almond milk, if needed
Coating:
4 ounces (110 g) unsweetened chocolate
1 Tbsp (15 ml) coconut oil
2 Tbsp (30 ml) carob powder, sifted (it helps cut the bitterness when unsweetened chocolate is stevia-sweetened)
20-30 drops stevia liquid, to taste
In a small food processor or coffee grinder, pulse the cacao nibs 3-4 times to chop them up. Turn the chopped nibs into a small bowl.
In the same processor or grinder, whir the oats, cashews, cinnamon and salt together to form a fine flour. Take care not to process too much–it should still remain dry and floury.
In a very small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the yacon, vanilla, stevia, and 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water. Pour this over the mixture in the processor and process to form a soft “dough” (if you need more water, add it one teaspoon/5 ml at a time). Turn the dough into the bowl with the cacao nibs and stir to distribute the nibs throughout.
Using a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon, scoop the dough and place scoops on parchment-lined tray. Freeze until firm, then roll into balls; refreeze until solid.
Meanwhile, prepare the chocolate coating: In a small pot over medium-low heat, melt the chocolate with the coconut oil and carob, whisking to ensure that no lumps develop. Whisk in stevia until smooth.
Once cookie dough balls are solid, remove from freezer and quickly dip them in the chocolate; roll them around if necessary. The coating should harden almost immediately. Remove with a fork and tap the fork on the side of the pot to remove most of the excess coating. Place truffles on a tray and refrigerate until firm. Store truffles in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to eat. Makes 10 truffles. May be frozen.
* Some anti-candida diets veto cashews. If you don’t eat cashews, use one of the other choices. For ACD Phase I, you can use unsweetened carob chips instead of cacao nibs; omit the coating and just roll the balls in carob powder.
Carrot Cookie Variation: use 2 Tbsp (30 ml) dried unsweetened coconut in place of cacao nibs, walnuts in place of cashews, and 2 Tbsp (30 ml) finely grated carrot in addition to other ingredients. Reduce initial water to 2 tsp (10 ml).
Post-Script: I realize this stunt may seem rather, well, adolescent to some of you (and to others, a clear indication that midlife crisis has struck with a vengeance). And after this post, I promise we’ll be back to business as usual here on DDD. But you know what? I still get a kick out of that letter from Hamlisch. So for now, I’ll once again channel that audacious sixteen year old, just for today. I figure, what have I got to lose? I’ll either be asked on the show; or I may be permanently banned from the show. Either way, the process will be fun.
And maybe–just maybe–that 16 year-old girl of yore will be surprised and delighted once more, with an opportunity of a lifetime. Here’s to healthy baked goods for all!
Last Year at this Time: Anti Candida Breakfasts: What Do You Eat?
© 2010 Diet, Dessert and Dogs
Ricki, I’ll be more than happy to RT your tweets today!
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Just retweeted and will do so the rest of the day
Oh, and this recipe looks delicious. I fully plan to try it soon 
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Recipe looks great!!
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Yummy looking truffles!!!
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You deserve this as much as ANY guest on Ellen, and it would so awesome to see a Canadian representing vegan eatin’ on American television! I’d be honoured to write to the show suggesting you as a guest; I’m going to include links to my favourite recipes as well. I refuse to get Twitter though, sorry.
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Totally RT-ing your tweets – I love your enthusiasm about this!
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I just tweeted for you!
Good luck – this would be awesome! I would love to be in the audience – if you get to invite any guests, I’ll start a grassroots campaign for myself to go, haha
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Tweeted! Hope you get on that show!
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what is the email address i can send one to?
i dont have twitter…
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Good luck with your dream! I think it’s a pretty cute one. I re-tweeted for you.
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Ok well, I don’t understand Twitter at all and quite honestly don’t really care to but I of course sent an email for you, here’s the link for those that want it:
http://ellen.warnerbros.com/show/respond/?PlugID=10
Now don’t get me wrong I would do this for you anyways but since you are offering cookbooks….. well then I want in! I hope I can have a chance to win even though I don’t “tweet”. I did say lots of nice things about you in the email I sent though
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Ricki Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 12:04 pm
Kelly Michelle,
Thanks for the link–I’ve added it to the post, too. And OF COURSE you don’t need to tweet to enter the giveaway–this comment is an entry! And you’re guaranteed a copy of the book if I get on the show
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Done, Ricki! That letter to Marvin made me laugh out loud!
Thanks Kelly Michelle! I just sent her a letter through that form.
I rooting for you, Go Ricki!
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Ooh, your truffles look divine!
You should totally go on Ellen! She would love your goodies!
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this is great – like the Ellen campaign to be on the cover of O Magazine. I hope you get invited to her show!
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Ricki Reply:
April 2nd, 2010 at 1:41 pm
Metta,
Hadn’t thought of it that way, but I LOVE the similarity! Momentum is growing–whoo hoo!
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Oh, you’d be so great on Ellen’s show. I wish I had twitter to help you out, but I deleted my account a few months ago in an attempt to restrict my online life.
I’d love to see you “in person” on TV. And she would totally dig you, I’m sure of it.
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Ricki – you may be crazy but so am I, so I’m in! Besides, I never get to see you on those Canadian shows, and I’m looking forward to your appearance on Ellen.
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Good luck getting on Ellen!! Those dough balls look SO good.
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OMG. These look absolutely astonishingly amazing! I must try them – I think they’d be perfect for my daughter’s 2nd birthday party in a few weeks! Nom.
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I am such a huge fan of this idea. I send Ellen a gushy email. Hopefully it does the trick. I wasn’t kidding about that personal assistant thing. I’d be there in a heartbeat.
xoxo
Kim
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i sent an email!!! vegan treats fo all
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Way to go pursuing your dream, Ricki! I really admire how you’re going about it, not caring (much?) what people might think. I’m sure Ellen would appreciate meeting someone like you – by which I mean specifically you, of course!
I’ve retweeted one of your tweets already. I’d really love for you to see your dream come true.
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What a brilliant idea, Ricki! You were MADE to go on Ellen! I don’t have a twitter account, as you know
, but I am totally e-mailing her in your support!
Love Marvin Hamlisch. Love Chorus Line. CanNOT believe he actually wrote you back–how cool is that?!
Courtney
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E-mail to Ellen sent…fingers crossed for you
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I’ve been retweetin ya all day
good luck!
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I RT’d you! Good luck Ricki! http://twitter.com/jo_jo_ba/statuses/11505468828
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Ricki I sent her highness of sillyness an email promoting you all the way! you’re wonderful! and 45 pounds is amazing!!!!!! go girl!
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I retweeted one of your tweets on my twitter. twitter.com/butwhatcanieat. I really hope you get on the show, keep us posted!!
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I RT’ed.
) Good luck! I would love to see you on her show.
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Your story about Marvin Hamlish made me laugh! I am keeping my fingers crossed that you get on the Ellen show!
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I’m keeping my fingers crossed as well!
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Ricki,
I am still laughing about Marvin and Ellen. You crack me up! I love your modifications. I can’t wait to try your chocolate coating.
Alicia
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Hmm, well I’m not sure if my RT’s got you on Ellen, but how about I try those yummy truffles hmmm?
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that is too awesome on receiving a letter back from Hamlisch, Ricki. wow! and i totally think you could and should be on The Ellen show. you two do have a lot in common and i think it would be one awesome way to get the word out there about more vegan (and sugar free) awesomeness. i don’t tweet, but ya better believe that i’m gonna send over an e-mail. fingers crossed! wahooooooooooooo!
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You make the most interesting truffles! These are a great idea. I like the addition of cacao nibs. They have such an unusual crunch.
Good luck with the Ellen. I am Twitter-hopeless but I wish you your heart’s desire!
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Yes!! Yes!! I already have your book but I am still sending Ellen an email asking her to have you on her show! And I will link to this post from my next blog post too. YAY! Ricki on Ellen! That would be so awesome! Ellen should totally go for this, this is just like when she was campaigning to be on the cover of “O”!
By the way, I can’t believe Marvin Hamlisch (genius!) wrote you back! Very cool!
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you say crazy like it’s a bad thing. having a dream is an awesomething! and the truffles look amazing.
hugs!
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I would love for you to be on Ellen!
I also appreciate your:
a) truffle recipe
b) appreciation for Marvin
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I sent an email to Ellen–so hope you get to be on her show!! Would love to have your book too…
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I love that you sent Marvin that letter – and that he responded! Super cool indeed.
I didn’t know about the Ellen tweeting- is it too late to tweet you? If anyone deserves to be on the show, it’s you!
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I think I’m a little too late, but I would LOVE to see you on Ellen. My PVR would be all over it.
I haven’t let myself become familiar with Twitter but an email I can do.
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Love Ellen, love you, love Sweet Freedom – I left Ellen a message to put you on her show. I hope she picks you!!
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Hi, Ricki!
Just dropped some more love in Ellen’s twitter account
Hope it works – I’d love to see some more veggies on mainstream television. And I love your blog. Thanks and good luck!
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Wow I wish I wasn’t so behind on reading blog posts! Sending an email to the Ellen show now!! Hope you make it on. =) I’d love to see you on there!
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Oh and these chocolate chip cookie dough truffles – droooooooooool!
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[...] *Raw Cookie Dough Tuffles from Diet, Desserts and Dogs* [...]
These look wonderful! Good luck on your “quest”:).
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Hi Ricki! Thank you for you lovely comment on my blog! I replied there but thought I’d reply here too, as I’d hate for you to think I was sneaking off with your recipe
This isn’t quite the one I used (I remember the one I used specified “raw oat flakes”), but it looks utterly fantastic. Love the coconut oil choc coating, and I’ll have to try that next time!
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I made these w/o the chocolate coating and used carob chips instead of chocolate chips (as you recommended)– ABSOLUTELY DELICIOUS!!!! Thank you so much!!! Many many kudos to you for inventing gluten free recipes that are ALSO sugar free! I also LOVE all the cute doggie pics!
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