We all know the feeling of opening the fridge and seeing nothing we really want to eat. But as parents you may just get that every afternoon around snack time when the kids go through the house trying to satisfy their hunger. Well next time they complain, throw any one of these books their way and give them something to do for a little while as well as get their stomachs full.
There are so many tasty recipes that are not only healthy but meant for kids to make and eat. Cooking not only results in food but it helps with the math skills a great deal. The recipe may serve six but you may tell them to only have it serve three. Watch them have to convert the fractions and figure out half of everything.
It will also help to encourage their creativity. As they get more familiar with the cooking process they’ll begin to develop their own tastes and start to make their own recipes. With enough practice they may even be able to cook you dinner one night. The time and energy they put into their meal will be very rewarding when you sit down to something they cooked.
So here are a couple recommendations to get your little chef on the right track. If you have any recipes you’d like to share please post them in our comments section and we can all try it!
The Everything Kids’ Cookbook – From mac ‘n cheese to double chocolate chip cookies – 90 recipes to have some finger-lickin’ fun.
“Instill in a child a love of cooking and you provide them with the skills and attitudes that will serve them well throughout their lives. Now in and updated and expanded second edition, “The Everything Kids’ Cookbook” by Sandra K. Nissenberg (a registered dietitian and specialist in child nutrition) provides a compendium of ninety thoroughly ‘kitchen cook friendly’ recipes specially designed for boys and girls. With step-by-step illustrated instructions the recipes range from Breakfast Crepes; Tasty Tuna Melt; Oven-Fried Fish; and Tuna Noodle Casserole; to Chicken Quesadilla with Salsa; Ultimate Peanut Butter-Chocolate Squares; and Creamy Dreamy Root Beer Float. There are even do-it-yourself recipes for Handmade Play Dough; Cereal Necklaces; and Edible Finger Paints! “The Everything Kids’ Cookbook” is enthusiastically recommended for family and community library children’s cookbook collections.” – Customer review via Amazon.com
Cooking Rocks! Rachael Ray 30-Minute Meals for Kids - ”Kids rock!” says Rachael, and it seems the feeling is mutual. Young people number among her biggest fans. For them she has created a fabulous collection of age-specific recipes with a high cool factor.
“I bought this for my Granddaughter’s 5th birthday. I just had to look through it before I gave it to her and I loved it. She called me so excited when she received it and told me all the things she was planning to cook with her Mom. She has since called me back to tell me how everything turned out…what a hit with us all! Her mother is thrilled since she is taking an interest in helping with dinner..even the clean up! So far they have loved everything they tried and they have made a list of things they want to try. My nephew has requested a copy of his own for his birthday and I think I’ll have to order a copy for myself. What a great cookbook for kids and their families! Spend some time together and learn some new skills..even practice some reading and math..but don’t tell them about that part!” – Customer review via Amazon.com
New Junior Cookbook (Better Homes & Gardens Cooking) – More than 65 all-new recipes are age-appropriate, kid-tested and kid-tasted. Every recipe has a full-color fun illustration and recipe photo to make sure they know what they’re doing.
“We stumbled upon this book in the library and didn’t want to bring it back. My 9 year old daughter has made several of the recipes completely on her own. The delicious results have been enjoyed by the entire family. Most recipes are quite nutritious with nutrition facts per serving accompanying each recipe. The “Groovie Smoothies” were truly groovy. With the variety of recipes contained in this book, there is something for everyone here. Great layout too.” – Customer review via Amazon.com
Pillsbury Kids Cookbook: Food Fun for Boys and Girls - Bunny Rabbit Pancakes? Hot Diggity Dog Pizza Boats? Jiggly Fruit Salad? This fun and friendly cookbook is bursting with great eats everybody will love, plus all the basic how-to’s and tips every young cook needs.
“I love this book! I bought it for my 3 kids, ages 3-7. My daughter immediately picked out recipes to make for the weekend. The book itself is a spiral book, so it lies on the counter nicely to read from while cooking. Every single recipe has a photo, which is great!! We have such a blast making recipes together. Besides kids learning to cook and use utensils, it is a perfect way to bond with your children. I highly recommend this book!” – Customer review via Amazon.com
