The books starts off with Mrs. Kingsolver explaining why it is nearly impossible to eat locally and sustainably from farm to plate in an area like Arizona and why her family needed to moved where pastures are greener. So the Kingsolver family settles into a farm and they begin their adventure of eating only what has been grown or raised in their county with much of that being done by themselves. They plant a large vegetable garden, they raise chickens for eggs and meat, and they raise turkeys. They also develop relationships with farmers nearby so that they can purchase from them what they cannot get themselves. Immediately they see just how spoiled people become when they do not have to consider where their food came from and at what cost. Most people might never know what wild asparagus looks like, how to make cheese, or how to find a moral mushroom. But the Kingsolver family was determined to reconnect with their food in an intimate way and never again be so detached from the process.

Their adventures are delightful to read from the first picking of asparagus in spring, to making cheese, to organizing a birthday party for over a hundred people using only produce from local farms.

Barbara Kingsolver writes much of the book but her partner Steve also contributes essays and her daughter Camille details some delicious recipes the family ate while on their journey.

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle is a book about one family’s journey from southern Arizona to Virginia and their goal to reconnect with their local food chain.

A baby shower is a form of celebration that means to welcome the brand-new member in the family.  Did you no that baby showers were originally intended only for first-borns, modern practices now allow baby shower parties for every baby that comes in the family.

Baby showers are usually managed and arranged by the relatives and close friends of the parents-to-be. They are a good way to help parents get started with the things that they need for the baby. Take note, that there are some cultures and religious beliefs that do not consider it proper and that it is considered bad luck to have a party and bring baby things in the house before the baby is born. ( My mom is one of those people that believe it’s like “counting your eggs before they hatch”)

Over the years, baby showers have evolved into various names, such as the following:

· ”Daddy’s shower” - a men-only party for dads-to-be

· ”Grandma’s shower” - a party where guests bring baby items (such as foldable cribs and changing pads) that grandparents can keep at their house.

· ”Diaper showers” or “baby sprinkles” - a small-scale party that is usually held for succeeding children, and ideal for parents who do not need as many items (or gifts).

It is also common for a baby shower to have a theme, to which the entire party centers on. Baby shower essentials typically include games, presents, and food… plus a cake!

After all no party is complete without a cake, and this also relates to baby showers.

Cakes are one of the cool things about baby showers, and they can be made using diverse simple techniques, For instance:

1. All-in-together - this is done by placing the dry ingredients in a food processor (together with the shortening) before gradually adding the liquid ingredients.

2. Creaming method - this is done by ‘creaming’ butter and sugar together before gradually adding the rest of the ingredients.

3. Rubbing method - this is done by ‘rubbing’ the butter into the dry ingredients before adding the liquid ones.

4. Melt-and-mix - this is done by are first combining the dry ingredients together, adding the melted butter and the other liquid ingredients afterwards to complete the cake.

5. Sponge-making - this is done by whipping the eggs and sugar into a froth, with the flour carefully mixed in. Making a light sponge requires great skill, as it does not use any raising agent or fat.

Finished cakes are usually enhanced with the use of frosting (icing) or toppings (such as sprinkles.

There are different varieties of baby shower cakes to choose from. Some of them are listed below:

· Angelfood cake
· Butter cake
· Butterfly cake
· Carrot cake
· Cheesecake
· Chocolate cake
· Chiffon cake
· Cupcake
· Devil’s food cake
· Fruit cake
· Gingerbread
· Ice cream cake
· Mooncake
· Pineapple upside down cake
· Pound cake
· Spice cake
· Sponge cake

Aside from the cake varieties above, there are also a lot of baby shower cake ideas that can make a baby shower celebration more special:

1. Belly Cake. One great idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like a pregnant belly. This can be done by placing a circular cake in front of a rectangular cake and frosting them together to resemble that of a pregnant belly.

2. Toy Blocks Cake. Another idea is to design a baby shower cake and make it look like children’s toy blocks (either one large block or 3 to 4 smaller blocks). Toy block cakes can be further enhanced by surrounding them with candies or little toy cars.

Naturally, you can also experiment and try to come up with creative ideas of your own. Don’t forget that the ‘goal’ is not only to make a scrumptious dessert, but also a great centerpiece that will stand out in the memories of the parents-to-be.
Resource:

All the best baby shower games, both traditional ones, such as Baby Shower Bingo and Word Find, plus unique, one-of-a-kind games, like Baby Shower Sudoku. Other games include Celebrity Baby Names, Crosswords, Trivia, Baby Jesus, Mommy & Daddy Animals, What’s in Your Purse, Right & Left Story, and so much more. Click here now to go to www.best-baby-shower-games.com

Ingredients:

1 (4 oz.) pkg. lemon gelatin
1 (4 oz.) pkg. orange gelatin
2 C. hot water
1 small can crushed pineapple drained (save juice)
2 bananas, sliced
1 C. miniature marshmallows
½ C. sharp cheddar cheese shredded
1 egg beaten
2 Tbsp. flour
2 Tbsp. butter
½ C. sugar
1 C. pineapple juice
1 (4 oz.) pkg. cream cheese, softened
1 C. whipped cream or cool whip

Direction:

Dissolve gelatin in hot water. Add cold water and let cool. Add pineapple, bananas, and marshmallow. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch pan and chill until firm. To make topping, combine the egg, flour, margarine, sugar and pineapple juice in a small saucepan. Stir over low heat until thick. Cool and fold in cream cheese and whipped cream or cool whip. Spread over the top of chilled gelatin. Sprinkle with cheese. Cut into squares to serve.

Ingredients:

5 slices bacon
1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
1 small onion, chopped
8 large eggs
¾ tsp. salt
½ tsp. hot red pepper sauce
1 (10 oz.) box frozen chopped spinach, thawed and dried
¾ C. (3 oz.) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Directions:

Place the bacon in a large skillet. Cook over medium heat until the bacon is browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Transfer the bacon to paper towels to drain cool. Discard the bacon fat or save it for another use. Coarsely chop the bacon. Heat the oil in a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden, about 5 minutes.

Meanwhile, beat the eggs, salt, and red pepper sauce well in a medium bowl. Stir in the spinach and bacon, and mix well to break up the spinach. Pour into the skillet with the onion and cook until the edges begin to set. Using a rubber spatula, lift up an edge of the mixture, and tilt the skillet so the uncooked eggs run underneath the set portion. Continue cooking, occasionally lifting the edge and tilting the skillet, until the top is almost set, about 4 minutes.

Sprinkle the top with the shredded cheese. Cover skillet with a lid and cook on low heat until the top is puffed and the cheddar has melted, about 3 minutes. Cut into wedges and serve hot or cooled to room temperature.

Ingredients:

10 eggs, beaten
1 lb. Monterey Jack cheese, grated
2 C. cottage cheese
½ C. (1 stick) butter, melted
½ C. all purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
2 (4 oz.) cans diced, green chilies, drained.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9 x 13 inch ovenproof, baking dish. Combine first 7 ingredients in a large bowl. Stir in chilies. Pour egg mixture into prepared pan. Bake until lightly browned and tester inserted in center comes out clean, about 35 minutes. Serve immediately.