The River Cottage Family Cookbook is a wonderful addition to the kitchen bookshelf. The authors, Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and Fizz Carr have researched and created a fanciful yet extremely factual cooking companion for the entire family to enjoy and learn from. These unique writers delve into the veritable meat and bones of the “whys” of cookery and stress the importance of including children in the food preparation process. In addition, the overarching message of the text addresses the timely issue of instilling in our families the value of consuming more local, organic, and humanely raised food. To that end, all of the recipes in this book were made by their children, with assistance from parents when needed.

The beginning of each chapter includes a very conversational primer on the topic covered. So for instance, in the “Flour” section you not only have bread, scone, and pasta recipes but also mini articles on the reasons why we have to knead dough, a brief history of the effects flour has had on civilization, and even the science behind soda breads. If I’m fascinated by these recipe asides, than I’m sure your children will be as well.

The photography of the book is also very down to earth. The images of food you’ll find inside look like things that actually come out of your own oven. There are candid pictures of fresh pasta drying on coat hangers, gooey pink spills, and far from artistic eclairs but this only serves to give each dish a very approachable air.

If learning how to make your own salt, build a campfire, whip up ice cream without the aid of a special machine, or holding a pancake race appeals to your inner child then please make it a priority to check out The River Cottage Family Cookbook.

The brilliant Bodega Party in a Box kit arrived today. The Neighbors Project seriously out did themselves in the categories of overall functionality and cuteness. I am so excited to have a Bodega Party, especially when there’s one literally steps from our apartment. Honestly, the first time I went inside our neighborhood bodega I was floored by the variety of items they offered, everything from fresh veggies and fruits to deli meats, beer and wine. Emphasis on the beer and wine, because as anyone whose spent any time in Massachusetts knows, it’s rare for even fully functioning grocery stores to carry liquor.

The kit comes neatly packaged in a produce bag and includes: invitations, a shopping bag, cookbook, and funky flag party decorations. Rachel, from the blog Coconut and Lime, even has a pasta recipe featured in the collection. You can order your kit directly from The Neighbors Project for $35. Proceeds from the sales of this product go to the Food and Liquor Project, which encourages people to buy from local corner, bodega, and liquor stores.

So who’s coming to my party and what are we going to make?!

Congratulations Lysa! You were “lucky number” 11. You’ll be receiving Foodie Babies Wear Bibs and Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-To-Be in the mail shortly. For those of you who are waiting to purchase a copy of Foodie Babies Wear Bibs please note that it will be released on September 2, 2008. Thank you to everyone for participating and be sure to stay tuned! There are always more giveaways in the works.

Please note that this contest is now closed and we have a winner. Thank you for entering!

You’re in for a double treat this week!  You’ll have until Friday, August 8th to enter to win your very own copies of both Foodie Babies Wear Bibs and Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-To-Be. Keep them for your own enjoyment or share them with a friend. All you have to do is leave a comment on this post (one comment per person please). A winner will be selected via the nifty random number generator this Friday, August 8th at noon and than I’ll promptly ship the books to your home. But wait! If you would be so kind as to link back to this contest on your blog or even simply post a link via twitter you can get one additional bonus entry. Simply leave a link to your blog post or twitter profile in the second comment to gain your extra chance to win. Good luck!

I admit it, one of the first things I said to my good friend Meghan when she told me she was going to have a baby (after CONGRATULATIONS, of course) was something along the lines of, “Oh my God! You can’t have a glass of wine with dinner for 9 months!” Obviously my biological clock has not begun any kind of count down yet if what I’m worried about is wine, and not 2 AM feedings, onesies, or college funds so for now I’m quite content to be honorary auntie Erin. But for those of you who are expecting and find yourself feeling a little twinge of longing for a dirty martini from time-to-time than you definitely should add Margarita Mama: Mocktails for Moms-To-Be to your baby shower registry.

Alyssa Gusenoff has compiled a funky cookbook full of non-alcoholic versions of your favorite party time cocktails including sangria, mojitos, and watermelon margaritas. There are even new mocktails with oh-so-cute names like the “Momsicle” (a mixture of pineapple, pear, blueberry, and lime juices served chilled over a glass of sparkling water), “The Perfect Pear of Jeans” (a frothy concoction of blended pear, lemon-lime soda, and lime juice), and the “Nursery Nightcap” (a warm cup of decaffeinated herbal tea with a shot of vanilla syrup).

In addition to all of the great drinks, Margarita Mama is also sprinkled with helpful hints and pregnancy factoids. For instance did you know that basil may help with morning sickness? Me either?! So whip up a Caprese Salad for your girlfriend, rent Baby Boom, and don’t forget to make a mental note to add this title to your “to be gifted” lists. The upcoming mommies in your life will definitely thank you for your thoughtfulness.

Congratulations Susie! You were “lucky number” 72. You’ll be receiving Pops! Icy Treats for Everyone in the mail shortly. Thank you to everyone for participating and be sure to stay tuned! There are more giveaways in the works.

PS: If it’s hot like an oven where you are right now be sure to check out the various pops I made last week:

• Mojito Pops
• Root Beer Float Pops
• Pistachio Pudding Rocket Pops

Or visit the IcyPops.com website for additional inspiration.