Dinnertime staples and comfort food are the running themes in this book, with homey dishes that will bring the family into the kitchen faster than a dinner bell. Recipes for Braised Beef Stew and Roasted Butternut and Bacon Pasta will fill tummies and bring smiles to the entire clan. Plus, food-related family activities, such as dry-curing bacon and making homemade ricotta, allow everyone to join in on the fun.

These recipes prove that homemade baby food isn’t just for the crib set. Easy-to-prepare dishes are categorized by age group, beginning with tasty purées like Lentil with Carrot for 6- to 9-month-olds, and progressing to Braised Pork with Apricots for 2- to 3-year-olds. With food this delectable, Mom and Dad will be stealing bites off baby’s plate!

By implementing theme-driven meal planning, the Food Nanny shows that even the busiest household can find time to prepare a hearty dinner. The recipes are quick, easy to follow and satisfying, with stick-to-your-ribs fare such as Grilled Garlic-Butter Chicken and Country-Fried Steak with Milk Gravy. This book has enough mouthwatering recipes to inspire family meals every night of the week.

For people with food allergies—or for those who prefer their sweets on the healthier side—this book is pure gold. Recipes for muffins, cakes, cookies and other desserts have all been tweaked to exclude allergy-inducing ingredients, including gluten, wheat and eggs. With adaptations of classics such as macaroons, brownies and chocolate chip cookies, along with a plethora of pies, cobblers and sweetbreads, this book will satisfy every sweet tooth (allergic or not). 

The lively step-by-step photos in this book will draw kids in as they learn the history and meaning behind various foods in the Jewish culture. Recipes range from traditional staples to contemporary takes, such as Smoked Salmon Frittata and Persian Lentil Salad, and all taste great, no matter the occasion or your religious persuasion.

Budding eco-minded chefs will appreciate Beery’s energy-efficient cooking methods and tips on using local, organic and homegrown ingredients. Kids can be resourceful by using sunlight to make strawberry lemonade or preparing Cornbread in a Recycled Can. Green-living suggestions are scattered throughout the pages, and an abundance of sugary confections with nods to nature (like Baby Butterfly Cupcakes) sweeten the deal.