Puree or mash any-thing you guys are eating, unles its particularly rich like hot curries or chilli's. Its a more cost effective way as well as saving a bit of time. Depending how your bub goes, you might like to prepare certain things in bulk (freeze in ice cube trays). I use to have a cook up day once every 2-3 weeks. Pretty simple, cheap and doesn't take much time to peel, boil, mash and freeze.
I got a few books but found I didn't really use them. Maybe start with a search on the net, lots of suggestions without costing you any-thing. The sooner you can get bubs eating what you are eating, the easier it is. I found it a good time to change DH and my diet a bit, making sure its a lot healthier/balanced etc.
DD is 3yr 8 months - DS is 6 months