The Walking Example Group and Cornell University Cooperative Extension are cooking up something special and everyone in Otsego County can enjoy the results.a

WE GO and CUCE, with the help of practically everyone in the county, are publishing a book entitled "Home Plate: The Traveler's Food Guide to Cooperstown and Otsego County."

With the support of Assemblyman Bill Magee, who provided $2500 seed money, Home Plate began as a cookbook celebrating New York State agriculture. It has since evolved into a travel guide and lifestyles profile of Otsego County, as well. To help offset printing costs, Home Plate offers an exceedingly reasonable advertising opportunity for Otsego County businesses and organizations. A full page, including your information and a recipe featuring one or more New York State products, is $50 and is deductible as a donation to CUCE. The only requirement is that your group or business is Otsego County based. If you have any doubt if New York produces what your recipe calls for, call CUCE at 607-547-2536, extension 225. Recipe/ads will be collected throughout the summer.

As an example, the diversity of recipes collected so far have included Apple Pie, Sauerbraten, Wild Leek Tart, Strawberry Rhubarb Crisp and Blue Stone Farms Granola Cookies.

Not a cook? Not a problem. CUCE and WE GO can provide you an appropriate entry. A maximum of three full pages is available for a $100 donation to CUCE.

Along with recipes and information about Otsego County businesses and organizations, Home Plate will list farmers' markets, farm stand locations and agricultural festivals and contain a Resource Guide to buying local products by mail, on line or in the area. Historical and anecdotal information about our area will run throughout Home Plate.

All proceeds from the sale of Home Plate will go to CUCE and WE GO, both non- profit organizations whose programs benefit Otsego County residents.

Home Plate will be available at local bookstores and other vendors in time for Christmas and will sell for $16.95. It will also be available on line at Barnes and Noble.com and Amazon.com.

For more information go to www.homeplatefoodguide.com or call Rich McCaffery at 607-547-2536, ext, 225 or Brenda Berstler at 607-547-2893.

Brenda Berstler is the founder of the Walking Example Group (WE-GO) a non-profit organization encouraging walking and walkable communities. Visit their website at www.we-go.org.