We've received a bunch of emails lately about cooking for pets. The news of tainted pet food that sadly killed a bunch of beloved ones, and sickened many more, has gotten everyone clamoring for ways to make treats of their own. I don't actually own any pets (we're still working on asking the landlord to bend her no dogs policy), but can understand why this is a big concern. So to help out, I've rounded up a bunch of (better-educated-than-me) posts and resources to help you on your journey of homemade cuisine for your pets.

However, before you start be sure to check with your veterinarian first. Each animal and species may have different dietary needs.

• Before you begin, be sure to consider whether or not homemade food is better for your pet or not.
• Chiff.com has put together some great nutritional information to consider before making your own pet food.
• Medical News Today has come up with a tip sheet regarding cooking for your pet.
• Be sure to read the reviews before you buy, but there are a lot of pet food cookbooks out there.

Five more links (including a bunch of recipes) after the jump, so read more

A decadent dessert is a must for any all girl party and my baby shower definitely falls into that category. After a soup, salad, and sandwich lunch, I want a light yet delectable sweet treat. Anything that involves a lot of chocolate feels too rich and heavy, I prefer a dessert that screams spring. A lemon cake with raspberry filling and smooth white frosting sounds divinely heavenly. The cake can be sliced up after the presents have been opened allowing the mother-to-be time to meet, greet, and thank each of her guests. For the recipe, read more

This weekend my dad was helping me make a lime tart for Easter dinner's dessert. We were working in my brother's kitchen, which is beautifully remodeled, yet lacking in the essential kitchen tools. The lime tart was my best option because it required no hand mixer or food processor. I bought a whole bunch of limes and my dad agreed to juice them with his hands and a fork. He cut all 15 limes and we only needed juice from about half of that. What did I do with all of the extra lime juice? Why I made a cocktail of course! A lime rickey is a refreshing cocktail that's like an adult version of limeade. Gin (or vodka, if you prefer) is stirred into a mixture of sugar simple syrup, lime juice, and soda water. Garnish with the extra limes and enjoy. To check out this must-make-the-next-time-you-have-too-much-fresh- squeezed-lime-juice recipe, read more

• One of my favorite food personalities, Mark Bittman, is getting a new show. It should start this week on PBS stations near you. - Serious Eats
• If you want to eat locally, why not start with a garden in your own lawn? You won't be the only one, urban gardening is on the rise. - Chow



• Remember how I told you about the state egg debacle? Looks like I really should have clicked on them all, apparently I missed artist Penny Smith's Louisiana's egg featuring a miniature Emeril. - Food Network Addict
• Warm weather is arriving and that means it's time for ice cream! Don't miss out on this sweet/salty Salted Butter Caramel Ice Cream. It's not even 11am here and I am drooling. - David Lebovitz
• You might want to pay more attention when reading nutrition labels. The math doesn't always add up when counting fat and trans fat. - The Ethicurean
• And finally, here are a few desserts for you to try: Berry Brioche Pudding (beautifully put together by La Tartine Gourmande - Arborio Rice Pudding (scroll down to the end of this Smitten Kitchen post) - Ultimate Lemon Pound Cake (a treat for us from Tartelette).

At most baby showers, it's customary to open the gifts during the celebration - providing the perfect reason to host an elegant sit down luncheon. Girlfriends can enjoy wine and a light meal, while the mommy-to-be opens her gifts. I'm supplying you with all of my best baby shower party planning ideas this week. The invitations can be pretty and polka dotted and the menu can be healthy, vegetarian, and delicious. Curried vegetable dip with homemade potato chips is just the start of a meal that is sure to have your female friends begging you for the recipes. To check out the classic soup, salad, and sandwich lunch menu, read more

Isn't it lovely when, every once in a while, you find yourself home alone for a few days? I woke up this morning and found myself in that exact situation, which means I can have anything I want. So I'll do what I normally do when I'm home alone - head to Whole Foods and browse the aisles for inspiration. I like to check out what they have in the premade section and usually purchase a few things to jazz it up. Hopefully they'll have spicy cooked turkey breasts because I'm in the mood for a fresh couscous salad. Whether you're home alone or not, pick up some cooked turkey or chicken breasts at your local grocers and make this scrumptious, savory salad for dinner. Get the recipe now, read more

This news is fresh off the presses. Looks like Vodka O2, which is a sparkling vodka, has finally found a US importer with Admiral Imports. The New Jersey based company will be the exclusive importer for the bubble-infused vodka. As far as I'm concerned, this is one of the best products I've heard of in a while. My personal favorite drink is vodka with soda or tonic, and as everyone points out, why on earth do I spend my money on diluted vodka?

The world's first sparkling vodka was developed over the course of two years, and contains 80 proof vodka that has been batch distilled and filtered three times. A blend of wheat, malted barley and filtered British spring water, the sparkling vodka is marketed as "a delicious, distinctive quality that is crystal clear and lightly sparkling on the palate."

Like I said before, I personally can't wait until I can get my hands on some. Right now it's available in the UK and Iceland (and coming soon to Australia and New Zealand). Has anyone tried it? If so, what do you think? Is it worth the hype?

Source: PR Newswire

Guess what? This week I'm planning Naomi Watts' baby shower! As much as I wish I was a celebrity event planner, this is a virtual party plan that I'm creating per your requests! So many readers have asked for help with baby showers they're planning for girlfriends, sisters, and mothers, but since I don't know anyone who is pregnant, I thought it would be fabulous to design a luncheon for one of Hollywood's most chic starlets. The event has a light pink and baby blue theme that was established with the polka-dot invitations sent yesterday. The menu for the sit down lunch will be light, fresh, springy, vegetarian, and absolutely delicious. To see what simple appetizer will meet the all female crowd as they arrive, read more