Kids Can Be Chefs: Cookery for Kids

Are you looking for a way to spend some quality time with your kids? Get 'em into the kitchen. Most kids can't wait to impress others with their creative cooking. Here are some resources to get them started. You'll find fun stories to share with your kids about cooking, recipes that children can make, as well as tips for the whole family on how to have fun and be safe in the kitchen.

Picture Books to Read About Cooking

In My Momma's Kitchen by Jerdine Nolen: A child describes the family events, like making apple butter and having relatives visit, that center around Momma's kitchen.

Making Minestrone by Stella Blackstone: A lively group of children pick the ingredients to make soup from their garden.

The Princess and the Pizza by Mary Jane Auch: An out-of-work princess applies to become the bride of Prince Drupert, but first she must pass several tests, including a cooking contest.

Cookbooks for Young Chefs

Betty Crocker's Kids Cook! by Betty Crocker: Provides information on safety in the kitchen, cooking terms, measuring, nutrition and more, along with recipes designed for young people to make.

Chocolate From Start to Finish by Samuel G. Woods: Discusses the origin, history, and ways of preparing and using chocolate.

Cooking the Indian Way: Revised and Expanded to Include New Low-Fat and Vegetarian Recipes by Vijay Madavan: This and other books in the Cooking the … Way series offer an introduction to the cuisine and culture of the featured country, including information about the country's social life and customs.

Emeril's There's a Chef in My Soup! Recipes for the Kid in Everyone by Emeril Lagasse: World-famous chef Emeril Lagasse shares some of his favorite recipes that children can make, as well as tips for the whole family on how to have fun and be safe in the kitchen.

Gifts to Make and Eat by Elizabeth MacLeod: Presents recipes for children to make as gifts and inventive gift wrap ideas.

Grow Your Own Pizza! Gardening Plans and Recipes for Kids by Constance Hardesty: Provides plans and instructions for growing 26 different gardens, with recipes for using what is grown. Gardens and recipes are divided by difficulty level, from easy to advanced.

Honest Pretzels and 64 Other Amazing Recipes for Cooks Ages 8 & Up by Mollie Katzen: Provides step-by-step instructions for a variety of recipes, arranged in such categories as "Breakfast Specials," "Soups, Sandwiches & Salads for Lunch or Supper" and "Desserts and a Few Baked Things."

Kids' First Cookbook: Delicious-Nutritious Treats to Make Yourself! by the American Cancer Society: A collection of easy-to-make recipes for breakfast foods, snacks, main dishes, drinks and desserts.

Raggedy Ann's Tea Party Book by Elizabeth Silbaugh: Raggedy Ann shows the reader how to have a tea party--from sending out invitations and preparing refreshments to planning games and setting the table.

The Secret Garden Cookbook: Recipes Inspired by Frances Hodgson Burnett's Secret Garden by Amy Cotler: A compilation of recipes for foods served in England during the Victorian Era and inspired by characters and events in The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett.

Vegetarian Cooking Around the World: Revised and Expanded to Include New Low-Fat Recipes compiled by Alison Behnke: Includes recipes for meatless soups, salads, main dishes and side dishes, expanded material on healthy and low-fat cooking and vegetarian nutrition, and an expanded cultural section on holidays and festivals.

The Young Chef's Chinese Cookbook: This and the other titles listed in our catalog under Quick and Easy Cookery—Juvenile Literature offer quick and easy recipes in some popular cuisines.

Videos

Sesame Street: Elmo's Magic Cookbook (Videocassette): Join Elmo and his Sesame Street pals on their most magical adventure ever! The action begins when they encounter the wish-granting Genie of the Magic Cookbook, who takes them on a guided tour of an enchanted kitchen!

Kitchen Fun for Kids (Ages 7-12, Videocassette): A live-audience kids' show featuring food facts, safety tips for the kitchen, and recipes for delicious, low-fat food that kids will love to make and eat.

CD-ROM

My Disney Kitchen: Play in a World All Your Own! (Grades PreK-2nd): This is your Disney kitchen--your very own place to explore, experiment, create and play! Whip up culinary delights using all the wacky appliances and gadgets. Joining you in the fun are your neighbors, Mickey and Minnie Mouse! They love to stop by and taste the treats you create.

Websites

KidsHealth Recipes: Grab your apron, because this site's got great recipes that you'll love to make and eat! From strawberry smoothies to perfect pizzas, these kid-friendly recipes will make your taste buds tingle. There are categories of recipes for kids with special dietary needs (diabetes, lactose intolerance, etc.).

Mountain Breeze: Kids Can Cook Too: Fun recipes for kids from Raggedy Ann Salad to Rainbow Dessert. Includes recipes for specific holidays round the year.

M&M Recipes & Ideas: Dessert recipes that kids will love to help their parents make and eat!