COOKING WITH KIDS: A DELIGHT OR FRIGHT?

COOKING WITH KIDS: A DELIGHT OR FRIGHT?
Fun, Easy, Approachable Recipes to Help Teach Kids How to Cook

By Guest Author: Bobbie Kitto
Edited and published by Linda Kissam

One of the words that keeps coming up when the cookbook Cooking with Kids by Brianne Grajkowski  is mentioned, is APPROACHABLE… and it fits.

When I first began to read this book I found myself wanting to read it cover to cover right then.  The book is bright and colorful and stuffed with such good ideas on simple preparations of foods. This is important because with this book, readers can pass on some basic skills to their children like how to cook for themselves and be safe and comfortable while in the kitchen.

COOKING WITH KIDS is formatted with an Introduction that is well worth reading first.  In that chapter the author helps set the stage for teaching kids to cook with safety and fun.  This chapter also explains the recipe ratings as to the difficulty of the dish and if the recipe uses heat (stove or oven) or requires skills for chopping, cutting, or slicing.  A good heads up when you are just starting to cook with children and looking for a meal that is at your child’s skill level.

The first chapter is All the Fun Drinks.  A good way to introduce new sous chefs to the use of knives and the stove. Here you will find such drinks as Strawberry Lemonade (pg.11 and Pomegranate Fizz (pg. 27).  There also recipes for smoothies and ice cream floats.

BREAKFAST IS READY is the chapter where little ones will learn how to bake their first bread, Banana Bread (pg. 29).  In this chapter kids are shown how to make pancakes, waffles, French toast, and even how to set up a Scrambled Egg Bar. Going to McDonalds for a breakfast sandwich will be a thing of the past when the kiddies learn how to make their own Sausage & Egg English Muffin. With fourteen recipes in this chapter you are sure to find several new family favorites.

Lunchtime is the Best Time chapter has 16 recipes which give readers plenty of choices to experience something other than a sandwich. Check out Jicama Mango Salad (pg. 85) which is demonstrated by the author in this video 

Snacks & Sides for the Win chapter has 23 recipes for you and yours to choose “What’s for a snack” while watching your favorite movie together. Can’t think of what to put with that tried and true family favorite? Check out Grilled Veggie Skewers or Bruschetta (pg 104), as demonstrated by the author in the above linked presentation.

Twenty-four kid tested recipes are in Kids’ Fav Main Dishes portion of the book.  Don’t think it is all Sloppy Joes and Mac and Cheese style food. There are dishes for all tastes in this section. Who knew tasteful food could be this simple?

Last, but not least dessert can be found in the Sweets & Treats section. Everything from Candy Cane Danish (pg. 180) to Tiramisu (203) can be found in this part of the book.

 

Brianne Grajkowski

 

Brianne Grajkowski is a published author in Red Tricycle. She has  a lifestyle blog and online media agency.

I really enjoyed this book. I was so excited about it that when my husband asked me what I was reading I went on for 20 minutes about all the great things I found in this book.  I would give this book to everyone one with young kids. This book rates a 5 out of 5.

I think you’ll enjoy the two recipes below. They are simple, but full of flavor.

Recipe Photos & Recipes:

 Jicama Mango Salad
Serves 4 / 15 Minutes
INGREDIENTS
2 Mangos
1 Small Jicama
1 Bunch of Mint
1 Lime

INSTRUCTIONS:  Cut mango into thin slices.  Cut off skin of jicama and cut into thin slices Chop mint. Place mango and jicama slices onto a plate. Squeeze a lime onto the fruit Sprinkle with mint.  SLICE THIN! Cut the fruit into long thin slices for optimal taste!

Brushetta
Serves 6 / 15 Minutes

INGREDIENTS
1 Baguette, sliced 1 inch thick
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil for bread, 2 Tablespoons for tomatoes
1 Cup Of Cherry Tomatoes
1 Tablespoon of Garlic
2 Tablespoons of Chopped Basil
1/2 Teaspoon of Salt

INSTRUCTIONS:
Toast baguette slices with a drizzle of olive oil in toaster oven for 5 minutes. Dice cherry tomatoes into 1/4 inch pieces.  Sauté tomatoes in olive oil and garlic for 3 minutes in a medium skillet on medium heat. Remove from heat. Add salt and basil and stir.  Spoon onto each slice of baguette then serve.  SPOON! Use a large spoon to scoop up the tomatoes and pour onto each slice of baguette.
# # #

Cooking with Kids: Fun, Easy, Approachable Recipes to Help Teach Kids How to Cook
Paperback – Oct. 11 2022 : $21.98
by Brianne Grajkowski  (Author)

# # # 

Bobbie Kitto

Note: Roberta (Bobbie) Kitto is a freelance writer based out of Laughlin, NV. Her interests include travel, culinary pursuits and gardening. No fee was paid for this article, but she did receive a copy of the book to review. Her opinions are her own.

To make the best of each recipe, use quality ingredients! Bobbie  highly recommends products from Melissa’s Produce, available at many markets.

 

 

Find this content useful? Share it with your friends!