It seems poetic that my good friend, Erika, whose mother passed on from cancer and inspired Maggie's gift to visit the afterlife, has now written her own book, a cookbook filled with healthy, yet tasty, recipes for children. I've tried a few of the dishes and I have to say I thought I was eating dessert, not a mixture of veggies. Weird, but so good! If you have children (especially those with food allergies) I thought you might like to know a little about Erika and her cookbook. 

Erika, why did you write this cookbook?
My son has numerous food allergies and I found so few nutrient rich baby puree recipes.  Most purees were just one vegetable.  Most prepared baby food had preservatives and were pureed turkey and peas.  Have you ever tried any of the generic processed baby foods?  One bite and you know why there is a void out there that needs to be filled for yummy and nutrient rich recipes.  

The idea behind this cookbook - tasty, all natural food for children - is such a great idea, how did the concept evolve? Were you standing in your kitchen one day and thought "You know, I'm going to write a cookbook"?
I just starting making my own food and knew that I wanted to have more children.  So, I started writing the recipes down so I would remember them later with my next child.  I had friends then ask for the recipes for their children.  I'm just a regular mom who wanted to make sure my kids have a Fresh Start to their food habits.  And so it began....

What's your favorite thing about this cookbook?
My favorite thing about this cookbook is that each recipe is nutritionist approved.  I am a Community Leader for The First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move Initiative.  The program works with Choose MyPlate.  MyPlate is the new food pyramid.  So what I did was include the MyPlate image with each recipe featuring what food groups are included. That way a parent can make sure that their child is eating the proper nutrients.  I even made up weekly menus for the busy parent to follow that ensures their child is getting the proper nutrition.  

I remember your meatloaf, and how I would devour it, but I never actually asked before…Have you always liked to cook?
My mother was, let's just say, not the best cook.  I have always loved to cook so my mother encouraged this so she didn't have to!  It was a win win situation.  It's a tough transition for me though now.  I was raised on comfort foods, which aren't always exactly the healthiest of foods.  Having my children follow such a well balanced healthy diet has forced me to also choose healthier food options.  I'm so thrilled now to see myself pull out a banana as a snack and see my children get really excited that blueberries are dessert - not ice cream.  

What would you say to mothers who stop to look at this cookbook?
Buy it! :)  Oh, other than that?  I'd tell them to remind themselves that we always want better for our children and their children are a Fresh Start.  Just because chicken nuggets and french fries can be more convenient, they are responsible for shaping their child's food choices.  Raising my children on a farm-to-table, plant-based diet is a way that I feel that I can contribute to their future - with their health, their environment, and teaching them a lesson in animal compassion.  I just would hope that any one of these is reason enough for any parent to want the same for their child.  I promise - it's easier than it sounds.  If I can do it, they can do it!

Where can readers buy it?
Readers can purchase the book on Amazon or they can purchase autographed copies from the website  www.FreshStartCookbook.com. Readers should also like the Facebook.com/FreshStart and keep an eye out for my next book that I am currently working on which will feature farm-to-table fun foods for even the pickiest toddler.  As I'm seeing the popularity of this cookbook in the allergy community, the next book will also be free of egg, peanut, dairy, and meat.  I will also include many more gluten free recipes! 

Fun Facts About You…
Salt or Sugar?  Neither!!  Savory :)
Favorite Snack Food?  Mine is a fruit and soy yogurt smoothie .  My kids' favorite snacks are Nori (seaweed) and cherry tomatoes we pick from our garden.
Early Morning or Late Evening? Definitely Late evening!
Favorite Quote? SOOO many!  But, one of my favorites: “I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”  Mother Teresa
Name three items you'd want if you were stuck on a deserted island. 
Hmmm, besides my family and friends of course?  A good Hefeweisen, vegan dark chocolate with almonds, and a boat to leave when I'm done with the beer and chocolate!

Don't forget to pick up Erika's cookbook! She offers autographed copies too!