Review and Giveaway: Organically Raised Cookbook CLOSED

Thank you to Anni Daulter for participating in the Bloggy Birthday Blowout Event on Goodie Goodie Gumdrops!

As I've previously confessed, I've never been much of a cook. I would rather eat out or throw a frozen entree in the oven, simply for convenience. But when I became a mom, I knew I wanted more for my son. I wanted to give him the best of everything - including nutrition. I was dedicated to breastfeeding for at least one year (exclusively for six months). And when the time came for solid foods, I researched how to make my own baby food. I even purchased a Beaba BabyCook to make it fun and easy. I was thrilled to exceed my first goal and breastfeed for just under 18 months before Nate self-weaned. But I must admit that over time, I've fallen a little short of continuing the healthy, homemade meals beyond the puree stage. My son has grown picky and intolerant of new things, which causes frustration in both of us. I desperately needed a new strategy, which I've found in Anni Daulter's new cookbook, Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers.

Unlike traditional cookbooks, Organically Raised is more than a reproduction of recipes. It's a philosophy. Mom of four, personal chef and owner of Bohemian Baby Fresh Organic Baby Food, Anni Daulter shares her passion for "conscious cooking", or as she describes, "the art of preparing meals with awareness and presence, which infuses the food with higher energy". This generates a sense of calm and not only feeds the body, but also indulges the soul.

Anni introduces us to the "Fundamental Five" of Conscious Cooking (Organic, Mindful, Seasonal, Flavorful and International) and discusses why they are imperative for a healthy start. She also answers common dietary questions, discusses the importance of "rainbow eating" and gives tips and advice for making the most of your "sacred space". She concludes with a wealth of delicious recipes, ranging from baby basics like a "harvest time" pear and pomegranate blend and peach-raspberry-acai yogurt to exotic toddler treats like goji berry hummus, basil-walnut pesto quesadillas and teriyaki chicken sushi rolls. A sweet touch is that each dish is named for the child who inspired it!

As soon as I received my cookbook, I couldn't put it down. The photos are some of the most exquisite I'd ever seen and I couldn't wait to test my conscious cooking skills. Each recipe had an inspiring mantra alongside it to keep me on course (example: "With every bite, I wish to nourish your growing body and gentle spirit and to give you the best nutritional start I can.")

After much deliberation, I decided to make the sweet potato cakes and breakfast quiche.

Mackenzie's Superstar Sweet Potato Cakes With Sour Cream

Makes 8 servings

Ingredients:

1 medium garnet yam
4 Yukon Gold potatoes or 2 large russet potatoes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp wheat germ
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 eggs
2 tbsp heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 cup grated Romano cheese
3 tbsp unbleached or all-purpose flour

Directions:

1. Peel and dice the potatoes and place them in a pot of cold water. Bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until thoroughly cooked. Drain the potatoes and let them cool.

2. Peel and dice the yams into 1-inch pieces. Steam the yams for 20 minutes, or until soft.

3. Place the yams and potatoes in a large bowl. Mash until well mixed and only a little lumpiness remains. Set aside.

4. Heat the oil in a medium skillet over low heat. Add the onion, salt, pepper and wheat germ. Cook until the onion is soft and begins to brown. Add the garlic and cook 1 minute more. Remove from heat. Add to the potato mixture.

5. Beat the eggs and cream together in a mixing bowl. Stir them into the potato mixture along with the cheeses and flour.

6. Heat a nonstick skillet over medium high heat or set a nonstick electric skillet to 375 degrees. Flatten 1 heaping tablespoon of batter into a round cake and place in the skillet. Repeat with remaining batter. Cook the cakes for 5 minutes per side, or until a brown crust forms on each side.

7. Serve warm with a dollop of sour cream as a dipping sauce.

(c) Organically Raised by Anni Daulter, 2010

Sure, these require a little more prep than sweet potato fries (Anni also has a yummy recipe for those, BTW) but man, are they worth it! The cakes are really flavorful, the perfect combination of crunchy and soft. Their compact size makes them a great snack or side dish and the sour cream dip makes the experience fun for picky toddlers. I love how they jazz up an old kid-friendly favorite like mashed potatoes but add more nutrients with the mix of sweet potato. This recipe would be perfect for children who may not like vegetables alone but will eat them if they are concealed. Besides, what kid - or adult for that matter - wouldn't find the word "cake" enticing?

(Psst...Anni also suggested to use them as topping for salad! Delicioso!)

Bodhi's Favorite English Broccoli-and-Cheese Quick Quiche

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

Splash of olive oil
2 cups finely chopped fresh broccoli
1 small yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp sea salt
2 pinches of ground red pepper
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
3 eggs, well beaten
1 cup organic milk (or soy or rice milk)
1/2 cup heavy cream
1 unbaked pie crust (9 inch diameter)
1 tsp wheat germ
1 cup cheddar cheese
1 cup mozzarella cheese

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Pour a little olive oil into a heated skillet. Add the broccoli, onion, garlic, salt and peppers. Cook, stirring frequently, until the broccoli is tender and the onion is beginning to caramelize. Set aside.

3. Beat together the eggs, milk and cream in a mixing bowl. When well mixed, add the wheat germ.

4. Place the broccoli mixture in the pie shell. Evenly sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella on top. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetables and cheese.

5. Bake for 40 minutes.

(c) Organically Raised by Anni Daulter, 2010

This was my first time making a quiche - but it certainly won't be my last! It was so easy to make and I love that you can pretty much substitute whatever vegetables you want. The pretty presentation makes it perfect to serve for company. As a matter of fact, I shared some with my neighbor and she also raved about it! This would be a wonderfully savory meal for Sunday brunch - or any day of the week.

I love that these recipes are palatable for the entire family and not just the kiddie table. If your children are old enough, they could even help you with the preparation, making it a bonding and learning experience! I can't wait to try out more recipes, like Massimo's Tuscan Rustic Pizza with Fresh Herbs, Veggies and Three Cheeses, Noni's Cold Watermelon Soup or Adrian's Lavender Cupcakes with Lavender Swiss Meringue Butter Cream. Is your mouth watering yet?

Since reading this book, I've noticed I've become much less stressed in the kitchen. I am starting to perceive cooking as a rewarding experience and a chance to share my love with my family, rather than a chore to be crossed off the list. I just wish I had found this book sooner!

Bottom line: Every parent should find their zen in the kitchen with Organically Raised.

BUY IT: You can purchase Organically Raised online at Amazon.com (ARV $14.95), as well as Barnes and Noble and Borders.

To learn more about Anni and conscious cooking, visit her at www.organicallyraisedcookbook.com or www.consciousfamilyliving.com.

WIN IT: Anni has graciously agreed to give away another copy of her cookbook to one lucky reader! YAY!!!

MAIN COURSE (MANDATORY ENTRY): Visit Organically Raised and tell me something you learned from the website. Remember to please leave your email address in your comment if it isn't visible on your profile to prevent disqualification!

SUGAR ON TOP (BONUS ENTRIES): To maximize your chances of winning, you may do any or all of the following. Be sure to complete the above mandatory entry or your bonus entries will not count!

1.) Follow my blog and/or subscribe via reader or email. Comment telling me which method you chose. If you already follow or subscribe, that counts! (1 entry each)

2.) Follow me and Organically Raised on Twitter and tweet about this contest. You can do this daily! You may use the following tweet or come up with one of your own:

Infuse your child's food with love! #Win an @organicraised cookbook from @kris10chumley ENDS 7/29 http://bit.ly/duL6dC

Just leave me a comment with your tweet link. (1 entry per day max)

3.) Become a fan of Organically Raised on Facebook. (1 entry)

4.) "Like" Goodie Goodie Gumdrops on Facebook. (1 entry)

5.) Add my Bloggy Birthday Blowout event button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

6.) Add my blog button to your site and comment with a link where I can find it. (1 entry)

Giveaway will end on July 29, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents only. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to congratulatory email or prize will be forfeited and another winner will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this cookbook from the author to facilitate my candid review. I was not compensated in any other way for this post. The thoughts and opinions expressed in my review and purely mine. Your experience may differ.