Our 18 month old baby E has been very picky at meal time lately. I was running out of steam on ideas about what and how to feed her. We were basically stuck with the same 10 to 15 meal variations and I just didn't have the time to look for new recipes between taking care of her, working, and cooking. Ironically it was the 'taking care of her' part that I overlooked. I was making food for her, but it became more like a chore that I didn't want to face most days. Thanks to Anni Daulter's book, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers, I was able to find inspiration and the tools necessary to make feeding time joyful and enjoyable again! Not just for baby, but even myself. Thanks Anni!

When I first opened the book, I was hooked. I couldn't put it down. It is very well organized, has just enough mouthwatering graphics, and it is inspiring to say the least. Not only does it offer a myriad of recipes, it also provides guidance and emotional support to instill the right mindset for creating meals for your children. A meal prepared with love truly is priceless!

Ease of use: The book is organized into four parts. It leads you through the baby's first solid foods in the form of purees, then on to baby blends, all-season cereals, and yogurt recipes. The following Toddlers and Preschoolers section offers Cultural Cafe Recipes that are a little bit of everything to satisfy the toddler's taste for trying a variety of ingredients and textures. This is my favorite section of course because we have a toddler! It finishes off with sweet treats, definitely a lifesaver! Because these recipes are a healthy kind of sweet. We've been resorting to raisins and fruits, but there are so many new ideas I've been glad to find to add some variety to our desserts. 

In terms of physical ease of use, these recipes are just what a parent needs. We all know parents don't have time to make elaborate, time consuming meals. Organically Raised has just the right balance and the meals are very easy to prepare. We made Bodhi's Favorite English Broccoli-and-Cheese Quick Quiche this morning. It was a breeze! Such a perfect breakfast! Our new favorite for sure. I like that the preparation is rather short (took me about 15 minutes) and then you just toss it in the oven. I didn't have a pie crust so I just buttered a glass baking pan and poured it right in. It came out perfect and baby E loved it, not to mention my husband and I really enjoyed it as well! These recipes aren't just 'baby food', there is something everyone will love. 

Minor constructive feedback - it would be great if each recipe had the approximate amount of time it takes to make it at the top, in addition to serving size. Sometimes I don't have the time to read through the recipe to see if it's something I have time for at the moment. Other than that, I think this book is perfect! I have a feeling that in a couple of months I will know exactly how long each recipe takes because I can't wait to try them all! 

Value: It is priceless! Yes, you heard me. What this book did for our meal times truly has no price tag! But if you really want to know, the price is $21.99. Amazon has it on sale though for $14.95 and it is worth every penny. Of course you can stop by Eco-Babyz.com and win one if you'd like! (Giveaway ends Wednesday, August 18th 2010.) 

Who Would You Recommend this to? I highly recommend this cookbook to any parent who wants to feed his/her children wholesome organic meals that are nourishing, fun, and easy to make.