In search of inspiration, I ran across a few web sites that have proven to be helpful in building upon the food and family tradition within our household.
The first, www.kidsregen.org, focuses on offering kids aged 7-10 the tools needed to improve their health and the health of the planet. Created by The Rodale Institute, whose mission it is to work with people worldwide to achieve a regenerative food system that renews environmental and human health working with the philosophy that Healthy Soil = Healthy Food = Healthy Planet, the site offers information on fun and fitness, food and nutrition, easy to make recipes, gardening information and inspiration, activities and a host of resources for both parents and educators.

The next, is a fun site that helps you create a cookbook filled with family recipes, personal photos and stories. TheSecretIngredients.com offers interactive and creative ways for family and friends to preserve the recipes they were raised with. The personalized cookbooks can be created individually or through groups online and can be filled with recipes, dedications, and photos. The web site also offers food related resources including product reviews, informative articles and links to interactive blogs. I love the idea of gathering together favorite family recipes all in one place (in a beautiful bound book), although the cookbooks seem a bit expensive -- however they can be a wonderful gift - for a wedding shower, graduation gift, etc. The site may even provide you inspiration to create your own collection of recipes.

Finally, the May launch of Imbibe Magazine is almost here. I got a sneak peak at the first issue of this magazine that highlights drinks as a culinary category. The magazine covers all kinds of beverages from wine, beer and spirits, to coffee, tea, water and beyond. The articles focus on the history, ingredients, preparation and consumption of beverages, offering readers information to make more informed buying decisions -- ultimately for their enjoyment at home. The premier issue includes articles on the beverages of Oaxaca, organic wine, coffee and Trappist ales. It is very well written - offering a lot of great information. The magazine will be available at Barnes & Noble, Borders, Books a Million, Whole Foods, Wild Oats, Tower Books as well as select independent grocery stores, wine, beer and spirit shops. Check out the web site for more information:
www.imbibemagazine.com

Until next time, enjoy your time with Food, Family and Friends
Laura