BOOK WE LOVE: Fresh From the Farmers' Market

Fresh From the Farmers' Market: Year-Round Recipes for the Pick of the Crop by Janet Fletcher (Chronicle Books).

The farmers' market has become a vital social activity for many. It's a meeting place and community-strengthening tradition. The market is a wonderful place to buy the highest quality, freshest, local produce, free-range eggs and meat, and scrumptious baked goods.

Fresh from the Farmers' Market is a celebration of this important market. Fletcher shares what is available seasonally, and includes recipes for delectable dishes such as a blackberry macaroon torte, sweet pea and green garlic soup, turkey soup with root vegetables, and fresh fig galettes. Part market guidebook, part cookbook, it also includes food selection and storage tips, and spectacular photography. These recipes are generally quick and easy, and star vegetables and fruits (less of a focus on meat makes it great for vegetarians). A gem for anyone who wants to eat more fresh, local produce, but perhaps needs a little guidance while hopping on the locavore bandwagon.

BOOK WE LOVE: BabyCakes

BABYCAKES: Vegan, Gluten-Free, and (Mostly) Sugar-Free Recipes from New York's Most Talked-About Bakery by Erin McKenna (Clarkson Potter Publishers) came out this month. Attention those with food allergies: here's proof that you can bake your cupcake and eat it too. BabyCakes, the Lower East Side's beloved gluten-free, vegan bakery that opened in 2005, presents their famous, tried-and-true recipes for making scrumptious, healthy treats. Now, those who don't live right in Manhattan can enjoy these special, delightful concoctions, and you don't have to have allergies or be a vegan to enjoy them. Many people imagine baked goods made without eggs, wheat or dairy to be lacking moisture, texture and flavor. BabyCakes NYC (and now West Hollywood!) will force you to re-evaluate your previous notions of alternative baking. The cookbook features full-color photographs and recipes for biscuits, scones, teacakes, cupcakes & frostings, cakes, crumbles, pies, cobblers and drinks, and is sprinkled with celebrity fanmail about the bakery. I am not a vegan, nor do I have food allergies, but I adore these recipes, and BabyCakes' goodies will win over the pickiest of eaters. In case you're still skeptical: McKenna received the very prestigious "Best Cupcake" award in 2006 from New York magazine. Log onto BabyCake's website for more information.

Tasty Goodies From Etsy: Mydecrepitvalentine

"My Delicious Decrepit Valentine Eats Goody Shop" on Etsy provides some of the tastiest baked goods available on the website. My Decrepit Valentine is a creative, artsy girl who makes treats to eat, and art to look at (maybe simultaneously!). Our favorites include the tasty, moist cinnamon bun and the pecan caramel sandwich cookies (bring those back!). Of course, you can't go wrong with the "Luscious White Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Pecan Cookies" either! The packaging is adorable, and she always includes some extras in the box. Make sure to pair these treats with a tall glass of milk and some of your best girlfriends. While you're visiting her Bake Shop, check out her artwork store too. Click here to view the cookies, cakes and candies, oh my!